Dr. Hancox Wilson Jaoko is the Energy Specialist and Program Manager for USAID East Africa’s Regional Mission covering nine countries in the region. Dr. Jaoko holds a PhD in Environmental Science (2007), MSc in Renewable Energy (1998), BSc in Physics/Chemistry (1989) and Diploma in Management (1995). He has over 22 years’ experience in the energy sector working in government, business, development assistance and research. 

Before joining USAID in February 2009, he worked with the European Union’s Somalia Energy and Livelihood Project (SELP) as the Technical Advisor (2007-2009). He was also the founding head of the Energy Division at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) (2006-2007) and Senior Energy Officer with the Ministry of Energy in Kenya (1990-2003). 

While pursuing his PhD (2003-2006), Dr. Jaoko also headed a consultancy firm RESTS involved in providing innovative energy and environment solutions to small and medium enterprises. Some of the efforts led to international recognition and awards like the World Bank Development Marketplace Award for innovation in environmental conservation in August 2005. The firm also provided technical support to governments in developing national energy policies and investment plans.