Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has appointed Joseph Oketch as Acting Director General following the resignation of Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.
The authority said Oketch, who currently heads the Electricity and Renewable Energy Directorate, brings over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, while the board assured stakeholders of continued stability and effective regulation despite the leadership transition.
In a statement dated April 5, the board confirmed it had received Bargoria’s resignation and expressed appreciation for his service.
“The Board thanks the former Director General for the dedicated service to the Authority and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” the statement read.
Oketch, a seasoned professional in the energy sector, has been with EPRA for a decade and previously held senior roles at Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification Authority.
In his current role, he oversees the formulation, review, and monitoring of regulations, standards, and codes for the electrical and renewable energy subsectors in Kenya.
He 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, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Project Planning and Management.
He is also a member of the Institute of Engineers of Kenya and the Kenya Institute of Management, and a registered professional engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya.
The board expressed confidence in his leadership, stating it “remains confident that Dr. (Eng.) Oketch shall effectively steer the Authority in the said capacity.”
It further reassured the public, noting, “We… assure the Country and the stakeholders of the stability of the Authority,” emphasizing its commitment to “effectively and sustainably regulating the energy sector.”
Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria resigned as the Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority alongside two other senior officials from the Petroleum and Energy sector following a widening investigation into a controversial fuel importation deal that has raised concerns over quality and cost.
The exits, confirmed in a letter issued on April 4, 2026 by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on behalf of President William Ruto, also included Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban and Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang.
“The President has received the resignation of Mr Mohamed Liban as Petroleum Principal Secretary, alongside the exit of Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang and EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, following decisions by their respective boards,” the letter stated.
The departures come amid investigations into how a fuel consignment entered the Kenyan market under questionable circumstances.
Authorities have since launched internal disciplinary processes targeting additional officials, including Deputy Director Joseph Wafula and Supply and Logistics Manager Joel Mburu.
The probe intensified after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested four senior officials linked to the importation and distribution of substandard fuel.
Investigators revealed that the shipment, carried aboard the MV Paloma, was initially destined for Angola before being diverted to the Port of Mombasa and released into the local supply chain.
Preliminary findings indicate the fuel, reportedly sourced from Saudi Aramco, may have been overpriced by more than Sh4 billion and failed to meet Kenya’s quality standards, raising concerns over both consumer safety and financial losses.
