Profile of Daniel Ng’ang’a: The Engineer Who Rose From Poverty to Lead MUWASCO
Share
Daniel Ng’ang’a has built a career around one central belief: water is more than a basic need-it is a sector where dedicated leadership can transform lives.
As the Managing Director of Murang’a Water & Sanitation Company Limited (MUWASCO), Ng’ang’a has spent more than 15 years working in the design, development and management of water and sanitation utilities across Kenya’s major towns.
His journey has taken him from a difficult childhood in Nakuru to leadership in Kenya’s water sector and, eventually, the global stage.
Daniel Ng’ang’a on Growing Up With Little
Ng’ang’a grew up in a crowded, muddy homestead in Nakuru as the sixth of 12 children in a polygamous family of 20.
Scarcity shaped his childhood, but it also taught him discipline, responsibility and perseverance.
From an early age, he developed a strong interest in mathematics and science. Those interests later guided him towards engineering and a career in the water sector.
His education was not handed to him. He had to work for it.
“I had to raise my own school fees,” he recalls.
The experience strengthened his entrepreneurial spirit and taught him to rely on determination when pursuing his goals.
Choosing Engineering
Ng’ang’a joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
He later expanded his education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development from ABMA in the UK.
He is registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and is a corporate member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
From Roads to Water
Ng’ang’a began his professional career in the road sector, where he contributed to major infrastructure projects, including Mbagathi Way. However, his passion remained firmly rooted in water.
In 2005, he joined Nyahururu Water as Technical Superintendent. The position allowed him to build his experience in the sector he had always wanted to serve.
It was also during this period that he faced a major career decision. Huawei offered him a job that would have increased his monthly income from Ksh28,000 to Ksh98,000.
Despite the significant financial difference, Ng’ang’a turned down the offer.“Sometimes quick money is not everything,” he says.
For him, the decision was about purpose rather than salary.“My heart was always in water,” he reflects.
Building Murang’a Water
In 2007, Ng’ang’a joined Murang’a Water as General Manager and took on the responsibility of helping establish the new utility.
The institution brought together staff from the Municipal Council, National Water and the Ministry of Water.
The different teams came with different cultures, loyalties and ways of working.
Ng’ang’a found an institution struggling with resistance to change and poor discipline.
“When I came in, the culture was bad,” he says. “There was resistance, fear of new systems and a lot of laziness.”
He responded by introducing daily meetings and stronger structures to bring employees together.
The approach gradually helped create a shared sense of purpose and improve the organisation’s operations.
Also Read: Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency Announces Job Vacancies
Expanding Sanitation Services
Five months after taking up his role, Ng’ang’a placed greater emphasis on sanitation.
He worked to expand sewer coverage while also creating new revenue streams for the utility.
Under his leadership, MUWASCO has also worked with the Water Sector Trust Fund to develop modern toilet facilities in formal and informal settlements.
The utility has advanced onsite sanitation while developing partnerships with exhauster and private-sector players.
Ng’ang’a believes water utilities must give sanitation greater attention if Kenya is to achieve its long-term development goals.
“With sewerage coverage still low, my advice to WSPs is to increase the budget for sanitation as we work toward actualizing Vision 2030,” he says.
Photo of MUWASCO Managing Director Daniel Ng’ang’a while addressing Maragua town residents on March 6,2026
PHOTO/WASPA
Also Read:Ministry of Water Opens Applications for 65 Internship Positions
Leading a Growing Utility
Today, MUWASCO operates under an 11-member Board of Directors and has 165 permanent employees.
The workforce operates through three main departments: Technical Services, Commercial Services, and Human Resources and Administration.
The structure supports the company’s mission of providing quality water and sanitation services to the community.Ng’ang’a’s leadership has also extended beyond MUWASCO.
He has served as emeritus Chairman of the Water Service Providers Association of Kenya (WASPA) and chairs Molo Technical and Vocational College, reflecting his interest in strengthening Kenya’s water sector and developing skills.
Taking Kenya’s Water Sector to the World
Ng’ang’a’s work has also earned him recognition beyond Kenya.He was selected to represent MUWASCO at the IWA World Water Congress in Toronto, Canada, held from August 11 to 15, 2024.
His participation came through the joint International Water Association (IWA) and NewIBNET Initiative for Data Pioneers.
The initiative focuses on benchmarking, data and collaboration, areas that Ng’ang’a sees as important in improving water and sanitation services.
His participation placed MUWASCO and Kenya’s water utilities on an international Platform.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates
Photo of MUWASCO Managing Director Daniel Ng’ang’a during a WASPA award ceremony
PHOTO/WASPA