Hon. James Opiyo Wandayi, EGH is the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of the Republic of Kenya. Hon. Wandayi was appointed on 23rd July 2024 and officially sworn into office on 8th August 2024. As the Cabinet Secretary, he leads the Ministry in advancing Kenya’s energy security, expanding access to affordable and reliable power, strengthening the petroleum sub-sector, and accelerating the country’s transition to sustainable energy systems.

Prior to his appointment to the Cabinet, Hon. Wandayi served as the Member of Parliament for Ugunja Constituency for three consecutive terms, from 2013 to 2024. During this period, he distinguished himself as an astute legislator with enviable skills and leadership in legislative and public financial oversight. He served as Minority Leader in the 13th Parliament from September 2022 and previously as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (2017–2022), providing oversight role on public expenditure and accountability frameworks. During the same period, he also served as the Secretary-General of the African Organization of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC), a Pan-African institution that advocates for accountability and good governance.

Hon. Wandayi holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agricultural Economics) from the University of Nairobi (1996), a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Diploma in Business Management from the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Daystar University.

He brings to his current role extensive experience in governance, public finance management, legislative affairs, and strategic leadership. His multidisciplinary academic background—spanning economics, business administration, management, and law—complements his commitment to strengthening institutional performance and driving sustainable growth in Kenya’s energy and petroleum sectors.