KenGen Appoints Ronoh Kibet Charles as New CEO
Kibet will succeed Eng. Peter Waweru Njenga, who is due to retire, following a competitive recruitment process conducted by the company’s board of directors.
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) appoints Ronoh Kibet Charles as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, with the new chief expected to assume office on February 1, 2027. Photo: The Standard Kenya.
By Robert Mutasi
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has appointed Ronoh Kibet Charles as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, with the new chief expected to assume office on February 1, 2027.
Kibet will succeed Eng. Peter Waweru Njenga, who is due to retire, following a competitive recruitment process conducted by the company’s board of directors.
In an announcement, KenGen said Kibet’s appointment would be followed by a transition period to facilitate an orderly handover and ensure continuity in the company’s strategic priorities.
Kibet currently serves as KenGen’s General Manager for Commercial Services, a position that places him in charge of energy markets, investments, new business development and partnerships. His responsibilities also include marketing, corporate communication and sustainability.
His appointment comes as Kenya’s largest electricity generator continues to advance its geothermal energy development, expand its commercial activities and strengthen its position in the energy sector.
According to the company, Kibet brings more than 17 years of professional experience spanning geothermal development, project delivery, commercial strategy and business growth.
His career at KenGen has involved work in renewable energy development, international consultancy services and the expansion of the Olkaria Green Energy Park.
The incoming chief executive is expected to build on the company’s existing investments and business activities while pursuing opportunities for growth, innovation and sustainable value creation.
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 (JKUAT).
He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and an SAP Project System Consultant, qualifications that combine technical expertise with project management and commercial experience.
In addition to his academic qualifications, Kibet has completed an Organisational Leadership Programme at Harvard Business School. He has also undertaken executive education 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 (OGW).
The board expressed confidence in Kibet’s ability to build on the company’s achievements, develop its workforce and strengthen its performance as he takes over leadership.
KenGen also paid tribute to Njenga for his service, noting that the outgoing managing director had overseen improvements in the company’s financial performance and business diversification during his tenure.
The company reported a profit after tax of Sh10.48 billion in the 2025 financial year. It also expanded its geothermal consultancy portfolio, including assignments in Eswatini, while advancing its investment and commercial activities.
KenGen’s leadership transition comes at a time when reliable electricity supply, renewable energy development and investment in new generation capacity remain important to Kenya’s economic growth.
The company has a central role in the country’s electricity sector through its generation portfolio, which includes geothermal, hydroelectric, wind and thermal power.
Kibet’s appointment marks the beginning of a new leadership phase for the state-controlled power producer, with attention expected to focus on sustaining financial performance, expanding renewable energy projects and identifying new commercial opportunities.
KenGen’s board said it looked forward to working with the incoming chief executive to advance the company’s strategic objectives and strengthen its contribution to Kenya’s energy sector.
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