1. What has been the most influential experience in shaping your leadership journey within the water and sanitation sector?

Answer:
Kitui Water and Sanitation Company (KITWASCO) had been operating on an expired tariff that was last reviewed in 2009. Fourteen years later, the company was facing serious financial difficulties and was struggling to meet even the most basic operations and maintenance costs.

Through collaboration and consultation with key stakeholders—most importantly the County Government and our customers—the company, under my leadership, successfully had its tariff revised and operationalized in July 2024. This move has significantly improved the company’s operations, strengthened its cost coverage ratio, and enhanced overall service delivery.

2. From your perspective, what unique perspectives or strengths do women bring to leadership in the water sector?

Answer:
Women bring several unique strengths to leadership in the water sector:

• Inclusivity in decision-making: Women leaders tend to encourage participation and consultation, which strengthens stakeholder engagement.
• Focus on social impact: Women often emphasize hygiene, protection of vulnerable groups, and equity in water and sanitation service delivery.
• Strong collaboration skills: Women are effective at building partnerships and resolving conflicts.
• Long-term sustainability: Women leaders prioritize the sustainable management of water infrastructure to ensure resources are preserved for future generations.
• Promotion of gender-balanced decision-making: Women leaders help create more inclusive and balanced leadership spaces.

3. Can you share an example of how investing in people through mentorship, collaboration, or capacity building has strengthened your organization or team?

Answer:
Investing in people strengthens teamwork, improves operational efficiency, and enhances skills and competencies within the organization.

For example, the company’s technical staff responsible for operations and maintenance were taken for training at a water pipe manufacturing company to gain hands-on expertise in repairing pipelines using HDPE pipes. Since that training, the quality of repairs has significantly improved, with fewer repeat jobs. This has greatly enhanced the efficiency of responding to pipe bursts and maintaining the water network.

4. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Give to Gain.” How do you see this idea reflected in your leadership approach?

Answer:
Supporting staff through training, mentorship, and a strong emphasis on positive organizational culture has had a meaningful impact both on the organization and on individual staff members. By giving through training and mentorship, staff have become more motivated and capable in their roles. As a result, the organization has gained improved operational efficiency and stronger performance.

5. What changes do you believe are necessary to create more pathways for women to take up leadership roles in the water sector?

Answer:
Several changes are necessary to create more opportunities for women to take up leadership roles in the water sector:

• Promoting gender-inclusive policies, including equal recruitment and promotion opportunities, clear policies against discrimination and harassment, and balanced representation in leadership positions.
• Addressing workplace barriers through flexible working arrangements and fair evaluation and promotion systems.
• Increasing capacity building and training, including leadership development programs for women.
• Strengthening mentorship and networking so experienced leaders can guide and support women professionals in building confidence and advancing their careers.
• Encouraging girls to pursue engineering, science, and water-related courses to increase their participation in the sector.
• Ensuring institutional commitment by setting gender targets and monitoring progress.
• Promoting visible role models where successful women leaders inspire and motivate others to pursue leadership positions.

6. What message would you like to share with young professionals, particularly women, who aspire to build careers in the WASH sector?

Answer:
I encourage young professionals to believe in their potential and pursue opportunities within the WASH sector with confidence and determination. This sector offers a unique opportunity to improve lives and build resilient communities. Your ideas, passion, and leadership are essential in shaping a sustainable water and sanitation sector.