Amisi, who was among the MPs in the National Assembly Appointments Committee, told Mugaa that he was on the verge of representing the young people of Kenya
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi on Friday, August 2 cautioned Water Cabinet Secretary nominee Eric Muriithi Mugaa regarding the responsibilities that await him in President William Ruto’s Cabinet and the impact it could have on the Kenyan youth’s quest for leadership in national positions.
Amisi, who was among the MPs in the National Assembly Appointments Committee, told Mugaa that he was on the verge of representing the young people of Kenya, including the Gen Z whose nationwide protests prompted the Head of State to institute radical changes in his government in line with their demands.
The lawmaker thus noted that Mugaa’s performance would determine to Kenyans if young people can take up positions of national concern, adding that any failure would risk a generalization that the youth are not yet ready to take over leadership positions in Kenya.
“I understood that you said you’re 32 years of age so in the demographic bracket, that puts you at the millennial bracket…so you are as close as the Gen Zs can come to and that puts you like a controlled experiment in the management of the nation…a point whereby if you succeed, the young people feel that yes, we can do it because one of our own did it,” Amisi remarked.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation CS nominee Mugaa Muriithi Eric during vetting at the National Assembly on August 2, 2024. /PARLIAMENT KENYA
“If you fail, that will be the end of the young people’s agitation in this country because you will give a map that even if you were given a responsibility, one of your own was there and this is what he did. You understand that’s a very very important decision that you’re going in and that marks my question, what i this managerial experience that you’re bringing to the Ministry that you’re going in?”
In response, Mugaa stated “I will put it to this House that I could be young of age but I truly understand the responsibility…,” before National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula cut him short.
Educational Background
Eric Mugaa holds a master’s degree in civil engineering (Water Resources) with a specialisation in Water Resources from the University of Nairobi [2018-2022].
Muriithi also has a bachelor’s degree in civil and construction engineering [First Class Honours] from The University of Nairobi [2011-2016].Â
Furthermore, the Water CS nominee is an alumnus of Lenana School. He went to a primary school in Maua in Meru County.
Professional Career of Eric Mugaa
Muriithi is a Civil Engineer and a water resource enthusiast with over eight years’ experience in Operations and Management of Engineering Projects. He also has experience in water hydraulic modelling, water network design, water treatment plants and water structures.
He is a registered engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
Until his nomination, Muriithi was an Assistant project engineer at Kilifi Mariakani Water and Sewerage Company Limited (KIMAWASCO) where he was involved in the design and review of water sanitation works.
According to his CV, Mugaa was the design engineer in the Kenya Towns Sustainable Town Water Supply and Sanitation Program. He has also taken part in last-mile connectivity works for Narok: Kabarnet and Marigat Towns and Kabartonjo and Chemolingon Urban Centres.
Muriithi also served as an assistant engineer during the Feasibility Study & Preparation of the Water Supply master plan for Murang’a County in 2019.
Between 2018 July and March 2019, he was a design engineer during the Preparation of Detailed Design, ESIA/RAP and Tender Documents for Water Distribution Works for Mombasa and 3 Water Service Providers.
In his early years, Muriithi worked as a volunteer teacher at Kirindine Day Secondary School-Meru County between May 2010 and July 2011 before starting his practice as an engineer.
At the time, Muriithi was tasked with the responsibility of teaching and tutoring students on subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Business Studies and Geography.
He also had a stint with the Kenya Red Cross Society – UoN Chapter 2015 focusing on activities including offering basic first AID services during local events and participating in voluntary Street cleaning around Nairobi.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation CS nominee Mugaa Muriithi Eric. /FILE
“This experience does not mean that professionals in the Ministry don’t have it. I understand that the Ministry is not short of professionals and it is not short of policy. All I bring to the Ministry, if approved by this House, is the ethos of the private sector of accountability, transparency as people have rightfully asked and also, I’m a wide consultative person,” Mugaa defended.
“I’m a quick study and I’ve worked with different stakeholders, down from water service providers and water works development agencies.”
During the vetting, Wetangula told Mugaa that in the event he is approved for appointment, the nominee would be tasked with discharging the responsibilities of a Cabinet Secretary, meaning he will be mandated to serve Kenyans of all ages; the young, the middle-aged, the old, the very old, without fear or favour.
Mugaa concluded by disclosing his net worth of Ksh31 million, the least of all the vetted CS nominees so far, comprising lands, tea, miraa and coffee farming.Â
When asked if he owns a car, Muuga said he does not own a car, unlike the nominees who came before him.Â