A vocal critic of climate activism, Meg O’Neill, is set to lead global energy giant BP, a move signaling a deeper corporate commitment to fossil fuels that could have direct consequences for Kenyan wallets and our climate future.

The appointment comes as BP dramatically reverses its green energy ambitions. This shift by a major global player, coupled with a new CEO known for aggressive expansion of gas projects, suggests that the era of high global fuel prices, which directly impacts costs in Kenya, is unlikely to end soon.

O'Neill's Track Record: Profit Over Planet?

O'Neill's tenure as CEO of Australia's Woodside Energy was marked by a massive expansion of fossil fuel operations and record returns for shareholders. Under her leadership, Woodside paid out approximately $11 billion (approx. KES 1.4 trillion) in dividends since 2022. This profitability was driven by the approval of controversial, large-scale gas projects.

Key among these are:

• The **Scarborough Energy Project**, a $16.5 billion (approx. KES 2.1 trillion) venture that scientists warn could expose over half a million people to unprecedented heat.
• The **Louisiana LNG Project**, an $18 billion (approx. KES 2.3 trillion) investment that climate advocates noted “would export harmful gas until the 2070s”.

Her leadership has made her a frequent target for climate activists, who have protested at her home and shareholder meetings. O'Neill has previously dismissed young activists as “ideological” and “zealous”.

A New Strategy for BP

O'Neill's appointment is a clear endorsement of BP's recent strategic pivot away from its net-zero goals. Earlier this year, the company announced it would increase investment in oil and gas to $10 billion annually while slashing its energy transition spending by more than $5 billion per year. Former CEO Murray Auchincloss admitted the company's previous optimism for a swift green transition was “misplaced” and that they had gone “too far, too fast”.

What This Means for Kenya

For Kenyans, this international boardroom decision has local consequences. Global energy leadership that prioritizes fossil fuel production directly influences the international crude oil prices that determine the cost of fuel at the pump in Nairobi, Mombasa, and across the country. While local taxes and levies play a significant role, the foundational cost is set by these global giants.

The move by BP to double down on fossil fuels, under a CEO with a track record of doing just that, signals a long-term commitment to the very energy sources driving the climate volatility—from droughts to floods—that increasingly threatens Kenyan agriculture, safety, and economic stability.

This appointment solidifies a global energy landscape focused on maximizing oil and gas profits, leaving nations like Kenya to navigate the escalating costs, both at the pump and in the environment.