Top Energy Firms Launch CEO Recruitment Amid Major Power Projects

Several leading energy sector parastatals in Kenya have opened recruitment for chief executive positions as the industry embarks on expansive projects worth billions of shillings to enhance electricity production and distribution.

The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) recently called for applications to fill its CEO role, following the retirement of Peter Njenga, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 60. Similarly, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) and the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (Nock) have advertised vacancies for their Director-General and CEO positions, respectively.

Other firms with ongoing CEO recruitment include the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), with the vacancies arising from contract expirations, resignations, and dismissals.

Leadership Changes Across Key Energy Firms

• KenGen seeks a Managing Director & CEO to oversee projects targeting 1,500MW of new renewable energy and 500MWh of battery storage by 2034.
• Epra and Nock are filling leadership positions after recent departures linked to contract completions and resignations.
• GDC and Ketraco currently have acting CEOs following non-renewal of contracts and sackings in the past year.

Strategic Projects Driving Recruitment

The incoming executives will be responsible for spearheading critical energy initiatives, including:

• KenGen’s $4.3 billion plan to expand geothermal power capacity and upgrade existing plants, aiming for a 5,500MW renewable energy pipeline by 2034.
• Ketraco’s implementation of Kenya’s inaugural PPP-funded transmission lines worth $311 million in partnership with Africa50 and India’s Power Grid Corporation.
• GDC’s efforts to attract independent power producers to develop 300MW geothermal plants in Paka, Silali, and Suswa by 2032, contributing to the goal of doubling geothermal capacity to 1,824MW by 2030.

These leadership appointments come at a pivotal time as Kenya accelerates its transition to a 100 percent clean energy national grid.