Kenya Power is Searching for a New CEO – Here’s How to Apply

Kenya Power on Friday, January 28 advertised the position of Managing Director, welcoming interested and qualified individuals to apply.

Engineer Rosemary Oduor has been serving as Acting Managing Director (MD) and CEO since the resignation of Bernard Ngugi in August 2021. Ngugi left the helm of the majority state-owned power distributor amid pressure from the NSE-listed firm’s shareholders, the government and power consumers over delayed implementation of a turn-around strategy at the beleaguered firm.

The advert placed by Kenya Power’s chosen recruiters Deloitte highlighted the push to eliminate operational inefficiencies at Kenya Power and to reduce prices for consumers.

It pointed to the likely appointment of a skilled business executive from the commercial world to run Kenya Power, a break-away from the firm’s previous MD appointments  most of whom were promoted from within.

“This is a time of tremendous transformation for Kenya Power and a great opportunity to boost business performance and service delivery and this role requires commercial drive, proven business acumen and hands-on experience in managing commercial companies.”

“We are looking for a leader of impeccable integrity and professional credentials with a demonstrated track record in managing complex organizations, who will work at pace, demonstrate visible and inclusive leadership, as well as collaborate across the organization  to take Kenya Power to the next level of its journey. As a member of the leadership team, you will lead and contribute  to the overall direction and strategy of the organization,” the ad read in part.

The MD will have a full in-tray with responsibilities including renegotiating flawed power purchase agreements which have been blamed for high power costs.

They will also be tasked with stemming the loss of Kenya Power’s industrial customers many of whom have in recent years initiated plans to generate their own power to reduce costs and avoid Kenya Power black-outs. They will also have to ensure Kenya Power’s 4000-km national power distribution infrastructure is kept safe.

Sabotage and vandalism have been blamed for recent widespread blackouts which saw President Uhuru Kenyatta crack the whip. Top managers involved in securing the infrastructure were arrested even as the President announced a temporary ban on scrap metal trade in Kenya.

Kenya Power is also keen on diversifying to become more than a power distributor. It aims to enter the home internet space by leveraging its infrastructure to offer lit fibre directly to consumers. At the moment, it offers dark fibre by leasing its infrastructure to Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The ad highlighted various desired qualities Kenya Power’s next MD is expected to have.

“As Kenya Power celebrates its centenary it is seeking to recruit an exceptional, visionary and results oriented leader with strong commitment to Kenya Power’s core values of customers first, team work, passion about powering the nation, integrity, striving for excellence, accountable to customers and stakeholders to fill the role of Managing Director.”

“The managing director will lead a large, complex operation overseeing the development and execution of ambitious and high impact strategic and operational plans and service delivery by ensuring efficient and seamless operations,” the ad stated.

How to Apply

To be considered, your application must be received before February 28, 2022.

Specific details on how to apply can be found on Deloitte Kenya’s Executive search Recruitment page on their Careers website.