1. What first drew you to the water and sanitation sector, and what has kept you committed to it over the years?

What initially drew me to the water and sanitation sector was a strong desire to create a meaningful and lasting impact. Early in my career, I made a deliberate decision to transition from the banking sector accepting a salary reduction of over Kshs 30,000 because I felt compelled to contribute to work that directly improves people’s lives.

I was also inspired by close exposure to the sector through my spouse, whose experiences and stories from project implementations highlighted the transformative power of access to safe water and sanitation. Hearing about the visible change in communities and the genuine joy and dignity restored to individuals deeply resonated with me.

What has sustained my commitment over the years is that same sense of purpose. The sector offers a unique opportunity to combine professional expertise with social impact, ensuring that essential services reach those who need them most. Being part of that journey continues to be both fulfilling and motivating.

• The water sector is still largely male-dominated. What challenges did you face rising to leadership, and how did you navigate them?

Rising to leadership in a traditionally male-dominated sector has come with its share of challenges, many of which are rooted in perception and bias. As a woman, there is often an unspoken expectation to consistently exceed performance benchmarks to gain the same recognition or visibility as male counterparts. At the same time, traits that are essential for effective leadership—such as assertiveness, decisiveness, and holding firm positions—can sometimes be misinterpreted or labeled negatively.

Navigating this environment has required both resilience and self-awareness. I made a conscious decision early on to remain grounded in my values and to lead with clarity, professionalism, and integrity, even when faced with differing perceptions. Rather than being defined by labels, I have focused on building strong technical expertise and delivering measurable results.

Over time, this commitment to excellence has allowed my work to speak for itself. The respect and credibility I have earned from colleagues, teams, and industry stakeholders have been instrumental in reinforcing my leadership journey. Equally important has been the support of my family, which has provided a strong foundation and balance, enabling me to stay focused and resilient in the face of challenges.

• What leadership decision or initiative are you most proud of in your current role?

I am proud of several initiatives I have championed in my current role, particularly those focused on social impact—such as scholarships for needy students and implementing programs that empower girls in schools, and operationalising the lactation room in KIWASCO

However, the leadership decision I am most proud of is the development and operationalization of our Social Connection Policy. Through this initiative, we established a revolving fund that enables households to access water connections immediately and pay for them over a period of up to one year. This approach has significantly reduced the financial barrier to access, especially for low-income communities.

What makes this initiative particularly meaningful is its direct contribution to advancing the principle of “leaving no one behind.” Seeing more households gain access to safe water, and hearing firsthand the positive impact this has had on their daily lives, has been incredibly fulfilling. It reinforces the value of designing inclusive, practical solutions that respond to the real needs of the communities we serve and im super grateful to our partners from Red Cross and Vei for buying into this vision and making this happen.

• This year ’ s International Women ’ s Day theme is “Give to Gain. ” What have you given to the water sector through your leadership, and what do you believe the sector gains from having more women in leadership?

In my leadership journey, I have sought to contribute to the water sector through service-driven impact, both at an institutional and industry level. In my role at KIWASCO, I have championed customer experience initiatives that have improved service delivery and strengthened trust with the communities we serve. Seeing more households—especially women and families—experience reliable and dignified access to water has been deeply fulfilling and continues to drive my commitment.

Beyond my organization, I have had the privilege of serving as Chairperson of WIWAS (Women in Water and Sanitation Kenya), where I have focused on empowering women across the sector. Through mentorship, engagement forums, and shared experiences, I have worked to build confidence, support career growth, and encourage a balanced approach to professional and personal life. A key message I consistently share is that women can define and achieve their own paths in leadership.

I strongly believe that when more women take up leadership roles, the sector gains diversity of thought, more inclusive decision-making, and a stronger focus on community-centered solutions. Women often bring perspectives that enhance equity, collaboration, and sustainability—qualities that are essential for delivering services that truly meet the needs of all

• What advice would you give to young women considering a career in the water and sanitation sector?

My advice to young women considering a career in the water and sanitation sector is to begin with a strong sense of self-awareness. Be clear about your values, your goals, and the kind of impact you want to create. This clarity will help guide your decisions and keep you focused as you navigate your career journey.

The path to leadership and impact is rewarding, but it also requires resilience, discipline, and integrity. Along the way, you may encounter distractions, competing interests, or pressures that could derail your progress. It is important to stay grounded, make principled choices, and align yourself with people and environments that support your growth.

Take time to form your own judgments and understand situations firsthand before reacting. The ability to remain objective and thoughtful in your decisions will help you build strong professional relationships and maintain credibility. Equally, be mindful of the company you keep—surround yourself with individuals who inspire, challenge, and uplift you.

Above all, commit to continuous learning, excellence in your work, and staying true to your purpose. The sector offers immense opportunities to make a difference, and with focus and integrity, you can build a fulfilling and impactful career