Kenya’s energy sector has new leadership. Three state agencies have new bosses.
The changes were announced on Wednesday. They were approved by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
Tom Odhiambo Imbo was named KETRACO’s new managing director and chief executive. Stephen Kipsang Busieney was appointed to lead GDC.
Engineer Edward Mwirigi Kinyua was named EPRA’s new director general. The appointments took effect immediately.
Three Key Appointments
The three agencies play major roles. KETRACO manages Kenya’s high-voltage grid. It also handles regional power links.
GDC develops the country’s geothermal resources. EPRA regulates energy and petroleum activities. The changes therefore come across key parts of Kenya’s energy system.
The appointments were said to have followed board-led recruitment processes. The ministry said the procedures were conducted under the law.
The State Corporations Act was cited. So were the Companies Act and Energy Act.
New Leadership Takes Charge
Imbo now takes charge at KETRACO.
The position had previously been held by Dr John Muoki Mativo. He was appointed KETRACO’s managing director in 2023 after a competitive recruitment process.
Busieney will now head GDC. His role will include oversight of geothermal development.
Kinyua takes over at EPRA. He previously served as the authority’s director of petroleum and gas.
He was publicly active on fuel policy this year. In April, he explained EPRA’s position on the government-to-government fuel import programme.
Energy Sector Under New Eyes
The appointments come as energy costs remain a major concern. EPRA recently retained fuel prices for September and October. In Nairobi, petrol was set at KSh214.03 a litre.
Diesel was priced at KSh217.86. Kerosene was set at KSh191.38. The new leadership will also face wider infrastructure demands.
KETRACO remains central to grid expansion. GDC is expected to support geothermal growth.
EPRA, meanwhile, will continue regulating electricity and petroleum markets. Its work also includes protecting consumers and investors.
The ministry said the three appointments were made with confidence in the new leaders.
Wandayi also congratulated the appointees. Their immediate task will be to take charge of institutions at the heart of Kenya’s energy system.
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