Kenya has strengthened its role in regional energy cooperation after EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo was elected Chair of the Eastern Africa Power Pool’s Independent Regulatory Board (IRB).
In his new role, Kiptoo will lead preparations for the launch of the East Africa Power Pool (EAPP) electricity market in 2026, guiding cross-border electricity trade, promoting energy security, and supporting investment while advancing Kenya’s clean energy agenda.
The regional market is expected to facilitate efficient electricity trading between member countries, lower energy costs, and enhance grid stability.
Following his election on Friday at the IRB’s 10th meeting in Arusha, Tanzania, Kiptoo will ensure the market operates according to established rules and codes of conduct, promoting transparency, fairness, and compliance with technical, economic, and legal standards.
Kiptoo will also work to strengthen cooperation among EAPP member states, fostering confidence in regional energy investments.
Speaking after his appointment, he said, “Eastern Africa is on the verge of realising a fully integrated electricity market that delivers reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to our people. This is a model that energy stakeholders in Africa have had in mind for the continent because such regional integrations allow countries to sell electricity to one another at competitive prices. It provides a solution to the cost and access challenges we have faced, and I am excited to take up leadership of our region as we look to launch this market next year.”
His new role opens opportunities for knowledge sharing and capacity building as Kenya continues to develop its electricity sector. Kiptoo will focus on renewable energy growth, facilitating investments, and implementing regulatory reforms to strengthen regional power infrastructure.
By leading the IRB, Kenya will be in a stronger position to export clean energy, optimise domestic supply, attract regional investment, and boost energy security.
Kiptoo also chairs the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) and the Regulatory Energy Transition Accelerator (RETA), and serves as Vice Chair of the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER).
Under his leadership, the IRB plans to operationalise the EAPP market by early 2026, ensuring non-discriminatory access to regional transmission networks and supporting infrastructure projects, including standardised Power Purchase Agreements and transmission frameworks.
Established in 2005 under an inter-governmental Memorandum of Understanding, the IRB is one of six organs of the EAPP. The regional electricity market includes 13 countries: Burundi, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Its mandate is to provide independent, fair, and effective regulatory services that support the growth and efficient operation of the regional electricity market.
Kiptoo’s election underscores Kenya’s commitment to regional leadership in energy, ensuring reliable power supply, equitable investment, and professional regulation. His tenure is expected to deliver a strong, integrated electricity market capable of meeting the evolving demands of cross-border energy trade.
