Sitting across from Eng. Peter Kahuthu, what struck first was his gentle, soft-spoken nature, the kind that immediately puts you at ease. His journey from humble beginnings to leading one of Africa’s top-performing water utilities is a testament to quiet resilience and steadfast purpose. Behind his modest presence is a leader shaped by experience, grounded by values, and driven by a wisdom that reveals itself in every thoughtful word.
Here is our conversation.
1. Can you tell us your name, role, and the Organization you work with?
My name is Eng. Peter Kahuthu, a civil engineer by profession, currently the Managing Director of Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (NYEWASCO), one of the 5 water service providers in Nyeri County.
2. How did you first join the water and sanitation sector? Who or what motivated you to work in this field?
My passion for the water and sanitation sector was shaped early in life. My late father, a mason by profession, was a hands-on, technical person who fixed things around the home with skill and pride. Watching him sparked my desire to pursue a technical career where I could also solve problems practically.
I was also inspired by my elder brothers, who pursued similar and related courses. Their journeys strengthened my interest in engineering. Eventually, I joined the University of Nairobi, where I studied Civil Engineering ultimately picking a water, sanitation & environment relate subject as the final year project.
What has been your career path or progression within the sector?
My journey has been built on resilience and determination. After university, I worked as a foreman on various construction sites while living in Mathare North. Employment was scarce, and I hopped from job to another. I often joke that at some point I even considered becoming a an attachee at a local vernacular radio station as times were difficult and and mostly idle.
My professional path began to take shape in April 2004, when I joined Aqua Terra Engineers as a Design Engineer, earning a salary of Ksh 22,000. I worked on water supply designs for communities and rural schemes.
Later in 2004, I was employed on short term contracts as a Clerk of Works for the African Wildlife Foundation project, supervising rehabilitation works and road signage installations in Samburu National Reserve.
From there, I moved to CAS Consultants as a WATSAN Engineer, then to Water & Sanitation for Poverty Reduction (WASPOR) in 2006, where I designed and supervised donor-funded projects mostly in ASAL regions.
In 2008, I joined the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, where I served for eight years, as a Technical Officer overseeing operations and projects across various departments.
Seeking new challenges, I applied for the role of Technical Manager at NYEWASCO and joined in July 2016. Following the unfortunate passing on of the then Managing Director, CPA. Peter Gichaaga, I served in an acting capacity from November 2020 and was officially appointed Managing Director in June 2021
4. Who or what has influenced your journey most?
Several international and local leaders have deeply shaped my leadership philosophy:
Lee Kuan Yew -credited as the founding father of the modern Singapore through transformative leadership
H.E. Mwai Kibaki – He taught us the importance prudent and efficient management, achieving impacts even with limited resources.
Hon. John Michuki – His disciplined leadership and bold reforms inspire my approach to resolving sector challenges.
Prof. Wangari Maathai – Her passion for environmental conservation guides my personal and professional values.
I am especially drawn to leaders who walk the talk. In honour of Prof. Maathai’s legacy, I continue to lead NYEWASCO teams in tree growing and conservation activities during every major WASH commemoration day such as World Water Day, World Environmental Day, World Rivers Day among many others
5. What is one memorable project, achievement, or milestone you are most proud of?
Being awarded the Outstanding Leadership in Engineering Award during the 31st IEK International Convention in Mombasa in 2024 remains one of my proudest moments. It was a recognition of years of dedication to the sector.
Under my leadership, NYEWASCO has consistently maintained ranking as the Best Overall Utility in Kenya by the Water Services Regulatory Board. Most notably, NYEWASCO has been ranked the Best of the Best Water Service Provider in Eastern and Southern Africa by ESAWAS in the last two ESAWAS Benchmarking Reports, which is no mean fete.
6. Have you had opportunities to represent your work nationally or internationally? If yes, what was the impact?
Yes, I have been fortunate to engage with global peers and learn from international experiences. I have visited: Germany, Tanzania, Philippines, China, Israel, USA, Sweden in the last over 12 years. My time in Sweden stands out the most. I undertook the SI Global Executive Programme, a defining moment in my personal development as a leader. The programme nurtured my ambition to become a forward-thinking business executive, committed to building a future that is economically resilient, socially inclusive, and ecologically sustainable. It taught me how to integrate sustainability into the very fabric of business, not as a separate initiative, but as a core strategic imperative. This perspective continues to guide how I lead NYEWASCO and envision the future of the sector.
7. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced, and how did you overcome them?
Leadership demands making difficult decisions and balancing competing priorities. Managing people, resources, and expectations requires patience and clarity. Over time, I have learned to stay grounded, remain open-minded, consult widely and focus on long-term impact rather than immediate pressures. These principles help me navigate the challenges that come with leadership.
8. What lessons have you learned that you would like to pass on to young professionals entering the sector?
Over the years, I have learned that meaningful growth requires patience, discipline, integrity and a commitment to continuous improvement. Young professionals should focus on mastering a specific skill rather than rushing through their careers. Live a balanced life, it is not all about work and again avoid the distractions and social pressures especially during the current digital era. I strongly believe in the value of family; As a husband and father of three, my family has grounded me throughout my journey. Above all, build a strong work ethic and respect your profession. When you value your work and pursue excellence, opportunities naturally follow.
