Kenya and Brazil have moved to deepen cooperation in the energy sector following the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and Brazil’s Chamber of Electric Energy Commercialization (CCEE).
In a statement on Monday, August 24, EPRA said the agreement is aimed at strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two institutions.
"EPRA has today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Brazil’s Chamber of Electric Energy Commercialization (CCEE) to strengthen cooperation and knowledge exchange in the energy sector, with a focus on capacity development," the statement read.
According to EPRA, the agreement was signed in São Paulo by its Acting Director General, Joseph Oketch, and CCEE Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Simabuku.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Kenya in Brasília, Ambassador Peris Kariuki, and EPRA Chairman Mwambu Mabonga.
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Speaking during the ceremony, Oketch said international cooperation and knowledge exchange were critical to strengthening EPRA’s institutional capacity and supporting the development of Kenya’s energy sector.
"The partnership comes at a strategic moment as Kenya advances the implementation of its Open Access and Electricity Market Regulations.
"Brazil’s experience in competitive electricity markets provides an important opportunity for Kenya to draw lessons and strengthen its evolving electricity market framework," the statement added.
Meanwhile, EPRA has opened applications for the position of Director General.
In a public notice on Tuesday, August 18, the authority said it is seeking to recruit a suitably qualified and experienced individual to fill the position.
"The Authority is seeking to recruit suitably qualified, experienced, result-oriented and highly motivated Kenyans to fill the following vacant position," read the notice in part.
To qualify for the position, applicants must be Kenyan Citizens, hold a Bachelor’s degree from a university recognized in Kenya, or its equivalent, in engineering, physical sciences, law, finance, environmental studies, economics or energy.
Candidates must also have at least seven years of senior-level management experience, including a minimum of two years’ experience in petroleum and energy.
The applicants are required to have a professional qualification and membership in a relevant professional body in good standing.
The candidates must also meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity.
"A Master’s degree from a university recognized in Kenya in any of the following fields: Engineering, physical sciences, law, finance, economics, environmental studies, energy or its equivalent from a recognized university will be an added advantage," EPRA stated.
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction in line with the authority’s strategic plan.
The Director General will also oversee the technical and economic regulation of energy sector utilities involved in the generation, importation, exportation, transmission, distribution, supply and use of electrical energy.
The successful candidate will also oversee the regulation of the petroleum subsector, including the importation, refining, exportation, transportation, storage and sale of petroleum and petroleum products.
Other roles include providing oversight in regulation and production, conversion, distribution, supply, marketing and use of renewable energy in Kenya and guiding the regulation, monitoring and supervision of upstream petroleum operations and infrastructure in Kenya.
