EPRA Appoints New Director-General Following Resignation of Daniel Kiptoo

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has appointed Dr. Joseph Oketch as acting Director-General following the resignation of former DG Daniel Kiptoo, who stepped down amid a growing scandal over substandard oil.

Kiptoo’s exit comes as scrutiny intensifies over the quality of fuel in the market, raising concerns about regulatory oversight and consumer safety.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, April 5, EPRA Board Chairman Adan Ali said Oketch’s appointment was guided by the authority’s crucial and strategic role in regulating Kenya’s energy sector.

He noted that the mandate includes setting and reviewing electricity and petroleum tariffs, licensing industry players, enforcing safety and quality standards, and protecting consumer interests.

“EPRA board has appointed Joseph Oketch as the acting director general of EPRA. The board remains confident that Oketch shall effectively steer the authority in the said capacity,” Ali stated.

Continuing Leadership in Energy Regulation 

At the time of his appointment, Oketch was serving as head of the Electricity and Renewable Energy Directorate, where he oversaw the development, review and monitoring of regulations, codes and standards for the electrical and renewable energy sub-sectors-a role the board said he will continue to hold.

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Following the appointment, EPRA maintained it is committed to effectively regulate the energy sector, assuring the public of its continued efficiency and capacity to deliver on its mandate.

“We importantly assure the country and the stakeholders of the stability of the authority and that the authority remains steady in effectively and sustainably regulating the energy sector,” Ali added.

Extensive Experience and Academic Credentials 

The board said Oketch brings over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, having held senior positions at Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) before joining EPRA about a decade ago.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Master’s degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from the same institution, in addition to a PhD in Strategic Management from Kenyatta University.

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Appointment Follows Predecessor ‘s Scandal 

Oketch’s appointment comes in the wake of a scandal involving his predecessor, Daniel Kiptoo, who was arrested on Friday evening over allegations of involvement in the importation of substandard fuel valued at more than Ksh4 billion.

Kiptoo, together with former Petroleum PS Mohammed Liban and former Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, resigned on Saturday, April 4, after they were accused of manipulating data on in-country fuel stocks.

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EPRA announces Dr Joseph Oketch as the new acting Director General
PHOTO/EPRA