Water is more than infrastructure. It is dignity, opportunity, and community wellbeing. My journey in this sector has been about building systems that work and opening doors for others to lead.
What first drew you to the water and sanitation sector, and what has kept you committed to it over the years?
My journey into the water sector was not planned. I started my career in the retail industry before joining a manufacturing company in the water sector in a front-office role. That position exposed me to the daily realities of utilities and the critical role water services play in people’s lives. What began as curiosity quickly became a sense of purpose.
What has kept me committed over the years is the impact the sector has on communities. Water touches everything, from health, education, economic opportunity, and dignity. Through my work with utilities, government institutions, and partners across Kenya and the region, I have seen how strong systems and the right partnerships can transform service delivery. Knowing that the work I do contributes to improving people’s lives, continues to motivate me.
The water sector is still largely male dominated. What challenges did you face rising to leadership, and how did you navigate them?
Like many women in infrastructure sectors, I often found myself as the only woman in rooms where key decisions were being made. Early in my career, I also encountered assumptions about the roles women could play, particularly in areas involving utilities, government engagement, and sector leadership.
I navigated these challenges by focusing on competence, preparation, learning from women who had gone ahead of me, and consistently delivering results. Over time, credibility grows as people see consistency and professionalism in your work.
Being elected as the first female representative from the private sector to the WASPA Executive Committee was a significant milestone for me. It demonstrated that the sector is gradually opening space for women’s leadership and that performance and persistence can help shift long-held perceptions.
What leadership decision or initiative are you most proud of in your career?
One of the contributions I am most proud of in my career has been building and strengthening partnerships between water utilities, government institutions, and private sector solution providers. When I took on leadership responsibilities in this space, the segment I was working with had very limited structure and engagement with utilities.
Through deliberate relationship building, better understanding of utility needs, and creating clearer internal systems, we were able to significantly expand engagement with water service providers across Kenya and the region. Over time, this work helped establish stronger institutional partnerships and improved access to solutions that support utility operations and service delivery.
What I value most about this experience is not just the growth that followed, but the trust that was built with utilities and sector stakeholders.
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 does the sector gain from having more women in leadership?
Through my leadership, I believe I have contributed commitment to the sector, collaboration across institutions, and mentorship for emerging professionals. I am proud of the fact that I am currently mentoring a handful of people, the majority of whom are young female professionals across the region.
I have worked to strengthen partnerships between the private sector, utilities, and government institutions, and I continue to support professional networks such as Women in Water and Sanitation (WIWAS) that create space for women to grow within the sector.
When women take on leadership roles, the sector gains diverse perspectives and more inclusive decision-making. Water services are closely tied to community well-being, and women’s leadership helps ensure that policies and strategies reflect the realities of the people they serve.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in the water and sanitation sector?
Do not be intimidated by the perception that the sector is technical or male dominated. The water and sanitation sector needs diverse skills from engineering and finance to leadership, policy, and innovation.
Be curious, invest in learning, and stay committed to growth. My own journey in the water sector began in an entry-level position, and through persistence and continuous learning it evolved into leadership opportunities.
The water sector offers a unique opportunity to build a meaningful career while contributing to something larger than yourself improving access to one of life’s most essential services.
#WomenWhoLeadinWASH; Maureen Oginya, Regional WASH Expert & WASPA Executive Committee Member
Water is more than infrastructure. It is dignity, opportunity, and community wellbeing. My journey in this sector has been about building systems that work and opening doors for others to lead.
What first drew you to the water and sanitation sector, and what has kept you committed to it over the years?
My journey into the water sector was not planned. I started my career in the retail industry before joining a manufacturing company in the water sector in a front-office role. That position exposed me to the daily realities of utilities and the critical role water services play in people’s lives. What began as curiosity quickly became a sense of purpose.
What has kept me committed over the years is the impact the sector has on communities. Water touches everything, from health, education, economic opportunity, and dignity. Through my work with utilities, government institutions, and partners across Kenya and the region, I have seen how strong systems and the right partnerships can transform service delivery. Knowing that the work I do contributes to improving people’s lives, continues to motivate me.
The water sector is still largely male dominated. What challenges did you face rising to leadership, and how did you navigate them?
Like many women in infrastructure sectors, I often found myself as the only woman in rooms where key decisions were being made. Early in my career, I also encountered assumptions about the roles women could play, particularly in areas involving utilities, government engagement, and sector leadership.
I navigated these challenges by focusing on competence, preparation, learning from women who had gone ahead of me, and consistently delivering results. Over time, credibility grows as people see consistency and professionalism in your work.
Being elected as the first female representative from the private sector to the WASPA Executive Committee was a significant milestone for me. It demonstrated that the sector is gradually opening space for women’s leadership and that performance and persistence can help shift long-held perceptions.
What leadership decision or initiative are you most proud of in your career?
One of the contributions I am most proud of in my career has been building and strengthening partnerships between water utilities, government institutions, and private sector solution providers. When I took on leadership responsibilities in this space, the segment I was working with had very limited structure and engagement with utilities.
Through deliberate relationship building, better understanding of utility needs, and creating clearer internal systems, we were able to significantly expand engagement with water service providers across Kenya and the region. Over time, this work helped establish stronger institutional partnerships and improved access to solutions that support utility operations and service delivery.
What I value most about this experience is not just the growth that followed, but the trust that was built with utilities and sector stakeholders.
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 does the sector gain from having more women in leadership?
Through my leadership, I believe I have contributed commitment to the sector, collaboration across institutions, and mentorship for emerging professionals. I am proud of the fact that I am currently mentoring a handful of people, the majority of whom are young female professionals across the region.
I have worked to strengthen partnerships between the private sector, utilities, and government institutions, and I continue to support professional networks such as Women in Water and Sanitation (WIWAS) that create space for women to grow within the sector.
When women take on leadership roles, the sector gains diverse perspectives and more inclusive decision-making. Water services are closely tied to community well-being, and women’s leadership helps ensure that policies and strategies reflect the realities of the people they serve.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in the water and sanitation sector?
Do not be intimidated by the perception that the sector is technical or male dominated. The water and sanitation sector needs diverse skills from engineering and finance to leadership, policy, and innovation.
Be curious, invest in learning, and stay committed to growth. My own journey in the water sector began in an entry-level position, and through persistence and continuous learning it evolved into leadership opportunities.
The water sector offers a unique opportunity to build a meaningful career while contributing to something larger than yourself improving access to one of life’s most essential services.
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