William Madara Ong’alo
Nairobi
Summary
Over 20 years of experience in the energy sector across East and Central Africa, specializing in renewable energy project development, on-grid and off-grid electrification programs, energy policy and regulatory framework development, regional power trade initiatives and power transmission network operations. 11 years leading USAID/Power Africa programs in the region, managing $150M+ in technical assistance programs and delivering large-scale infrastructure, policy and regulatory reforms, and capacity development support to utilities, regulators, ministries and private sector players. 7 years in senior management at Kenya Power and Lighting Company, overseeing transmission network operations, maintenance and project development. Deep knowledge of Kenya and regional power sector trends, opportunities, and challenges. Proven expertise working with utilities, off-grid companies, governments, regional bodies, private sector, development partners and other actors in the energy/agriculture and energy/WASH nexus. Recognized for strategic leadership, technical know-how, results-driven, partnership building, and cross-cultural team leadership.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Project Management Specialist, Energy and Team Leader
USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission
06.2014 - 08.2025
- Company Overview: Power Africa
- Lead strategic direction, design, and implementation of Power Africa’s energy programs in East and Central Africa covering, among others, grid and off-grid electrification, policy and regulatory reforms, private sector partnerships, regional power trade and power generation projects development.
- Project Manager responsible for implementation of the $90 million Power Africa Empowering East and Central Africa program across 14 countries; and its predecessor, the $65 million East Africa Energy Program covering 9 countries.
- Responsible for technical oversight of ongoing activities, budget management, performance monitoring as well as monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) for the programs.
- Provided technical assistance to Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia utilities on grid planning and legal/regulatory reforms.
- Oversaw advisory support to the Somalia government on the development of the country’s energy sector regulator, and technical assistance to 5 electricity supply providers in the country on renewable energy integration, operational efficiency improvement, and customer expansion.
- Managed Power Africa’s partnership with the World Bank Group on implementation of the ASCENT program in the eastern Africa region. ASCENT is a part of the World Bank/Africa Development Bank-led Mission 300 Initiative, aimed at providing first-time electricity access to 300million people in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Led collaboration with other USAID programs in the agriculture, health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors to advance increased adoption of Productive Use of Electricity (PUE) equipment for livelihood improvements.
- Contributed to regional integration via provision of technical assistance to the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and its member countries, and interconnector feasibility studies (e.g., Tanzania-Malawi and Tanzania- DRC).
- Supported the growth and development of mini grids and solar home systems technologies through technical assistance, policy and regulatory support, market assessments and access to finance.
- Established and maintained senior-level energy sector contacts and partnerships in the region for the US government, including individuals in the Government of Kenya, and the region, the private sector, non-governmental institutions, regional organizations, and the donor community.
- Advised US Embassy in Kenya and Power Africa leadership on energy sector issues in Kenya and the region, particularly those bearing on US Government interests.
- Served as a member of the USAID KEA Mission Leadership Council.
- Member of the Power Africa Core Design Team responsible for designing the Power Africa program for the East and Central Africa region.
- Prepared briefers, reports and analyses for the Mission Director, Ambassador and Power Africa Coordinator.
- Represented USAID and Power Africa in the Energy Sector Development Partners Work Group and its engagements with Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum; and articulated the United States government position on energy sector programs and strategies to various audiences and stakeholders.
- Provided technical, managerial, and administrative leadership of the USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission’s Energy Team.
- Power Africa
- Provided project development advisory support that enabled 1,000+ MW of new renewable energy projects to reach financial close in the region, with over 800MW already in operation.
- Delivered 7.5 million new on and off-grid electricity connections in the region through technical assistance and capacity building support.
- Developed the 2016 Kenya Transmission and Distribution Grid Code, supported development of the 2019 Energy Act and its supporting regulations and Ethiopia’s Power System Development Plan.
- Developed the Kenya National Electrification Strategy in 2018, in partnership with the World Bank.
- Was part of the team that carried out the review of the Kenya Energy Policy in 2023-2024.
- Supported the development of the Kenya Ministry of Energy and Petroleum’s Gender Policy and cascaded it to the utilities under the ministries.
- Led corporate strategy development for Kenya Power and KenGen.
- Recipient of US Embassy Kenya Meritorious Honor Award, and other Mission awards for outstanding performance.
- Peer reviewer for International Energy Agency Greater Horn of Africa 2022 publication.
- Resource person for 2022 Energy Sector Training Series for USAID staff worldwide.
Chief Engineer, Transmission
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company Ltd
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Led Kenya’s national transmission infrastructure operations, maintenance, and project execution (~$1.8bn portfolio).
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive and integrated grid maintenance program, improving network availability from 96% to over 99%.
- Conducted feasibility studies, ESIA, tendering, contract negotiation, implementation and commissioning of grid projects.
- Prepared and implemented skills development programs for Departmental staff in liaison with the Human Resources Division.
- Prepared technical studies, reports and presentations for the Company and other state agencies.
- Took part, in liaison with other Government Agencies, Ministry of Energy (Kenya), Consultants and Development Partners in carrying out feasibility studies, planning and implementation of transmission grid investment projects.
- Led the liaison with neighboring countries’ utilities, generation, and distribution network operators to optimize planned outages for enhancement of network efficiency.
- Represented Kenya in regional Transmission System Operators (TSO) collaboration (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) supported by Statnett (Norway).
- Led revenue protection campaigns in the Customer Services Division, recovering US$2 million in lost electricity revenue.
- Senior Engineer, Transmission (2007–2011)
- Transmission Engineer (2001–2007)
- Customer Services Engineer (1998–2001)
Education
MBA - Operations Management
University of Nairobi
01.2005 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Technology (Hons) - Electrical and Communications Engineering
Moi University
01.1990 - 01.1996
Skills
- Program management
- Strategic planning
- Energy sector policy
- Regulatory reforms
- Power system planning
- Power transmission engineering
- Power distribution engineering
- Electricity access
- Productive use of energy
- Regional power trade
- Donor collaboration
- Partnerships
- Private sector collaboration
- Resource utilization
Certification
USAID Intentional Leadership Program- Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville, Virginia, 2020-02-01
Affiliations
- Registered Engineer, Kenya Engineers Registration Board
- Corporate Member, Institution of Engineers of Kenya
References
- Eng. Isaac Kiva, Director of Renewables, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum - Kenya, Isaac_kiva@yahoo.com, +254 733 633867
- Richard Nelson, Power Africa Coordinator (former), richardnelson@alumni.harvard.edu, +1 202 696 8533
- Eng. Jared Othieno, Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Energy & immediate past MD & CEO, Geothermal Development Company, Kenya, jothieno76@gmail.com, +254 722 768761
Timeline
Project Management Specialist, Energy and Team Leader
USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission
06.2014 - 08.2025
Chief Engineer, Transmission
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company Ltd
01.2011 - 01.2014
MBA - Operations Management
University of Nairobi
01.2005 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Technology (Hons) - Electrical and Communications Engineering
Moi University
01.1990 - 01.1996
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