With over 600 million people living without access to electricity in Africa, many countries across the continent are working towards developing and modernizing power generation, transmission and distribution. The Kenya Power & Lighting Company, for example, represents a driver of the country’s power goals, with stakeholders such as Joy Nancy Ogechi, the company’s Energy and Project Engineer, leading efforts. Ogechi is recognized as a 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Star.
Please provide a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role? What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?
I began my career in the energy industry, primarily focusing on electrical power generation, transmission and distribution projects. Early on, I was managing grid extension and substation projects which gave me a strong technical grounding in project execution and stakeholder coordination. As the industry evolved, it was critical to provide impact solutions that were relevant so I pursued a MSc. Energy Engineering from the University of East Anglia in UK and transitioned into renewable energy and off-grid solutions where I play a key role in developing and delivering mini-grid projects that bring energy access to underserved communities.
Some of the key achievements I am particularly proud of include: Successfully managing the execution of the bilateral Kenya Power-Exim Bank China funded projects which included construction and commissioning of a new 220/66kV, 400MVA Nairobi City Centre Gas Insulated Switchgear substation – the first of its kind in East Africa –; a 66/11kV 46MVA Kiu River substation; and a 66/11kV 46MVA Likoni Road substation and their associated distribution lines. Additionally, I managed multi-site renewable energy projects under tight timelines and budget in remote areas of Kenya thus contributing directly to improved socio-economic opportunities for rural communities.
The energy industry is known for its complexities. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate through them to achieve your goals?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is delivering projects in remote and underserved areas, where logistical constraints, community expectations, and regulatory hurdles often collide. I have navigated this by fostering strong stakeholder relationships, proactive planning, and agile problem-solving—ensuring projects stayed on track despite unforeseen obstacles. Negotiation and cross sector alignment has also been crucial to gaining all round buy, in in a way that progresses the project. Another challenge has been balancing technical execution with social impact, which I address ensuring the community is involved in every stage of project delivery and highlighting the impact benefits therefore owning the project as their own. This has built trust and a lasting impact.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that helped you overcome obstacles and reach your current position?
My advice to young women in the energy sector is to always keep improving themselves and adding skills relevant to the needs while confidently bringing their feminine strengths into an otherwise male-dominated field. As someone who has faced self-doubt, I have learned the importance of reaching out for help while embracing and magnifying my own strengths. Qualities such as empathy, collaboration, and attention to detail are not weaknesses but powerful assets that can transform how projects are delivered and how communities are engaged. When paired with resilience and continuous learning, these strengths create lasting impact and open doors to leadership. Most importantly, to have self-belief in your ability to provide value in this male dominated field because real impact is not defined by gender but by the impact we make.
A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?
No two days are ever the same in my role but a typical day for me involves a number of balances. Some days are spent in full-day meetings with contractors, financial partners, leaders or communities, while others involve site visits, progress reviews, and stakeholder engagement. I balance this with time dedicated to planning, reporting, and guiding teams to stay on track. Though the pace is demanding, each day is rewarding because every effort contributes to expanding sustainable energy access and creating lasting community impact. At the end of the day, I also remain intentional in connecting with my family.
Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector? How do you envision your role in shaping that future?
I hope to see greater adoption of renewable energy, digital technologies, and inclusive models that expand access while driving sustainability. I also see the need to ramp up development of up-to-date infrastructure that will sustain this adoption. I see more private investors also seeing this as a value investment. On the ground I envision a future where communities are not just energy consumers but active participants in the clean energy transition. My role will be to continue leading impactful projects, fostering innovation, being a link between the community and project, championing inclusivity, ensuring that energy remains a catalyst for socio-economic transformation and raising the awareness to the world of the impact of closing the energy gap in Africa.