9. How do you see the future of water and sanitation in Kenya?
I believe the sector has a bright future. However, we must shift our mindset and embrace locally led solutions and fully exploiting the limited resources adapting them to Kenya’s unique context. Strengthening governance is also essential. With the right approach, collaboration, and innovation, Kenya can achieve remarkable progress in ensuring safe water and sanitation for all.
In His Own Words: The Story of Eng. Peter Kahuthu #MyWaterStory
Sitting across from Eng. Peter Kahuthu, what struck first was his gentle, soft-spoken nature, the kind that immediately puts you at ease. His journey from humble beginnings to leading one of Africa’s top-performing water utilities is a testament to quiet resilience and steadfast purpose. Behind his modest presence is a leader shaped by experience, grounded by values, and driven by a wisdom that reveals itself in every thoughtful word.
Here is our conversation.
1. Can you tell us your name, role, and the Organization you work with?
My name is Eng. Peter Kahuthu, a civil engineer by profession, currently the Managing Director of Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (NYEWASCO), one of the 5 water service providers in Nyeri County.
2. How did you first join the water and sanitation sector? Who or what motivated you to work in this field?
My passion for the water and sanitation sector was shaped early in life. My late father, a mason by profession, was a hands-on, technical person who fixed things around the home with skill and pride. Watching him sparked my desire to pursue a technical career where I could also solve problems practically.
I was also inspired by my elder brothers, who pursued similar and related courses. Their journeys strengthened my interest in engineering. Eventually, I joined the University of Nairobi, where I studied Civil Engineering ultimately picking a water, sanitation & environment relate subject as the final year project.
What has been your career path or progression within the sector?
My journey has been built on resilience and determination. After university, I worked as a foreman on various construction sites while living in Mathare North. Employment was scarce, and I hopped from job to another. I often joke that at some point I even considered becoming a an attachee at a local vernacular radio station as times were difficult and and mostly idle.
My professional path began to take shape in April 2004, when I joined Aqua Terra Engineers as a Design Engineer, earning a salary of Ksh 22,000. I worked on water supply designs for communities and rural schemes.
Later in 2004, I was employed on short term contracts as a Clerk of Works for the African Wildlife Foundation project, supervising rehabilitation works and road signage installations in Samburu National Reserve.
From there, I moved to CAS Consultants as a WATSAN Engineer, then to Water & Sanitation for Poverty Reduction (WASPOR) in 2006, where I designed and supervised donor-funded projects mostly in ASAL regions.
In 2008, I joined the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, where I served for eight years, as a Technical Officer overseeing operations and projects across various departments.
Seeking new challenges, I applied for the role of Technical Manager at NYEWASCO and joined in July 2016. Following the unfortunate passing on of the then Managing Director, CPA. Peter Gichaaga, I served in an acting capacity from November 2020 and was officially appointed Managing Director in June 2021
4. Who or what has influenced your journey most?
Several international and local leaders have deeply shaped my leadership philosophy:
5. What is one memorable project, achievement, or milestone you are most proud of?
Being awarded the Outstanding Leadership in Engineering Award during the 31st IEK International Convention in Mombasa in 2024 remains one of my proudest moments. It was a recognition of years of dedication to the sector.
Under my leadership, NYEWASCO has consistently maintained ranking as the Best Overall Utility in Kenya by the Water Services Regulatory Board. Most notably, NYEWASCO has been ranked the Best of the Best Water Service Provider in Eastern and Southern Africa by ESAWAS in the last two ESAWAS Benchmarking Reports, which is no mean fete.
6. Have you had opportunities to represent your work nationally or internationally? If yes, what was the impact?
Yes, I have been fortunate to engage with global peers and learn from international experiences. I have visited: Germany, Tanzania, Philippines, China, Israel, USA, Sweden in the last over 12 years. My time in Sweden stands out the most. I undertook the SI Global Executive Programme, a defining moment in my personal development as a leader. The programme nurtured my ambition to become a forward-thinking business executive, committed to building a future that is economically resilient, socially inclusive, and ecologically sustainable. It taught me how to integrate sustainability into the very fabric of business, not as a separate initiative, but as a core strategic imperative. This perspective continues to guide how I lead NYEWASCO and envision the future of the sector.
7. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced, and how did you overcome them?
Leadership demands making difficult decisions and balancing competing priorities. Managing people, resources, and expectations requires patience and clarity. Over time, I have learned to stay grounded, remain open-minded, consult widely and focus on long-term impact rather than immediate pressures. These principles help me navigate the challenges that come with leadership.
8. What lessons have you learned that you would like to pass on to young professionals entering the sector?
Over the years, I have learned that meaningful growth requires patience, discipline, integrity and a commitment to continuous improvement. Young professionals should focus on mastering a specific skill rather than rushing through their careers. Live a balanced life, it is not all about work and again avoid the distractions and social pressures especially during the current digital era. I strongly believe in the value of family; As a husband and father of three, my family has grounded me throughout my journey. Above all, build a strong work ethic and respect your profession. When you value your work and pursue excellence, opportunities naturally follow.
9. How do you see the future of water and sanitation in Kenya?
I believe the sector has a bright future. However, we must shift our mindset and embrace locally led solutions and fully exploiting the limited resources adapting them to Kenya’s unique context. Strengthening governance is also essential. With the right approach, collaboration, and innovation, Kenya can achieve remarkable progress in ensuring safe water and sanitation for all.
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