Kenya has strengthened its role in advancing regional energy integration following the election of Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General, Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, as Chairperson of the Independent Regulatory Board of the Eastern Africa Power Pool. He will serve a two-year term.
The appointment comes at a critical stage for the region as member states prepare for the operational launch of the Eastern Africa Power Pool electricity market in early 2026. The market is expected to support efficient cross-border power trading, reduce overall energy costs, and enhance grid stability across Eastern Africa.
As Chairperson, Kiptoo will oversee the regulatory functions guiding the regional power market. His priorities will include enforcing market rules to ensure fairness and transparency, monitoring compliance with technical and economic regulations, and strengthening cooperation among member states to improve energy security and boost investor confidence.
Speaking after his election during the board’s 10th meeting in Arusha, Tanzania, Kiptoo highlighted the transformative potential of the integrated power market.
“Eastern Africa is on the verge of realising a fully integrated electricity market that delivers reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to our people. 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,” he said.
Kenya’s leadership at the regional level is expected to reinforce its growing influence in the energy sector. The country has expanded renewable generation and implemented key regulatory reforms to increase investment and support affordable supply.
With Kiptoo at the helm, Kenya stands to benefit from increased energy exports, improved utilisation of clean power resources, and stronger investor interest in infrastructure projects such as transmission interconnections.
Kiptoo also serves in several additional international leadership roles including Chair of the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa, and Vice Chair of the International Confederation of Energy Regulators.
His election is anticipated to accelerate the operationalisation of the regional market by 2026, support non-discriminatory access to transmission networks, and advance standardised frameworks for power trade and cross-border infrastructure development.
