Keniebi Okoko was born in 1978 to the Okoko family in Obunagha community, Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa State. He was born to the Emeritus Professor of Political Science, Late Kimse Okoko, a former national President of the Ijaw National Congress.
He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics from the University of Port Harcourt (1996-2000) and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Carleton University, Canada (2003-2005).
He attended executive education programs at reputable academic institutions across the world, including the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School Strategic Thinking and Management for Competitive Advantage Program (2014). Harvard Business School, High Potential Leadership Program (2014), Harvard Business School, Finance for Senior Executives (2014) and Harvard Business School, Owner President Management and Leadership (2016-2018)
Keniebi Okoko was the CEO of KDI Group, Nigeria’s foremost Energy conglomerates providing solutions spanning engineering, construction, solid mineral mining, real estate and agriculture development services. Keniebi’s leadership style could be perfectly described as democratic. His leadership approach encourages consensus building among regulators, stakeholders and community leaders which allows a harmonious decision making that makes growth and impacts possible.
He devoted a major part of his career to ensuring sustainable changes as a leading business executive, driving organizational results, providing opportunities for talents across Nigeria, and investing in many philanthropic activities across various communities in the Niger Delta region. Keniebi was a community leader, forward thinker, problem solver and trusted advisor. Compelled by his love for Bayelsa and the need to promote the welfare of the people of the state, by attracting investment that will yield economic growth and transform the lives of people. Keniebi ran for gubernatorial office in his home state of Bayelsa in 2019.
To the question on why he contested to lead Bayelsa State, Keniebi Okoko answer was: “I have always wanted to help people and I have been doing that on a smaller scale, for you to be able to touch lives the way I want to, you’ll need a bigger platform.” Though he did not win the election, because of forces working to truncate the democratic process in Nigeria, the experience cemented his legacy of hope and commitment to serve and make a difference in the lives of people.
He won numerous Industry and philanthropic awards in Nigeria and Africa.
Keniebi Okoko attended the Grand launch of the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund. He believed strongly that quality education has the ability to transform lives and should be accessible to all.
Also in attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan and the newly elected governor of Bayelsa State Douye Diri among other dignitaries. Keniebi Okoko donated free exercise books to the Bayelsa State Primary School Board to aid parents of underprivileged primary school pupils in the state.
Keniebi Okoko visited his home town, Gbarain Kingdom in Bayelsa state and was warmly received by his Royal Highness King Funpere Akah and the council of chiefs. A community builder, who strongly believes in sustained peace in his community and Niger Delta towards attracting investment, creating opportunities and wealth for his people.
Keniebi Okoko donated food items to women and the less privileged in the Obunagha community in the Guardian clan of Yenagoa LGA. Providing them with relief materials that will sustain them and reduce the burden of hardship. His Royal Highness, Chief Pere Yeiseibo, the Ibilo XII of Obunagha community appreciated his kind gesture and urged other politicians from the community to emulate him.
1978-2020
