Kenya has strengthened its position in regional energy integration following the election of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) director general, Mr Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, as chairperson of the Independent Regulatory Board (IRB) of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) for a two-year term. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the region, as East Africa
n countries prepare for the operational launch of the EAPP electricity market in early 2026. This launch is set to unlock efficient cross-border power trading, lower energy costs, and improve grid stability across member states.
As Chairperson, Mr. Kiptoo will lead the IRB in its role as the market regulatory authority for the EAPP. Kiptoo’s mandate includes ensuring adherence to established market rules and codes of conduct, safeguarding fairness and transparency in cross-border electricity trade, guiding the IRB in monitoring compliance with technical, economic, and legal regulatory frameworks and strengthening collaboration among member states to foster regional energy security and investment confidence.
“Eastern Africa is on the verge of realising a fully integrated electricity market that delivers reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to our people. This is a model that energy stakeholders in Africa have had in mind for the continent because such regional integrations allow countries to sell electricity to one another at competitive prices,” said Mr Kiptoo.
“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 added.
The election presents new opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building as Kenya continues to make significant strides in developing its electricity sector, with a strong focus on renewable energy, investment facilitation, and regulatory reforms.
By leading the IRB, Kenya will gain enhanced opportunities to export clean energy to neighbouring countries, optimise domestic energy supply, attract regional investment, and strengthen energy security.
The Director General is also currently the Chairman of the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA), and the Regulatory Energy Transition Accelerator (RETA). He is also Vice Chair of the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER).
The Chairperson’s leadership is expected to be pivotal in, among others, operationalising the EAPP market by early 2026, promoting non-discriminatory access to regional transmission networks and supporting regional infrastructure investments, including standardised Power Purchase Agreements and transmission investment frameworks.
