The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has appointed Engineer Edward Mwirigi Kinyua as its new Director General, taking over at a time when the regulator is under increased focus over the petroleum sector.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced Kinyua’s appointment on Wednesday, September 30, alongside new heads of two other State energy agencies.
Kinyua has been serving as the Director of EPRA’s Petroleum and Gas Directorate, where he has been involved in regulatory matters affecting Kenya’s oil and gas industry.
He now takes over the top position at EPRA following the resignation of former Director General Daniel Kiptoo.
Dr Eng. Joseph Oketch had been serving as the acting Director General after Kiptoo left office. Oketch previously headed EPRA’s Electricity and Renewable Energy Directorate.
In his previous role, Oketch was responsible for the formulation, review and monitoring of regulations, codes and standards governing the electricity and renewable energy sectors.
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum said the appointments were made after recruitment processes conducted by the respective boards in line with the law and applicable human resource guidelines.
The changes also saw CPA Tom Odhiambo Imbo appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), while Stephen Kipsang Busieney was named Managing Director and CEO of the Geothermal Development Company (GDC).
The three appointments took effect immediately.
“The Cabinet Secretary takes this opportunity to congratulate the appointees and looks forward to their leadership in supporting H.E. the President’s ambitious plans for the Energy and Petroleum Sector,” the ministry said in a statement.
Kinyua takes charge amid fuel scrutiny
Kinyua assumes leadership of EPRA as the petroleum industry continues to attract attention over fuel quality, imports and pricing.
His appointment comes months after Kiptoo was arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) alongside other senior energy officials in a probe into the alleged importation of substandard fuel.
Kiptoo was later released as investigations into the matter continued.
The case placed renewed attention on EPRA’s role in regulating and monitoring petroleum products entering the Kenyan market.
Kinyua’s experience in the Petroleum and Gas Directorate is expected to form part of his background as he takes over the regulator.
His appointment also comes nearly two months after President William Ruto appointed former Bumula MP Moses Wekesa Mwambu Mabonga as the new Chairperson of EPRA.
The appointment of Kinyua now completes a new leadership structure at the authority as it continues with its mandate of regulating Kenya’s energy and petroleum sectors.