Eng. Edward Kinyua has taken over as the Director General of Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). He has been with EPRA since 2010, rising through the ranks to become Director of Petroleum and Gas in 2019. Kinyua succeeds Dr. Eng. Joseph Oketch, who served as Acting Director General since April 2026. With his extensive experience in the energy sector, Kinyua aims to make EPRA's technical decisions more accessible to the general public.
One of Kinyua's immediate priorities is ensuring consumers understand how electricity tariffs are calculated and why prices change. He recognizes that technical language used during tariff reviews can be confusing for ordinary Kenyans. To address this, Kinyua plans to demystify the technical aspects of tariff calculations and communicate changes in a clear, simple language that people in villages and other communities can understand.
Kinyua emphasizes the importance of stakeholder feedback in shaping EPRA's decisions. He believes that by engaging with consumers, investors, and other stakeholders, the authority can make informed decisions that balance the interests of all parties. EPRA's mandate is to ensure that consumers receive fair tariffs while providing reasonable returns for investors who commit capital, expertise, and experience to the energy sector.
To achieve this balance, EPRA uses cost-of-service studies to benchmark costs and returns. This helps determine whether investments remain attractive to investors while ensuring consumers are not unfairly burdened. Kinyua is committed to protecting consumers from exploitation and promoting responsible investment in the energy sector.
Kinyua's appointment has been welcomed by the EPRA Board and staff. The Board Chairperson, Moses Wekesa Mwambu Mabonga, described Kinyua's appointment as a result of a competitive recruitment process. He urged Kinyua to build trust, strengthen teamwork, and maintain staff morale. Outgoing Acting Director General Oketch described the transition as smooth and welcomed Kinyua's appointment, having mentored him during his time at EPRA.
Kinyua's rise through the ranks of EPRA is seen as an encouragement to other employees. He thanked the Cabinet Secretary and the EPRA Board for entrusting him with the leadership of the authority. With his experience and expertise, Kinyua is well-positioned to tackle the challenges facing the energy sector and make a positive impact on the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
As Kinyua takes the helm at EPRA, his task is clear: protect consumers, support responsible investment, and make energy regulation easier for Kenyans to understand. With his commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and fair tariffs, Kinyua is poised to make a significant contribution to the energy sector in Kenya.
Key points
- New EPRA Director General Eng. Edward Kinyua aims to simplify tariff explanations for ordinary Kenyans.
- Kinyua plans to balance the interests of investors and consumers while promoting responsible investment in the energy sector.
- EPRA uses cost-of-service studies to benchmark costs and returns, ensuring fair tariffs for consumers and reasonable returns for investors.
