Why Kenyans are praising Water CS Mugaa over project inspections

A video of Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa publicly examining the operational state of the Oyugis Water Supply Project in Homa Bay County has gone viral online, with Kenyans noting his detailed technical remarks during the visit.

During a joint inspection conducted alongside Governor Gladys Wanga, CS Mugaa highlighted several issues at the facility and shared observations on its current condition. The visit formed part of the launch of the Oyugis and Kendu Bay Last Mile Connectivity under the Intergovernmental Coordination Framework.

Mugaa identified concerns in the water treatment process. He told those present that the sand filters had become clogged and were not cleaning water effectively. He noted that the filters had not had their sand replaced since the plant was first commissioned.

"This is clogged. It can't filter anything," Mugaa said, directing his remarks at the engineers present. He added that water filtered at one stage risked contamination further down the system.

The CS also commented on management during wet weather, saying the quantities of chemicals being added did not always match turbidity levels when it rained. "This is dead. They've never changed the sand. Have you ever changed the sand since the installation? Engineer, this is wrong. Any engineer will tell you this is wrong," he said.

Mugaa advised bringing in a more experienced operator. "How many filters are there? These filters have a problem, and it has been barely two years. Governor, get an experienced operator. I'm telling you, you will kill this. This is dead; you see, this thing has never been backwashed. They have never changed the sand since it was commissioned," he said.

He called on a technical official named Agwanda to provide hands-on support and recommended a qualified engineer spend time on-site training the team.

Governor Wanga, who was present throughout the inspection, questioned members of her team about the facility's performance. She later noted the risk of losing significant water volumes if issues persisted. Mugaa said he would not ignore what he had observed on the ground.

The exchange drew online comment. Kenyans highlighted his knowledge of the field and reviewed his academic credentials. His background includes skills in water and wastewater design, construction, AutoCAD Civil 3D, EPANET and KY PIPE hydraulic modelling, plus a Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Nairobi.

He holds a first-class honours bachelor’s degree in civil and construction engineering from the same university and is a registered professional engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).

Similar interventions have appeared at other sites. In Baringo, during an inspection linked to the Chemususu water works and bulk transfer to Nakuru, Mugaa flagged workmanship issues.

He questioned a heavy valve mounted without a supporting stool and left suspended on a pipe, plus a crumbling chamber and missing operational fittings. He told contractors and consultants that works must meet professional standards to ensure durability.

At the Kitui Matuu last-mile water supply project, valued at roughly KSh 811 million, Mugaa warned against rogue contractors carrying out shoddy works. He noted the first contractor had failed, leading to termination proceedings, and stressed that the ministry would not tolerate substandard work that fails to deliver value for money or lasting service.

In another recorded exchange on an irrigation project, he confronted a contractor over claimed timelines for a 400-metre section, questioning equipment capacity and progress figures that did not match the remaining period. He pressed for realistic delivery without further extensions.

These moments, combined with the Oyugis clips, have fuelled the online view that Mugaa brings practical engineering experience to the role. The pattern of on-site engagement with operators and contractors continues to shape public comment on his approach to water and sanitation delivery.