Ken Tarus confirmed as Kenya Power chief executive

Kenya Power CEO Ken Tarus

Kenya Power has confirmed Ken Tarus as its chief executive after a seven-month stint in an acting capacity. Dr Tarus took over the reins of the electricity retailer following the retirement of Ben Chumo after he attained the retirement age of 60.

Mr Chumo served the company for one term of three years. Tarus, who had been the general manager in charge of finance prior to his elevation to the post of acting chief executive, will now be charged with changing the fortunes of the firm, which is eyeing achieving universal access to electricity by 2020.

The utility firm is also grappling with new and old challenges, including proposals of licensing other power retailers, which could spell the end to its monopoly in the segment of the energy sector as well as an aging power distribution infrastructure.

Before he joined Kenya Power, Mr Tarus had worked at the Rural Electrification Authority as the head of finance between 2012 and 2014. Previously, he was the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance, Planning and Administration at KCA University. He has also worked with Standard Chartered Bank and the KCB Group.