Oketch steps in as acting Epra boss after Kiptoo exit

EPRA Chairman Hon Adan Haji Ali during a press briefing where the board appointed Eng Joseph Oketch as acting Director General. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The board of directors of the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) yesterday announced the appointment of Joseph Oketch as the acting Director General, replacing General Daniel Kiptoo.

Oketch assumes the role on an interim basis following Kiptoo’s resignation, which comes amid links to the fuel importation scandal that also led to the dismissal of Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang.

Epra board chairman Adan Haji Ali said the board received Kiptoo’s resignation on Saturday afternoon.

“Being cognisant of, and in appreciation of, the crucial strategic mandate and functions of the Authority, we have appointed Dr Eng Joseph Oketch as Acting Director General,” said Ali during a press conference. 

Dr Oketch currently heads the Electricity and Renewable Energy Directorate at EPRA and has been with the agency for 10 years.

In this role, he oversees the formulation, review, and monitoring of regulations, standards, and codes for the electrical and renewable energy subsectors in the country.

(L–R) Jennipher Nawoi, EPRA board member; EPRA Chairman Hon Adan Haji Ali; and Diba Daudi Huka, EPRA board member, during a press briefing. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

He holds a PhD in Strategic Management from Kenyatta University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Kenyatta University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nairobi.

He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi.

Ali said that while board decisions require a majority, the directors were unanimous in appointing Oketch.

“We had 100 per cent concurrence that Dr Joseph Oketch is the right person to fill this position on an interim basis,” he said.

He added that the board will monitor the progress of the ongoing case involving Kiptoo, noting that it is expected to take the statutory period to conclude.

“In the likely event that there is no wrongdoing, I see no reason not to allow him back,” Ali said.

“As of now, these are allegations, and we hope the matter will be concluded within statutory timelines, after which we can make progress in appointing a substantive Director General,” he added.

Ali was joined by other board members, including Jeremiah Obingo, Jennipher Nawoi, Diba Daudi Huka, and Ibrahim Kitoo.

Kitoo emphasised that the appointment of the Director General at EPRA is governed by the Energy Act, which outlines the statutory process.

“It requires consultation with the Cabinet Secretary. What we can confirm is that the board has appointed an Acting Director General to ensure business continuity and stability in the sector,” he said.

“Any appointment for the substantive position will follow the due legal process with the necessary consultations with relevant authorities,” he added.