EPRA Chair Hon Ali Haji Adan Takes Over as EREA Chairperson, Champions Unified Regional Energy Future

By John Kariuki

In a landmark moment for regional energy governance, Hon Ali Haji Adan, Chairperson of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), has officially assumed leadership of the Energy Regulators Association of East Africa (EREA) as its new Chairperson. The announcement was made during the 17th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of EREA, hosted in Mombasa and attended by regulatory leaders from across the East African Community (EAC).

Held under the theme “Promoting the EAC Energy Union through Enhancing Efficient Energy Regulation and Just Energy Transition,” the assembly underscored the vital role of regional integration, knowledge exchange, and harmonized policy development in steering East Africa’s energy future.

In his acceptance remarks, Hon Adan described the moment as both humbling and historic. “This position is not only an honour to Kenya but also a reaffirmation of our collective vision as regulators in East Africa. It is a responsibility I carry with deep gratitude and a firm commitment to regional energy transformation,” he said.

As Chair of EPRA, Hon Adan continues to inject doses of wisdom and foresight rooted in his rich legislative experience, having previously served as the Honorable Member of Parliament for Mandera South. His time in Parliament sharpened his skills in policy formulation, public interest advocacy, and consensus building — traits now guiding his leadership within the regional energy landscape.

He emphasized Kenya’s remarkable progress in renewable energy development, noting that over 80 percent of the country’s electricity is now sourced from clean energy including geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar. He cited flagship initiatives such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project and the adoption of regulatory frameworks like the Net-Metering Regulations as examples of Kenya’s leadership in policy innovation and regulatory clarity.

The new EREA Chair committed to deepening inter-agency collaboration and strengthening institutional capacity across member states. “We must continue to harmonize our standards and regulatory frameworks to facilitate cross-border energy trade and unlock investment in sustainable infrastructure,” he stated.

The Assembly also saw the admission of Somalia’s National Electricity Authority (NEA) into EREA, an expansion Hon Adan hailed as a strong signal of unity. “The inclusion of Somalia reflects our shared determination to ensure that no nation is left behind in our pursuit of accessible, reliable, and affordable energy,” he added.

Looking ahead, the EPRA Chair called on member states to remain steadfast in promoting regional energy equity and resilience. He concluded by encouraging all regulators to approach their mandates with renewed urgency and collaborative spirit, reminding them that “the future of energy is not only renewable, but also regional, inclusive, and just.”

The next EREA General Assembly will be held in Kampala, Uganda, with ERA Uganda assuming the role of Deputy Chair.