The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has appointed Dr John Mativo as the new managing director. The appointment of Dr Mativo follows a recruitment process that saw the company’s board of directors chaired by Abdi Bare Duale interview a pool of about 194 applicants. The seat had fallen vacant following the resignation of Mr Ferdinand Barasa who left the position last year to contest for the Kakamega governorship seat.
Dr Mativo, who takes over the leadership of the company on a three-year contract effective from April 24, 2023, is expected to bring on board sufficient skills in leadership and management of resources, having served the company in various capacities since 2010.
He has a wealth of experience and institutional historical information which is much needed to support the required leadership in designing suitable plans and strategies that will contribute to high and sustainable socioeconomic development to the Country’s economy.
He takes over the company’s leadership at the height of reforms in the Energy Sector geared towards reducing the cost of power.
He will oversee the formulation and implementation of the Company’s Fourth Strategic Plan 2023/28, Operationalization of the System Operator Mandate under the Energy Act 2019 and implementation of the Company’s first PPP Transmission Projects.
Dr Mativo, holds a Doctorate (PhD) degree in Civil Engineering from Tokyo Metropolitan University (Japan), a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Tongji University (China), and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi.
He also has over 25 years working experience in both the public and private sector accumulating extensive experience in research, planning, design, construction supervision and contract management for transmission infrastructure, residential houses, office blocks and marine structures.
Prior to joining KETRACO, Mr Mativo worked with H.P. Gauff Consulting Engineer, Ministry of Roads and Public Works and later as a Consultant for European Union -funded projects in the Local Government.
He is a professional engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya, a Fellow Member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya and a Certified Public Private Partnership Professional.
Prior to his appointment, the position of managing director was held by Mr Antony Wamukota in an acting capacity from February 2022 to January 2023.
The seat was later handed over to Mr Isaac Kiva who assumed the reigns of the company temporarily from January 27, 2023. Mr Kiva, the Secretary Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, was seconded to KETRACO to oversee the recruitment process of the managing director and chief executive.
He reverts to his substantive position at the Ministry and is accredited for having streamlined the company’s operations and strengthened teamwork during his short stint in the firm.
The recruitment process had attracted 194 applications and following a thorough vetting and selection process, eight candidates were interviewed by the Board of Directors.
