Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has appointed Ronoh Kibet Charles as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Peter Waweru Njenga, who is due to retire.
In a statement, the company announced that Kibet would assume the substantive position on February 1, 2027, following a competitive recruitment process.
The appointment gives the power producer time to prepare for a leadership transition as it continues to pursue its business growth and renewable energy development plans.
“He will assume substantive office on 1 February 2027, succeeding Eng. Peter Waweru Njenga upon his retirement,” KenGen stated.
Kibet currently serves as KenGen’s General Manager for Commercial Services, a role that places him in charge of several business functions, including energy markets, investments, new business and partnerships.
He also oversees marketing, corporate communication and sustainability, giving him experience in both the technical and commercial sides of the electricity generation business.
According to the company, his appointment follows more than 17 years of professional experience in geothermal development, project delivery, commercial strategy and business growth.
“Kibet brings over 17 years of professional experience spanning geothermal development, project delivery, commercial strategy and business growth,” the company stated.
His experience includes supporting renewable energy development, expanding KenGen’s international consultancy services and advancing the Olkaria Green Energy Park.
The new CEO will take over as KenGen continues to develop its geothermal operations and explore opportunities beyond electricity generation, including consultancy services in international markets.
Kibet holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunication and Information Engineering and a Master of Science in Project Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
He is also a certified Project Management Professional and SAP Project System Consultant.
His executive training includes an Organisational Leadership programme at Harvard Business School, as well as executive education at IESE Business School in Spain, the University of Cape Town and Strathmore Business School.
Kibet is affiliated with the Engineers Board of Kenya, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya and the Geothermal Association of Kenya. He is also a recipient of the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW).
The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) was founded on February 1, 1954, originally as the Kenya Power Company (KPC). In its early history, it was managed under a contract by the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). In January 1997, the management officially separated, and in January 1998, it rebranded to KenGen
- Eddy Njoroge (2003 – June 2013): Appointed in March 2003, he spearheaded the transformation of KenGen from a strict state parastatal into a publicly traded corporate entity listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in 2006.
- Simon Ngure (July 2013 – January 2014): Served in an acting capacity following Eddy Njoroge's retirement while the board conducted a recruitment search.
- Eng. Albert Mugo (January 2014 – August 2017): Oversaw massive infrastructure developments, significantly driving the capacity expansion of renewable and geothermal energy, including the Olkaria projects.
- Rebecca Miano (August 2017 – October 2022): Appointed as the first female Managing Director and CEO in KenGen's history. She led the firm for five years before exiting to join Kenya's Cabinet as a Cabinet Secretary.
- Abraham Serem (October 2022 – August 2023): Stepped in as the acting Managing Director and CEO following Rebecca Miano's appointment to government office.
- Eng. Peter Waweru Njenga (August 2023 – Present): Brought over 31 years of energy sector experience from KPLC to guide KenGen's current 10-year strategy to scale up installed electricity production capacity.
- Eng. Ronoh Kibet Charles (Incoming - Effective February 1, 2027): Confirmed by the board as the Managing Director and CEO-designate to succeed Peter Njenga following an orderly transition and handover period.
