British American Tobacco Kenya - Dr. Samson Macharia Irungu

Nationality: Kenyan
Age: 59

Position:
Independent Non-Executive Director since July 2019. Member of the Board Nominations and Governance Committee.

Leadership and experience:
Dr. Irungu is a respected industry leader with over 28 years’ experience in the oil and energy sector, both in Kenya and internationally. He is the immediate former Managing Director of Kenya Pipeline Company Limited, where he oversaw critical national energy infrastructure and operational transformation within the organisation. He has over 28 years’ experience in various senior management roles within the oil industry, both locally and internationally.

His leadership experience spans strategic management, energy infrastructure operations and sector development within the petroleum industry.

Academic and Professional Background:
Dr. Irungu holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi and a Master’s degree in Business Management (Marketing) from Newport University (USA), alongside a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Nairobi.

He is a Member of the Institute of Directors (Kenya), Kenya Institute of Management and the American Chamber of Commerce among others.

Recognition:
In recognition of his exemplary service in steering Kenya through the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Irungu was awarded the Presidential Order of Services – Uzalendo award, in June 2020. In 2021, he was further honoured with the award of the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the Head of State, in recognition of his contribution to national development.

Distinct Board Expertise:
Energy sector leadership | Strategic infrastructure management | public sector and regulatory insight

Key Appointments:

• Board Member - KAG East University Council