Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has announced the appointment of new heads for three state corporations: the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC). The appointments, which take effect immediately, were approved under the State Corporations Act, the Companies Act, and the Energy Act.
Edward Kinyua, an engineer with over 14 years of experience in the petroleum sector, has been appointed as the Director-General of EPRA. He previously served as EPRA's Director of Petroleum and Gas, where he developed and implemented strategies for regulating the country's petroleum subsector. Kinyua succeeds Joseph Oketch, who has been acting EPRA chief since April, following the resignation of Daniel Kiptoo after his arrest by Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers.
Tom Odhiambo has been appointed as the managing director and chief executive of KETRACO. Prior to his appointment, Odhiambo was KETRACO's Acting General Manager Finance, where he was in charge of the company's financial management functions. He is a finance management professional with over 19 years of experience in both private and public sectors. Odhiambo had spent 10 years at KETRACO, including stints in the Finance and Strategy departments.
Stephen Kipsang has been appointed as the managing director and chief executive of GDC. He has over 15 years of experience in Finance and Accounting and previously served as the Chief Financial Officer for CIMERWA Cement Company Limited in Rwanda. Kipsang had been holding the post of GDC boss in an acting capacity for 11 months prior to his substantive appointment.
Wandayi congratulated the appointees and expressed confidence in their leadership as the Kenya Kwanza administration pursues its plans for the energy and petroleum sectors. The appointments are a culmination of rigorous recruitment processes undertaken in accordance with the applicable laws and relevant Human Resource guidelines by the respective Boards of Directors of KETRACO, GDC, and EPRA.
The new appointments come at a time when the energy and petroleum sectors in Kenya are experiencing significant developments. The Kenya Kwanza administration has been pursuing plans to improve the country's energy infrastructure and increase access to electricity. The appointments are expected to bring new leadership and vision to the three state corporations.
The background of the appointees and the circumstances of their predecessors have been well documented. Daniel Kiptoo, the former EPRA chief, was arrested alongside other officials over allegations of approving the importation of substandard fuel. With the new appointments, the government aims to enhance regulatory oversight and efficiency in the energy and petroleum sectors.
Key points
- The appointments of new heads for EPRA, KETRACO, and GDC are aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight and efficiency in Kenya's energy and petroleum sectors.
- The appointees have significant experience in their respective fields, with Edward Kinyua having over 14 years of experience in the petroleum sector.
- The appointments are a culmination of rigorous recruitment processes undertaken in accordance with applicable laws and relevant Human Resource guidelines.
