Industry icon Eng. Patrick Obath was appointed by H. E President Uhuru Kenyatta to lead a new-look National Oil Corporation of Kenya Board in October 2021.  Engineer Obath has wide experience in management at the national and international level in the oil and gas sector and in addressing social, government, and development issues will lead a pulsating board whose aim is to quickly turnaround the Corporation into profitability.

Speaking during the inauguration of the new board, Cabinet Secretary for Petroleum and Mining Hon. John Munyes noted that despite facing a myriad of legacy and financial challenges, he was optimistic and confident the new Board and Management will turn around the Corporation.

“We are delighted with the new board Chair and members. I am very confident in its (Board) ability combined with the new vibrant management in restoring the pride of this Corporation to the people of Kenya. I expect them to move with speed and spearhead this Corporation into better days that all Kenyans can be proud of.” Note Hon. John Munyes, Cabinet Secretary for Petroleum and Mining.

The new Board chair noted that the new board would get into work quickly with a view of establishing mechanisms to turn around the Company.

“My vision is to lead this vibrant Board in turning around this Corporation whose potential is immense. This Corporation’s role is very vital and strategic to this Nation and we have to all join hands and embrace the changes that will come to bring back the Corporation to its rightful place.” Said Eng. Obath.

The new board members include Ms. Cecilia Ng’itit, Mr. Mundia Geteria, Sureya Roble, and Ms. Dorothy Marami. Others are Ms. Robai Musilivi (company secretary), Mr. Godfrey Waluse, Miss. Ogutu Okudo, and Ms. Victoria Karugu.

Cabinet Secretary (CS) in the National Treasury Ambassador Ukur Yatani, as well as PS in the State Department of Petroleum and Mining Andrew Kamau, also sit in the board.

National Oil Chief Executive Officer Leparan Morintat expressed optimism of the new board appointment saying this will propel the turnaround efforts of the Corporation. “We are happy with the kind of credentials and expertise that the government has selected and brought into our board. With this kind of mix, we couldn’t have asked for a better board,” said NOCK’s Chief executive Leparan Gideon Morintat.