Chief Executive Officer

Tana Water Works Development Agency (TWWDA), established under the Water Act 2016 via Legal Notice No. 28 of 26th April 2019, is one of nine Water Works Development Agencies operating under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation (MOWSI). The Agency is mandated to develop, manage, and maintain national public water works within its jurisdiction, serving communities across the Tana region.

TWWDA seeks to recruit a highly competent, results-driven, and visionary leader to serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — Grade TWWDA 1. Based in Nyeri, the CEO will be the Agency's Accounting and Authorised Officer, accountable to the Board of Directors for strategic implementation, resource management, and day-to-day operational leadership. This is a contract appointment for three (3) years, renewable once subject to satisfactory performance and prevailing Government policy.

• Coordinate the development, maintenance, and management of national public water works within TWWDA's area of jurisdiction.
• Oversee the operation of waterworks and provision of water services as a water service provider until responsibility is formally transferred to county governments or licensed water service providers.
• Spearhead provision of reserve capacity for water services where a defaulting water service provider has been ordered by the Regulatory Board to transfer functions to another licensee.
• Coordinate provision of technical services and capacity building to county governments and water service providers within TWWDA's service area.
• Provide technical support to the Cabinet Secretary in the discharge of constitutional and statutory functions.
• Ensure maintenance of efficiency, discipline, and accountability across all Agency staff.
• Exercise leadership and managerial oversight over the Board's core mandate and operational functions.
• Provide general oversight of all TWWDA activities, managing day-to-day operations and ensuring organisational efficiency.
• Lead the development of Agency programmes and ensure quality delivery through implementation of standards, controls, systems, and performance management frameworks.
• Cultivate and maintain effective partnerships with national and county government organs, international organisations, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Drive financial sustainability, prudent resource allocation, and compliance with public finance management regulations.
• Prepare and present performance reports, strategic plans, and board papers to the Board of Directors.

• Demonstrate a minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years at senior management level in the water sector, public utilities, or a related engineering environment.
• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related technical field from a recognised university; a postgraduate qualification in management, public administration, or a related discipline is an added advantage.
• Show proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and drive organisational transformation in a public sector or parastatal setting.
• Demonstrate capacity to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with national water policy and Vision 2030 development goals.
• Exhibit strong financial acumen, including experience overseeing budgets, audits, and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act.
• Demonstrate experience engaging and reporting to a Board of Directors or equivalent governance structure.
• Show ability to build and manage partnerships with county governments, regulators, development partners, and international agencies.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of the Water Act 2016, relevant legal frameworks, and the regulatory environment governing water services in Kenya.
• Be registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) or relevant professional body as applicable.
• Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity.

The CEO position is graded at TWWDA 1, the highest job grade within the Agency. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with Government parastatal executive pay scales. Estimated monthly remuneration ranges from KES 400,000 to KES 600,000, inclusive of basic salary and applicable allowances, subject to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines for State Corporations. The role is offered on a three-year renewable contract.

This role is ideal for a seasoned engineering or water sector executive with a demonstrated track record of leading public institutions, managing regulatory relationships, and delivering infrastructure programmes at scale. The ideal candidate combines technical depth in water engineering with strong governance, financial management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities. Candidates who thrive in complex, policy-driven environments and are passionate about universal access to water will be well suited.

This role is NOT suitable for candidates without senior leadership experience in the water, utilities, or public infrastructure sector, those who do not meet Chapter Six constitutional requirements, or those seeking a purely administrative role without technical grounding.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications referencing Ref: TWWDA/LEG/10/CONF/135/VOL I (6). Applications must include a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, national identification, and clearance certificates from relevant authorities (KRA, HELB, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Credit Reference Bureau, and Certificate of Good Conduct from the DCI). Submit your application to the Board Chairperson, Tana Water Works Development Agency, through the official address provided in the original notice. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.