The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has appointed Engineer Joseph Oketch as acting director general following the resignation of Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.

The announcement was made by EPRA Board Chairman Aden Sheikh, who confirmed that the board formally received Kiptoo’s resignation notice on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in the afternoon.

“The board yesterday afternoon received the resignation of the director general, Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria. The board thanks the former Director General for the dedicated service he has rendered to the authority and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” Sheikh said in his address to the media on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The leadership change 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.

Sheikh noted that the board moved swiftly to ensure continuity, citing the strategic importance of the authority’s mandate.

“Being cognisant of the crucial and strategic role and functions of the authority, the board has appointed Dr. Engineer Joseph Oketch as the Acting Director General,” he said.

Who is Joseph 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 a decade ago, 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.

Joseph Oketch’s academic and professional credentials

Dr Oketch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and a Master’s degree, as well as a postgraduate diploma in project planning and management from the University of Nairobi. He also earned a PhD in strategic management from Kenyatta University.

He is a registered professional engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya and a member of both the Institution of Engineers of Kenya and the Kenya Institute of Management.

“Dr Engineer Joseph Oketch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the University of Nairobi, a master’s degree and a postgraduate diploma in project planning and management from the University of Nairobi, and a PhD from Kenyatta University in strategic management,” the EPRA board confirmed.

Oketch now steps into the role at a time when the energy sector is under intense public scrutiny, particularly over the current fuel scandal, fuel pricing, regulatory oversight, and ongoing reforms.

His immediate task will be to maintain stability at EPRA while steering policy implementation and ensuring public confidence in the regulator remains intact.