The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has appointed Joseph Oketch as Acting Director-General following the resignation of Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.
In a press briefing, EPRA said Oketch currently heads the Electricity and Renewable Energy Directorate, where he is responsible for overseeing the formulation, review, and enforcement of regulations, standards, and codes governing the electrical and renewable energy sub-sectors.
EPRA Board Chairman Aden Sheikh, confirmed that the board formally received Kiptoo’s resignation notice on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in the afternoon.
The board stated that Okech has over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, and it was confident he would effectively steer the Authority in the acting capacity.
“EPRA board has appointed Joseph Oketch as the acting director general of EPRA. We want to assure the country and our partners of the authority’s stability and its ability to remain efficient and sustainable in managing the energy sector,” Sheikh stated.
Oketch’s appointment comes at a crucial moment for the energy sector, following the ongoing fuel scandal, with EPRA playing a central role in regulating petroleum pricing, electricity tariffs, and the broader transition to renewable energy.
What to know about Oketch
Oketch currently heads EPRA’s Electricity and Renewable Energy Directorate, where he oversees the formulation, review, and monitoring of regulations, standards, and codes within the sub-sector.
With over 25 years of experience in the energy industry, he is regarded as a seasoned professional with deep institutional knowledge.
Before joining EPRA, Oketch held senior roles at Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), now known as the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).
“Dr Engineer Joseph Oketch currently heads the electricity and renewable energy directorate and is responsible for overseeing the formulation, review, and monitoring of regulations, standards and codes for the electrical and renewable energy subsector in Kenya. He has over 25 years of experience in the energy sector. Prior to joining EPRA 10 years ago, he had served in senior positions in Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA),” Sheikh said.
Academic progress
Joseph Oketch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from Kenyatta University.
He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Strategic Management from Kenyatta University.
Additionally, Oketch is a Member of the Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), and a Registered Professional Engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
