Managing Director

Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MOWASSCO) is seeking a visionary and results-driven Managing Director to lead the organisation in delivering reliable, equitable, and sustainable water and sanitation services to the residents of Mombasa County. Reporting directly to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, this is a senior executive role that carries full accountability for the company's strategic direction, operational performance, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement.

The successful candidate will translate Board and shareholder mandates into executable business strategies, champion good governance, and inspire a high-performing workforce committed to public service excellence. This is a five-year contract appointment offering a rare opportunity to shape the future of water infrastructure and service delivery in one of Kenya's most dynamic coastal cities.

• Provide strategic leadership by defining and championing the company's vision, mission, and long-term strategic objectives in alignment with Board directives.
• Develop, communicate, and oversee the implementation of annual business plans, operational strategies, and performance frameworks to meet organisational goals.
• Ensure full compliance with the Water Act, environmental regulations, government policies, and any other applicable legislation governing water service providers in Kenya.
• Manage the company's financial resources including annual budgeting, financial planning, reporting, and analysis, ensuring transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead stakeholder engagement initiatives — including government ministries, county government, regulators, development partners, and the public — to align operations with community needs and expectations.
• Oversee human resource management functions to build a competent, motivated, and diverse workforce while fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Champion good corporate governance, ensure ethical conduct across all levels, and uphold best practices in the water service industry.
• Drive innovation in service delivery, technology adoption, and process improvement to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Develop and implement enterprise risk management strategies, business continuity plans, and emergency response frameworks.
• Serve as the primary link between the management team and the Board of Directors, providing timely updates on operational performance, financial results, and strategic matters, and implementing Board resolutions effectively.

• Must demonstrate proven ability to lead large, complex organisations at a senior executive level, ideally within the utilities, water, or public sector environment.
• Must be able to design and execute multi-year corporate strategies that deliver measurable service delivery and financial outcomes.
• Must have hands-on experience managing multimillion-shilling budgets, overseeing financial reporting, and driving fiscal discipline in a regulated environment.
• Must demonstrate capability to engage effectively with government authorities, county administrations, regulatory bodies, and donor agencies.
• Must possess strong people leadership skills — able to build, mentor, and retain high-calibre teams while embedding a performance and accountability culture.
• Must have a working knowledge of water sector regulations, WASREB guidelines, and the Water Act 2016 or equivalent regulatory frameworks.
• Must be able to identify, assess, and mitigate enterprise-level risks while leading crisis response effectively.
• Must hold a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive professional experience, with at least five (5) years at senior management or executive level.
• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Development Studies, Civil/Mechanical/Water Engineering, Finance, or Accounting from a recognised institution.
• A Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline or Business Administration/Management is required.
• Must be registered with a relevant professional body (e.g., Engineers Board of Kenya, ICPAK, or equivalent).

MOWASSCO offers a competitive executive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority of this role. The estimated monthly gross salary for this position ranges from KES 500,000 to KES 800,000, subject to qualifications, experience, and the company's approved salary structure. The package is expected to include a performance-linked component, and the appointment is on a five-year renewable contract basis.

Ideal Candidate: A seasoned executive with a strong track record in utility management, public sector leadership, or water and sanitation services. You are a strategic thinker who can balance commercial imperatives with public interest obligations, communicate confidently at Board level, and inspire teams to deliver excellence under pressure. Experience working within a regulated Kenyan utility or parastatal environment will be a distinct advantage.

Do NOT apply if: You have less than fifteen years of progressive experience, lack senior management exposure, are unable to demonstrate direct experience overseeing large operational budgets and teams, or do not meet the minimum academic and professional registration requirements.

• Prepare a detailed and updated CV highlighting your academic qualifications, professional registration, and career progression.
• Write a cover letter addressed to the Chairperson, Board of Directors, MOWASSCO, clearly articulating your suitability for the role and your vision for the company.
• Attach certified copies of your academic and professional certificates.
• Submit your application through MOWASSCO's official recruitment portal or as directed in the original advertisement on the company's website at www.mowassco.com.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.