25 Apr 2023

Dr. (Eng.) John Mativo has been appointed as KETRACO’s Managing Director/CEO in the recent changes announced by Mr. Abdi Bare Duale, Chairman of the Board of Directors- KETRACO.  Dr. Mativo’ s appointment takes effect from 24th April 2023 on a contract term of three (3) years renewable once subject to performance and retirement age for Public Officers.

The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum appointed Dr. (Eng) Mativo following a successful and competitive recruitment process concluded by the Board of Directors. The position of Managing Director & CEO has remained vacant since 1st February 2022 when the then Managing Director & CEO FCPA Gov. Fernandes Barasa resigned to pursue politics. 

Eng. (CPA) Antony Wamukota then steered the Company’s operations as Managing Director and CEO in acting capacity from February 2022 to January 2023 when Eng. Isaac Kiva, OGW took over the mantle from January 27, 2023. Eng. Isaac Kiva, is the Secretary Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy & Petroleum and was seconded to KETRACO to oversee the recruitment process of the Managing Director & CEO. 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 Company.

The Company’s Managing Director & CEO recruitment process attracted 194 applications and following a thorough vetting and selection process, eight (8) candidates were interviewed by the Board of Directors. 

Dr. (Eng.) John Mativo 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. (Eng.) John 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 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, Eng. 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 also 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.