PSC Gives Ketraco Board 14 Days to Address Petition Against Acting CEO

The Public Service Commission has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) board. According to Business Daily, the demand requires a response to a petition calling for the removal of acting managing director Kipkemoi Kibias.

In a letter dated July 16 addressed to board chairman Mohamed Abdi, PSC chief executive Paul Famba warned of proceeding without further board input if no reply comes. The move adds pressure on the state-owned firm.

Felix Willium Nandi filed the petition citing several grievances. These include Kibias serving beyond the six-month cap for acting appointments and continuing to draw allowances.

Kibias assumed the acting role in September 2025 after the sacking of then-managing director John Mativo. More than 10 months later Ketraco still lacks a substantive chief executive.

The petition introduces another complication to the ongoing CEO search. Ketraco had advertised the position but cancelled the initial notice following threats of legal action.

Critics claimed the original requirements aimed to limit competition. The firm then issued a revised advertisement with adjusted criteria.

PSC officials view the board as slow to handle the petition. The commission's letter requires any response be copied to the complainant.

Section 77 of the Public Service Commission Regulations 2020 grants powers to investigate complaints. The body reaches decisions after hearing all parties.

The petition argues Ketraco operates without a properly constituted board. It urges the PSC to remove Kibias and appoint a qualified acting leader.

Petitioners highlight that many general managers hold degrees in education. They deem this unsuitable for an energy sector entity.

Kibias extended tenure violates section 34 of the Public Service Commission Act. That provision limits acting appointments to six months.

The filing raises concerns over financial implications. It calls for recovery of allowances paid beyond the allowed period.

Recruitment efforts began in early April. A law firm accused the board of altering statutory requirements in the first advertisement.

Ketraco withdrew the initial advert. It re-advertised in May dropping extra clearance conditions.

The petitioner claims Kibias influenced the cancellation. This benefited him through resulting delays and lawsuits.

The Ketraco board faces quorum issues. A court barred three newly appointed members from serving.

Ketraco plays a vital role in electricity transmission infrastructure. It advances projects essential for expanding the national grid.

Mid-July the company received proposals for five high-voltage projects. They are valued at up to Sh65 billion under public-private partnership.

Stable leadership remains critical for timely decisions. The PSC intervention may help resolve the impasse.