Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has appointed Engineer Edward Mwirigi Kinyua as the new Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, EPRA, placing an experienced petroleum-sector professional at the helm of Kenya’s key energy regulator.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, alongside new leadership changes at other major energy institutions. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum said the appointments followed rigorous recruitment processes undertaken by the respective boards in accordance with applicable laws and human resource guidelines. The appointments take effect immediately.

Kinyua takes over the leadership of EPRA at a significant time for Kenya’s energy and petroleum sector, with the country dealing with issues surrounding fuel supply, energy security, petroleum regulation, electricity costs and the development of new energy infrastructure.

Kinyua Brings Extensive Energy Sector Experience

The new EPRA Director General is not new to the authority.

Before his appointment, Engineer Edward Mwirigi Kinyua served as EPRA’s Director of Petroleum and Gas, a position in which he was responsible for the development and implementation of strategies relating to the regulation of Kenya’s petroleum subsector.

According to EPRA, Kinyua has more than 14 years of experience in the petroleum sector and has worked in different organisations, including Total Kenya Limited. He holds a Master of Science degree in Energy Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical and Production Engineering from Moi University.

He is also a registered professional engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya and a corporate member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya.

His previous responsibilities at EPRA gave him direct experience in petroleum regulation, making his appointment significant as he moves from heading one of the authority’s key departments to leading the entire institution.

EPRA's Role in Kenya's Energy Sector

EPRA is responsible for regulating major areas of Kenya’s energy industry.

The authority was established under the Energy Act, 2019, as the successor to the former Energy Regulatory Commission. Its mandate covers economic and technical regulation of electricity, renewable energy, petroleum and coal.

In the petroleum sector, EPRA regulates activities including the importation, refining, exportation, transportation, storage and sale of petroleum and petroleum products. It also regulates and monitors upstream petroleum operations and relevant petroleum agreements.

The authority is also responsible for setting, reviewing and approving electricity and petroleum tariffs, protecting consumer and investor interests, maintaining energy and petroleum data and working with other agencies on environmental, health, safety and quality standards.

This broad mandate means the Director General occupies a critical position in Kenya’s energy sector.

Leadership Transition at EPRA

Kinyua's appointment comes after a period of leadership transition at EPRA.

The authority had been operating under an acting Director General following the departure of former Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria. Engineer Joseph Oketch was appointed acting Director General in April 2026.

EPRA subsequently opened applications for a substantive Director General in August, seeking a qualified and experienced Kenyan to provide strategic leadership at the regulator. The recruitment process attracted candidates for one of the most influential positions in Kenya’s energy sector.

The appointment of Kinyua now brings that recruitment process to a conclusion.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the selection was conducted through a competitive process in line with the law and relevant human resource guidelines.

Energy Sector at a Critical Point

Kinyua assumes office at a time when Kenya is pursuing major changes and investments across the energy sector.

The government has been seeking to expand electricity generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure, improve energy security and develop petroleum resources.

Kenya has also continued to position renewable energy as an important part of its electricity-generation mix, while petroleum remains critical to transportation, manufacturing, agriculture and other sectors of the economy.

EPRA therefore has to balance the interests of consumers, investors, energy companies and the government while ensuring that the sector operates within established laws and regulations.

The authority's decisions can have a direct impact on households and businesses, particularly through electricity tariffs and petroleum prices.

Fuel Prices and Consumer Interests

One of the most visible responsibilities of EPRA is its role in regulating petroleum prices.

The authority periodically announces maximum retail petroleum prices in accordance with the Petroleum Act. These announcements are closely followed by motorists, transport operators, businesses and households across the country.

EPRA's current price reviews cover products such as petrol, diesel and kerosene and take into account factors prescribed under the applicable regulatory framework.

As Director General, Kinyua will therefore be expected to provide leadership on the regulatory processes surrounding petroleum pricing while ensuring that the authority continues to protect consumers and maintain a predictable environment for investors.

Petroleum Regulation and Energy Security

Another major responsibility facing the new Director General will be strengthening Kenya's petroleum security.

The country relies significantly on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demand, making the smooth functioning of the supply chain particularly important.

EPRA's mandate covers petroleum importation, refining, transportation, storage and sale. The authority also works with other government agencies and industry players to support the security and reliability of energy supplies.

Kinyua's previous experience in the petroleum and gas directorate could therefore prove relevant as he takes on the wider leadership responsibilities of the regulator.

Growing Interest in Kenya's Petroleum Industry

The appointment also comes at a time when Kenya's petroleum industry is attracting attention because of new investments and developments.

The proposed Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu is one of the major projects currently drawing attention to Kenya's petroleum sector.

The proposed refinery is expected to increase petroleum-processing capacity and could have implications for the regional petroleum market if implemented as planned.

EPRA will have an important regulatory role in ensuring that petroleum-sector developments comply with Kenya's laws, regulations and technical standards.

At the same time, the authority will have to continue overseeing existing petroleum businesses and infrastructure across the country.

Other Energy Appointments

Kinyua was appointed alongside new chief executives for two other major energy institutions.

CPA Tom Odhiambo Imbo was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited, KETRACO.

Stephen Kipsang Busieney was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Geothermal Development Company, GDC.

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum said the three appointments followed rigorous recruitment processes conducted by the respective boards.

The appointments effectively introduce new leadership at three institutions responsible for important parts of Kenya’s energy infrastructure and regulation.

What Lies Ahead for Kinyua

As the new Director General, Kinyua will be expected to provide strategic leadership to EPRA while implementing decisions and policies approved by the authority's board.

EPRA describes the Director General as the authority's Chief Executive and Accounting Officer. The position involves implementing board decisions, serving as the main link between the board and management and overseeing the authority's operations.

Kinyua's experience within EPRA means he enters the position with knowledge of the institution and the regulatory environment in which it operates.

His immediate task will be to provide continuity while also addressing the challenges facing the energy and petroleum sectors.

A New Chapter for EPRA

The appointment of Engineer Edward Mwirigi Kinyua marks a new chapter for EPRA following months of leadership transition.

His background in mechanical and production engineering, energy management and petroleum regulation gives him experience across several areas relevant to the authority's mandate.

However, his new responsibilities will extend beyond petroleum and gas to the broader energy sector, including electricity, renewable energy and other areas under EPRA's regulatory authority.

The coming period will therefore test his ability to coordinate the authority's different departments while maintaining effective regulation and protecting the interests of consumers, investors and other stakeholders.

For Kenya's energy sector, the appointment comes at a time of significant investment, changing energy demands and continued discussions around the cost and reliability of energy.

With the appointment taking effect immediately, Kinyua now begins his tenure as the new Director General of EPRA, leading an institution at the centre of Kenya's energy and petroleum regulatory framework.