EPRA Appoints Dr. Joseph Oketch as Acting Director General After Daniel Kiptoo’s Exit

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has moved swiftly to name Dr. Joseph Oketch as its acting director general, following the resignation of Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria from the powerful energy sector post. EPRA’s board announced the change on Sunday, April 5, revealing that Bargoria formally stepped down on Saturday afternoon. While the board stopped short of giving detailed reasons for his departure, it publicly thanked him for his “dedicated service” and extended best wishes for his future.

In a statement that struck a tone of reassurance, board chairperson Adan Haji Ali insisted that the transition would not disrupt the regulator’s work. “We, importantly, assure the country and the stakeholders of the stability of the Authority,” Ali said, adding that EPRA remains steady in its mission to effectively and sustainably regulate Kenya’s energy sector. That mission includes everything from setting electricity and petroleum tariffs to licensing industry players, enforcing safety standards, and protecting consumer rights.

So who is Dr. Oketch? According to EPRA, he is no stranger to the energy world. With over 25 years of experience, he currently heads the Electricity and Renewable Energy Directorate, where he is responsible for shaping regulations, standards, and technical codes for both electrical and renewable energy sub-sectors. Before joining EPRA about a decade ago, Oketch held senior roles at Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). His academic credentials include a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nairobi, an MBA in Strategic Management from Kenyatta University, a postgraduate diploma in Project Planning and Management, and a PhD in Strategic Management—also from Kenyatta University.

The board expressed full confidence that Oketch can effectively steer the authority in an acting capacity. It also took care to note that he is a registered professional engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and a member of both the Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM). For an energy sector that has seen its fair share of policy shifts and public scrutiny, EPRA’s message was clear: the ship remains steady, and the new acting chief has the technical and strategic weight to keep it that way.