NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has appointed Eng. Charles Ronoh Kibet as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer designate, setting up a leadership transition at the state-controlled power producer.
Kibet will take up the substantive position on February 1, 2027, succeeding Eng. Peter Waweru Njenga, who is due to retire.
The appointment follows what KenGen described as a “rigorous and competitive recruitment process.”
The company’s board said the period before Kibet assumes office would allow for a handover and continuity in the implementation of KenGen’s strategic plans.
“The transition period will facilitate an orderly handover and continuity in the delivery of KenGen’s strategic priorities,” the board said in its announcement.
Kibet currently serves as KenGen’s General Manager for Commercial Services.
His responsibilities include energy markets, investments, new business and partnerships, marketing, corporate communication and sustainability.
Experience in energy and commercial strategy
KenGen said Kibet has more than 17 years of experience in geothermal development, project delivery, commercial strategy and business growth.
His work has included renewable energy development, international consultancy services and the Olkaria Green Energy Park.
The company said his experience combines engineering and commercial leadership, as KenGen seeks to expand its generation capacity and develop business opportunities in Kenya and other markets.
Kibet holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunication and Information Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Project Management, both from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He is also a certified Project Management Professional and SAP Project System Consultant.
His executive education includes the Organisational Leadership programme at Harvard Business School and programmes at IESE Business School in Spain, the University of Cape Town and Strathmore Business School.
He 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.
KenGen faces rising power demand
Kibet’s appointment comes as KenGen pursues growth in renewable generation and commercial activities.
The company reported revenue of Sh59.7 billion for the financial year ended June 30, 2026, up 6.4 per cent from the previous year.
Its profit after tax was Sh10.35 billion, compared with Sh10.48 billion in 2025.
KenGen attributed the lower profit largely to reduced finance income after deploying cash into capital investments.
The company has said Kenya’s record electricity demand is increasing the need for investment in generation infrastructure.
KenGen’s September results announcement said peak demand reached 2,549 megawatts in July 2026, as the company continued to invest in renewable power projects.
In its announcement, the board said it was confident Kibet could build on the company’s recent performance and guide its next phase of growth.
“We affirm our confidence in his ability to build on these achievements, develop our people, strengthen performance and lead KenGen’s next chapter of growth, innovation and sustainable value creation,” the board said.
KenGen also thanked Njenga for his leadership, noting that the company recorded a Sh10.48 billion profit after tax in the 2025 financial year and expanded its geothermal consultancy work, including assignments in Eswatini.
The appointment announcement was issued by Company Secretary FCS Austin Ouko on behalf of the board.
