Eric Murithi Mugaa is one of Kenya’s youngest Cabinet Secretaries, nominated by President William Ruto on 19th July 2024 to head the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation.
With a solid background in civil engineering and a wealth of experience in water resource management, Mugaa represents a new wave of young technocrats in the Kenyan government.
Early Life and Education
Eric Murithi Mugaa was born in the year 1989 at a place called Athi in Igembe South Constituency, Meru County. His father and mother are miraa farmers. He is the third born of six children, with one older brother, three younger sisters and one younger brother.
Primary Education: Mugaa began his educational journey at Athi Primary School, a public institution located a few meters from his home. He successfully sat for his KCPE examinations in 2005.
Secondary Education: From Athi Primary, Mugaa secured a place at Lenana School, a National School based in Nairobi. Despite financial challenges, he posted exemplary KCSE in 2009, securing university placement.
University Education: In 2010, Eric Mugaa joined the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Civil and Construction Engineering. His academic prowess shone in College, culminating in a first class honours upon graduation in 2016.
Postgraduate Education: While working at MIBP, Eric he developed a strong interest in the Water sector. In 2017, he enrolled for a Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering at the University of Nairobi, and graduated in the year 2022.
Career
Mugaa is a registered engineer with both the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
Early Ventures: Eric Mugaa taught briefly at Kirindine Secondary School in Igembe South before fully embarking on his engineering career. His decision to teach was sparked by his passion for education, and the desire to give back to the local community.
Intern at MIBP: After graduating, Eric embarked began his professional journey at Mangat I.B Patel (MIBP) Limited, a premier consulting firm in Kenya renowned for its extensive expertise and innovative projects in the infrastructure sector.
Experience in the Water Sector: At MIBP, Eric’s role allowed him to delve deeply into the Water sector, sparking a passion that would shape his career. MIBP has over 50 years of experience in the planning, design and management of the most complex infrastructure projects in Eastern Africa.
Roles at MIBP: At Mangat I.B. Patel Limited, Eric Mugaa worked on diverse projects ranging from multi-purpose dams, Municipal and Institutional Water and Waste Water Treatment Plants. His duties also involved Rural and Urban Water Supply Intake Structures, Distribution and Sewerage Systems and more. His involvement in these projects showcased his ability to manage and execute comprehensive engineering solutions that meet the demands of emerging economies in the region.
Career Progression: Throughout his tenure at MIBP, Eric’s career growth was marked by significant milestones. He progressed from an intern to a design engineer, and later an assistant test engineer. Additionally, in some projects, was assigned the role of assistant project engineer.
Engineering Career: Eric Mugaa’s career as an engineer spans eight years, during which he has garnered extensive experience in the operation and management of engineering projects. He has specialized in water hydraulic modelling, water network design, water treatment plants and water structures.
Project Engineer: Until his nomination, Mugaa served as a project engineer at Kilifi Mariakani Water and Sewerage Company Limited (KIMAWASCO) in Kilifi County. His role involved the design and review of water sanitation works.
Water Cabinet Secretary: Eric Murithi Mugaa was nominated as a Cabinet Secretary following the dismissal of President Ruto’s first cabinet in July 2024. If approved by Parliament, he will be the youngest cabinet secretary in the Kenya Kwanza government.
Family
During the vetting in Parliament, Mugaa disclosed that he is married. However, details about his family are not widely publicized. Kenyans expect to see photos of Eric Mugaa’s wife and children soon.
However, his roots in the farming community of Meru have influenced his personal and professional choices, especially his investment strategies.
Net Worth
Eric Mugaa’s wealth is predominantly tied to his investments in agriculture. During his vetting by Parliament’s Committee on Appointments, Eric declared his net worth to be Ksh31 million.
His wealth primarily consists of investments in farming and land, reflecting his upbringing in a region known for agricultural activities.
Notably, Mugaa does not own a car, prioritizing investments over personal luxury. He grows crops like tea, coffee, bananas and miraa on his several parcels of land.
Achievements
- Nominated as Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation at the age of 32.
- Accumulated eight years of experience in water resource management and engineering.
- Successfully held the position of project engineer at KIMAWASCO, overseeing critical water sanitation projects.
- Registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
- Achieved academic excellence, topping his class in undergraduate studies at the University of Nairobi and earning a Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering.
Controversies
Rich but ‘Walking’: Prior to his nomination to cabinet, Eric Murithi Mugaa has maintained a relatively controversy-free public profile. However, during his vetting process, he faced questions regarding his lack of a personal vehicle despite his significant net worth. Eric’s priorities in land and farming over luxury items like cars came as a shock to the MPs in the vetting panel and members of the public.
The author is a Digital Strategist and Content Creator at Innovage Kenya. He occasionally writes on matters Technology and Politics.
