Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has appointed Engineer Ronoh Kibet Charles as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
He succeeds Peter Waweru Njenga, who is set to retire.
Kibet, who currently serves as KenGen’s General Manager for Commercial Services, will assume the substantive position on February 1, 2027, following a transition period intended to facilitate an orderly handover.
In a notice, the company’s Board of Directors said Kibet’s appointment followed a rigorous and competitive recruitment process.
"The transition period will facilitate an orderly handover and continuity in the delivery of KenGen's strategic priorities," the notice stated.
The board expressed confidence in his ability to build on the company’s achievements, strengthen performance and steer its next phase of growth and innovation.
Kibet brings more than 17 years of professional experience spanning geothermal development, project delivery, commercial strategy and business growth.
In his current role, he oversees Energy Markets, Investments, New Business and Partnerships, Marketing and Corporate Communication, and Sustainability.
His career combines engineering expertise with commercial leadership, with contributions to renewable energy development, the expansion of international consultancy services and the advancement of the Olkaria Green Energy Park.
Kibet holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunication and Information Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
He also holds a Master of Science degree in Project Management from the same institution.
In addition, he is a certified Project Management Professional and SAP Project System Consultant.
The incoming chief executive has undertaken executive training at several institutions.
"He has completed the Organisational Leadership programme at Harvard Business School and undertaken executive education at IESE Business School in Spain, the University of Cape Town and Strathmore Business School," the utility firm's notice states.
He is a member of the Engineers Board of Kenya, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya and the Geothermal Association of Kenya.
Kibet is also a recipient of the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW), a national honour.
In the announcement, the board acknowledged Njenga’s contribution to the company during his tenure, citing improved financial performance, business diversification and growth in geothermal consultancy services.
KenGen recorded a profit after tax of Sh10.48 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year, according to the company.
The company also expanded its geothermal consultancy portfolio, including assignments in Eswatini, as it sought to grow revenue from services beyond electricity generation.
The board thanked Njenga for his leadership and service, wishing him a fulfilling retirement.
It said it expected Kibet to build on the achievements made under the outgoing chief executive while developing staff, improving performance and creating sustainable value for the company.
The transition period before February 2027 is expected to allow the incoming CEO to familiarise himself with the responsibilities of the office and ensure continuity in implementing KenGen’s strategic priorities.
KenGen is one of Kenya’s principal electricity generation companies, with operations spanning geothermal, hydro, wind and other power-generation sources.
