Kenya's Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has announced the appointment of new leaders for three key energy institutions, with the changes taking effect immediately. Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi approved the appointments on September 30, 2026, under the authority granted by relevant laws. The new appointees are expected to drive the government's priorities in the energy sector.
The appointments include CPA Tom Odhiambo Imbo as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), Stephen Kipsang Busieney as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Geothermal Development Company Limited (GDC), and Eng. Edward Mwirigi Kinyua as Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
According to the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the appointments followed rigorous recruitment processes conducted by each institution's board of directors. The processes were carried out in accordance with applicable laws and established human resource guidelines. The ministry expressed confidence in the new leaders' ability to advance the government's priorities in the sector.
Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi congratulated the new appointees and expressed confidence in their leadership. He looks forward to their role in supporting the President's ambitious plans for the Energy and Petroleum Sector. The appointments come at a time when the government aims to expand Kenya's energy capacity, including scaling up renewable energy production and improving transmission infrastructure.
The new leaders will head institutions critical to Kenya's energy sector. KETRACO is responsible for developing and operating the country's high-voltage electricity transmission infrastructure, while GDC spearheads geothermal resource exploration and development. EPRA regulates the energy and petroleum industries in Kenya.
Eng. Edward Mwirigi Kinyua, the new EPRA boss, has over 14 years of experience in Kenya's energy sector. He previously served as EPRA's petroleum and gas director, overseeing fuel supply security, imports, safety compliance, and upstream petroleum development. He holds a Master of Science in Energy Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical and Production Engineering from Moi University.
As EPRA director general, Kinyua will oversee regulation of the electricity and petroleum sectors as Kenya addresses energy affordability, rising demand, renewable expansion, and plans to commercialize crude oil resources. The government has signaled broad ambitions for expanding Kenya's energy capacity, and the new leaders are expected to play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
Key points
- The appointments of new leaders for KETRACO, GDC, and EPRA are effective immediately.
- Eng. Edward Mwirigi Kinyua has over 14 years of experience in Kenya's energy sector.
- The new leaders will drive the government's priorities in the energy sector, including expanding renewable energy production and improving transmission infrastructure.
