EPRA Appoints Joseph Oketch as Acting Director General Following Kiptoo’s Exit

By Gedion Nzyoki -

• The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has appointed Dr. Joseph Oketch as Acting Director General following the resignation of Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.
• The transition signals continuity, with Dr. Oketch bringing decades of experience and existing leadership within the Authority.
• The Board has assured stakeholders of stability as EPRA navigates a critical period in Kenya’s evolving energy sector.

NAIROBI, KENYA — April 5, 2026 — The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has appointed Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Oketch as Acting Director General following the resignation of Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.

A photo collage featuring the official appointment press statement alongside newly appointed EPRA Acting Director General Dr. Joseph Oketch. (Photo: Courtesy)

In a statement issued on Sunday, Board Chairman Adan Sheikh confirmed that the Authority had formally received and accepted Bargoria’s resignation, commending him for his leadership and dedicated service. The Board also wished him success in his future endeavors.

“The Board yesterday afternoon received the resignation of Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, MBS, OGW. The Board thanks the former Director General for his dedicated service to the Authority and wishes him well in his future endeavours. In recognition of the Authority’s crucial and strategic mandate, the Board has appointed Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Oketch as the Acting Director General,” Sheikh said.

Former EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria. (Photo: Courtesy)

Dr. Oketch assumes the role in an acting capacity while serving as head of EPRA’s Electricity and Renewable Energy Directorate. He brings over 25 years of experience in Kenya’s energy sector, having previously held senior positions at Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification Authority.

His appointment signals continuity within the Authority, given his longstanding involvement in EPRA’s leadership and regulatory framework. The Board expressed confidence in his ability to steer the organization through the transition period and ensure stability in the sector.

Dr. Oketch holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nairobi, an MBA in Strategic Management, and a PhD in Strategic Management from Kenyatta University. He also has a postgraduate diploma in Project Planning and Management.

He is a registered Professional Engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya and a member of both the Institute of Engineers of Kenya and the Kenya Institute of Management.

Established under the Energy Act 2019, EPRA is mandated to regulate Kenya’s energy sector, including setting and reviewing electricity and petroleum tariffs, licensing operators, enforcing safety and quality standards, and protecting consumer interests.

The Board, chaired by Adan Haji Ali, assured stakeholders of continued effective regulation and uninterrupted service delivery during the leadership transition.

Dr. Oketch’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Kenya accelerates its renewable energy expansion while addressing challenges related to energy access, pricing, and sustainability.