ERC seeks expert to lead search for new chief executive

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is seeking a human resource consultancy to lead the search for a new chief executive to succeed Joe Ng’ang’a, who left in January.

The energy industry regulator said it expects to have hired a recruitment firm by mid next month, and thereafter publicly advertise the position.

A shortlist of the top candidates will be forwarded to Energy minister Charles Keter in June, the agency said.

“We are currently procuring a recruitment consultant and we hope to conclude this by April,” the ERC said in response to queries by the Business Daily.

“Thereafter, the recruitment will commence and hopefully by June 2017, we plan to send the names of the three top candidates to the Energy Cabinet Secretary.”

KCB Group chief executive Joshua Oigara, who is the ERC board chairman, will lead the hiring of the new boss.

Robert Pavel Oimeke, previously the director for renewable energy at the ERC, is now the acting chief executive pending the fresh recruitment.

Mr Ng’ang’a left office after crossing the mandatory retirement age of 60, though he was yet to complete his term. He began his three-year term in September 2014.

The vacancy at ERC’s corner office was precipitated by a landmark ruling made by Industrial Court judge Nelson Abuodha in November last year.

The court stopped the renewal of Kenya Power CEO Ben Chumo’s term on the basis that he had hit the retirement age of 60 – forcing him to exit the utility firm on January 4, 2017.

Kenya Power is also currently searching for a HR consultant to headhunt Dr Chumo’s successor while KenGen has hired PKF to lead the search for a new CEO to take after Albert Mugo who turns 60 this year.