John Mativo, the former Managing Director of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco), was dismissed by the board of directors in September 2025, leaving behind a “mixed legacy”. His tenure was marked by both significant successes, such as grid expansion, and serious controversies, including accusations of corruption.
Reasons for dismissal
- Corruption allegations: Reports from multiple Kenyan media outlets indicate that Mativo’s termination was prompted by an internal audit. The audit reportedly uncovered incompetence and corruption involving approximately KSh 6 billion.
- Gross mismanagement: In addition to corruption claims, Mativo was allegedly fired for gross mismanagement of projects.
- Abrupt departure: The sacking occurred abruptly, almost a year before the end of his three-year term, and came hours after he posted on social media about his vision for expanding the electricity grid.
Positive aspects of his legacy
- Expansion of the national grid: During his leadership, Mativo was a vocal advocate for strengthening and expanding Kenya’s high-voltage electricity grid to provide more reliable and secure power.
- Regional interconnectors: He championed regional power interconnectors, such as the deal signed between Ketraco and Tanzania for power sales, and spoke of a vision for a pan-African power grid.
- Enhanced public engagement: Mativo was known for being communicative with the public and media regarding Ketraco’s projects and operations.
Negative aspects of his legacy
- High-profile controversies: A major point of contention during his tenure was the bungled Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deal with Adani, a project that was highly scrutinized by the public.
- Pending PPP projects: His departure leaves a question mark over several other PPP-funded transmission projects that were pushed aggressively under his leadership.
- Cloud of misconduct: The allegations of corruption and incompetence associated with his firing tarnish the positive achievements of his time in office.
Successor
Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias was appointed as the acting Managing Director of Ketraco following Mativo’s termination.
