When Mary Mariga stepped out of the classroom and into the world of water utilities, she had no idea that her career path was about to change her life — and touch countless others.
Mary’s journey began under the mentorship of Dr. George Kwedho, then Managing Director of Kakamega Water and Sanitation Company. He guided her through those early months when everything felt overwhelming. The water sector came with its own language, systems, and challenges. Mary — a trained teacher — drew on the skills she already had: communication, patience, and empathy. Those strengths helped her carve a place for herself in the unfamiliar world of customer service.
“At first, the linguo was challenging. But I quickly realized that many of the skills I gained in teaching — listening, guiding, explaining — were exactly what I needed to serve our customers,” she recalls.
What began as a difficult transition soon became a transformational career. Mary has now served under several Managing Directors, watching not only the company grow, but herself as well.
For her, working in the WASH sector has opened doors far beyond Kakamega. From presenting abstracts at both local conference such as the Kenya Water and Sanitation International Conference & Exhibition 2023 and 2025 and international conferences as far as Germany to share her research, where she has seen firsthand the global relevance of local solutions. Her work has inspired other utilities, such as Kiambu Water and Sewerage Company, to adopt some of her study recommendations.
“The reception at conferences has been overwhelming. It’s humbling to see companies eager to take up lessons from my research.”
As Customer Care Manager, Mary wears many hats. She handles customer complaints, addresses gender issues, and champions services for vulnerable. Her leadership and experience have also extended beyond Kakamega, where she has been an active member of the WASPA Benchmark Group, serving in the Pro Poor and Service Level Task Groups. In this role, her insights and contributions have been instrumental in guiding her peers and strengthening service delivery across the sector.
Mary’s leadership also reached international levels. She was part of an international team sponsored by UN-Habitat to improve water services. Out of 15 researchers globally, she was one of four from Kenya selected to undertake pioneering research on water accountability under the Accountability for Water Program.
Balancing this work with motherhood, she is a proud mother of two, has not been easy. Mary credits her strength to God and to the supportive mentors she has had along the way.
Outside her official role, Mary was among the pioneers of river catchment conservation in the region. She is a founding member of the River Yala–Nyando Water Fund, a partnership that protects catchment areas which supply water to utilities in western Kenya. Through this initiative, companies such as Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO), Kapsabet Nandi Water and Sanitation Company, and Kericho Water & Sanitation Company are partnering with local women and community members to restore and protect vital water sources.
“Conservation remains close to my heart,” she says. “My desire is for water companies to be intentional about protecting their water sources, for their sustainability and for future generations.”
Recently, Mary also trained as a Certified Trainer of Trainers in Digital Business, a course sponsored by the International Labour Organization (ILO). With this certification, she aims to support water companies in their digital transformation journeys — equipping them with the tools and skills to strengthen customer connections and enhance operational efficiency. She is equally passionate about transferring these digital skills to women and youth within the community, empowering them to build sustainable enterprises and embrace digital entrepreneurship.
As she prepares to retire in less than a year, Mary reflects on her journey with gratitude. She is proud of her contributions to the sector and the lives she has touched through her work.
But her story is far from over. Mary is currently pursuing her PhD and has her eyes set on supporting community-based initiatives in menstrual health management, an area she believes is critical for the dignity and empowerment of young girls and women.
From the classroom to customer care, from Kakamega to global platforms, Mary’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and service. It is a reminder that the water sector is more than pipes and infrastructure — it is about people, their struggles, and their triumphs.
As Mary hangs her boots, she leaves behind not just a career, but a legacy of commitment to water and sanitation in Kenya.
#MyWaterStory: Mary Mariga’s Journey of Service and Transformation
When Mary Mariga stepped out of the classroom and into the world of water utilities, she had no idea that her career path was about to change her life — and touch countless others.
Mary’s journey began under the mentorship of Dr. George Kwedho, then Managing Director of Kakamega Water and Sanitation Company. He guided her through those early months when everything felt overwhelming. The water sector came with its own language, systems, and challenges. Mary — a trained teacher — drew on the skills she already had: communication, patience, and empathy. Those strengths helped her carve a place for herself in the unfamiliar world of customer service.
“At first, the linguo was challenging. But I quickly realized that many of the skills I gained in teaching — listening, guiding, explaining — were exactly what I needed to serve our customers,” she recalls.
What began as a difficult transition soon became a transformational career. Mary has now served under several Managing Directors, watching not only the company grow, but herself as well.
For her, working in the WASH sector has opened doors far beyond Kakamega. From presenting abstracts at both local conference such as the Kenya Water and Sanitation International Conference & Exhibition 2023 and 2025 and international conferences as far as Germany to share her research, where she has seen firsthand the global relevance of local solutions. Her work has inspired other utilities, such as Kiambu Water and Sewerage Company, to adopt some of her study recommendations.
“The reception at conferences has been overwhelming. It’s humbling to see companies eager to take up lessons from my research.”
As Customer Care Manager, Mary wears many hats. She handles customer complaints, addresses gender issues, and champions services for vulnerable. Her leadership and experience have also extended beyond Kakamega, where she has been an active member of the WASPA Benchmark Group, serving in the Pro Poor and Service Level Task Groups. In this role, her insights and contributions have been instrumental in guiding her peers and strengthening service delivery across the sector.
Mary’s leadership also reached international levels. She was part of an international team sponsored by UN-Habitat to improve water services. Out of 15 researchers globally, she was one of four from Kenya selected to undertake pioneering research on water accountability under the Accountability for Water Program.
Balancing this work with motherhood, she is a proud mother of two, has not been easy. Mary credits her strength to God and to the supportive mentors she has had along the way.
Outside her official role, Mary was among the pioneers of river catchment conservation in the region. She is a founding member of the River Yala–Nyando Water Fund, a partnership that protects catchment areas which supply water to utilities in western Kenya. Through this initiative, companies such as Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO), Kapsabet Nandi Water and Sanitation Company, and Kericho Water & Sanitation Company are partnering with local women and community members to restore and protect vital water sources.
“Conservation remains close to my heart,” she says. “My desire is for water companies to be intentional about protecting their water sources, for their sustainability and for future generations.”
Recently, Mary also trained as a Certified Trainer of Trainers in Digital Business, a course sponsored by the International Labour Organization (ILO). With this certification, she aims to support water companies in their digital transformation journeys — equipping them with the tools and skills to strengthen customer connections and enhance operational efficiency. She is equally passionate about transferring these digital skills to women and youth within the community, empowering them to build sustainable enterprises and embrace digital entrepreneurship.
As she prepares to retire in less than a year, Mary reflects on her journey with gratitude. She is proud of her contributions to the sector and the lives she has touched through her work.
But her story is far from over. Mary is currently pursuing her PhD and has her eyes set on supporting community-based initiatives in menstrual health management, an area she believes is critical for the dignity and empowerment of young girls and women.
From the classroom to customer care, from Kakamega to global platforms, Mary’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and service. It is a reminder that the water sector is more than pipes and infrastructure — it is about people, their struggles, and their triumphs.
As Mary hangs her boots, she leaves behind not just a career, but a legacy of commitment to water and sanitation in Kenya.
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