BERNARD MUTISO OSAWA
Project director| Government relations |Policy, regulation and compliance
Nairobi,Kenya
Summary
A visionary leader with over 20 years of experience across energy, extractives, sustainability, and regulatory affairs. Expertise in government relations, stakeholder engagement, project development, and policy advisory, with a strong track record of managing complex projects in East Africa. Adept at navigating regulatory compliance and driving sustainability initiatives, with a history of collaboration across public and private sectors to implement transformative change.
Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
Innovative technology professional with several years of diverse experience. Skilled in enhancing systems and aligning technical solutions with business objectives. Proven success in leading projects from start to finish and contributing to organizational growth and success.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Director & Partner
Frontier Energy
Nairobi, Kenya
1 2012 - Current
- Directed government relations and monitored regulatory shifts affecting the energy sector in East Africa
- Managed stakeholder engagement with ministries, regulatory bodies, and local governments, addressing project risks and policy impacts
- Led the scoping, development and negotiation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for key renewable energy initiatives
- Ensured compliance with national and international sustainability standards through collaboration with ESG managers
- Oversaw the successful implementation of projects including:
- Five small hydroelectric projects (4-16 MW) in Uganda
- One small hydroelectric project (5.6 MW) in Kenya
- One wind project (50 MW) in Kenya
- Two grid-connected solar projects (80 MW) in Kenya
- Two commercial and industrial solar projects (24 MW) in Kenya
Vice Chair, Energy & Extractives Sector Board
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Led policy advocacy efforts to influence legislation beneficial to the private sector's energy sub-sector
- Engaged with policymakers and sector leaders to address challenges in renewable energy implementation
- Advocated for private sector interests in various strategic energy planning forums
Director, Renewable Energy
Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)
Nairobi , Kenya
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Founded the Renewable Energy Department, driving the development of national renewable energy strategies
- Drafted regulations and compliance standards across the renewable energy sector
- Secured $60M in funding for geothermal and solar projects through global partnerships
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Fostered culture of innovation, encouraging development of cutting-edge solutions.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new department.
Environment & Resource Recovery Manager
Lafarge East Africa
Nairobi, Kampala, Dar Es Salaam , East Africa
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Spearheaded environmental strategies, cutting thermal energy costs by 70% through bioenergy initiatives
- Influenced policy development in waste-to-energy practices across East Africa
- Coordinated efforts across multiple departments to streamline recovery activities and promote efficient use of resources.
- Collaborated closely with internal teams to ensure seamless execution of recovery efforts while minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
- Actively participated in cross-functional initiatives aimed at enhancing overall business operations and customer experience.
Director & Project Engineer
CAMCO Ltd.
Nairobi, Nairobi Province
01.1997 - 01.2004
- Led solar PV projects and provided consultancy on renewable energy solutions across Africa
- Conducted energy audits that enhanced efficiency for major institutions
- Conducted research to identify and evaluate new technologies and concepts.
- Analyzed and interpreted customer requirements to develop engineering solutions.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Organizational Leadership
Strathmore Business School
Nairobi 09.2007 - 06.2008
Master of Science - Renewable Energy
CVO University of Oldenburg
Germany 09.2024 - 11.1997
Bachelor of Science - Physics
University of Nairobi
Nairobi 09.1990 - 12.1994
Skills
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Government Relations & Policy Advocacy
Renewable Energy & Sustainability
Stakeholder Engagement & Regulatory Affairs
Project Development & Risk Management
Energy Sector Reform & Legislation
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
ESG Compliance & Impact Investing
Innovation and Creativity
Cross-functional coordination
Project Management
Countryexperience
- Burundi
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Rwanda
- Serbia
- Somalia
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- Zambia
Additionalcoursescertifications
- Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing, DAAD, 2022
- Strategy and Sustainability, IESE Business School, 2022
- Utility Regulation and Strategy, University of Florida, USA, 2012
- Leadership in a Political Environment, University of Florida, USA, 2012
- Occupational Health and Safety, International Safety Training Centre, Kenya, 2007
References
Available upon request.
Consultancyboardadvisoryroles
01/01/10, Present, Led strategic planning for the Kenya-EU Energy Capacity Building Project., Developed County Energy Masterplans for Turkana and Marsabit Counties (GIZ/GoK)., Advised on Somalia’s Draft Electricity Act., Advisory Council Member and Chief Judge, Energy Management Awards (EMA) Kenya., Board Member for various educational institutions in Kisumu County., Former Chairman, PowerPoint Systems (EA) Ltd., Chairman, Grants Evaluation Committee GVEP ESME Project., Advisor on e-mobility and green hydrogen development in East Africa., Raised over KES 20 million through Rhino Charge Car No. 54 Fundraising.
Outdoors and extreme nature
Active competitor and fundraiser through the Rhino charge, an extreme outdoor motor sport
Ardent, hiker, camper, nature and nature conservation enthusiast.
Timeline
Master of Science - Renewable Energy
CVO University of Oldenburg
09.2024 - 11.1997
Vice Chair, Energy & Extractives Sector Board
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
01.2015 - 01.2019
Director, Renewable Energy
Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)
01.2010 - 01.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Organizational Leadership
Strathmore Business School
09.2007 - 06.2008
Environment & Resource Recovery Manager
Lafarge East Africa
01.2005 - 01.2010
Director & Project Engineer
CAMCO Ltd.
01.1997 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Science - Physics
University of Nairobi
09.1990 - 12.1994
Project Director & Partner
Frontier Energy
1 2012 - Current
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