Joseph Kamau: The man behind Kenya’s water infrastructure

He has built major dams and collector tunnels, and implemented mega-projects like the Nairobi River Sewerage Improvement and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure such as Sasumua Dam, which contributes to Nairobi's water supply. Good, honest engineering work.

Yet the good engineer brings a somber weight to the conversation, marked by soundless reflection and deep pauses, filled with unspoken yearnings and mystery. "I'm not a contemplative man," he insists, but doesn't elaborate on what kind of man he is. However, he eventually reveals what the boy within him seeks.

Tell me about your life's key highlights so far.

One highlight was being admitted to civil engineering school at the University of Nairobi in 1990. I grew up in Gatundu South; my father was an agricultural officer, and my mother was a homemaker.

He used to tell us that the future was in science, which put me on that path. I became interested in pursuing science-based subjects and did well.

I eventually attended Nakuru High School, where I studied mathematics, physics, and chemistry, paving the way for my later studies in civil engineering.

Another highlight was joining the Ministry of Water in 1995, which shaped my professional career. Joining Athi River Water in 2005 was also a key highlight.

Being appointed CEO of Athi River Water was another. On a personal note, I got married and have two children, who are now 19 and 18 years old. 

Which have been your biggest storms in life?

[Pause] I can't think of any significant storms, to be honest. It's been a fairly balanced life. My parents are still alive, my children are healthy and thriving, and work is as okay as it can get. Life has presented the challenges it should, none worse than the next person's. [Pause] I honestly can't say I've experienced a major storm.

Do you drink water from the taps in your house?

Yes.

Really? That's hard to believe.

I understand. It’s a marketing tactic that has led us to believe that bottled water is safer than tap water. While bottled water offers convenience with dispensers and portability, our public water systems are generally reliable. Tap water is of good quality, and most people use it for cooking.

Is there anything you would want to be forgiven for?

Forgiven for?

Yeah.

By whom?

Anyone you think you owe an apology.

Kenyans' expectations regarding water supply and sanitation are huge, and while I endeavour daily to meet them, I feel I haven't managed. I don't know who should forgive me for that. I also haven't done a master's in engineering; I have a Master of Science in environmental planning and management.

I'd like to forgive myself for that. I don't I need forgiveness from my parents; we're on good terms, as I am with my siblings and close relatives. I think I've treated them well.

What about your children?

Maybe. [Pause] I’ve provided for them but didn’t participate in their school functions as much as I should have. I didn’t drop them off or pick them up from school as much as I should have.

Do you think you've fared better than your father in parenting?

My dad was more committed to us than I have been. You could see a lot of commitment and purpose in everything he did, not just in parenting but in all aspects of his life.

Whatever he chose to do, he'd give it his all. He was more available to his children, even in a rural setting. Sometimes I'm at home, sometimes I'm away at work. And even when I'm at home... So, I wish I could reach that level of commitment. My dad was very approachable. My mom was the strict one; she still is in her 80s. My wife is the strict one now.

Which decades of your life had the greatest lessons?

I’m 55 years old now, and I learned some of my most important lessons in my 40s, both in my career and personal life. Those years helped set the course for my future. Professionally, my 40s were very active.

During that time, I worked on various initiatives, including the bulk water system for Nairobi and the significant sewage expansion for the Nairobi metropolitan region, as well as the construction of dams.

My children were also growing up during this period. I became a CEO in my 50s, which shifted my role from engineering to administration and stakeholder engagement. It’s a different experience now.

What does the small boy in you want now? Forget the man.

[Laughs] The small boy. What does he want? [Long pause] He wants to work out, to be physically healthy. That's something I wish to achieve. The small boy would have liked to acquire a good vehicle. Maybe in the future. [Pause] A good vehicle would be good.

I haven't hacked the physical exercise . [Pause] The small boy wishes to travel more. I used to enjoy that, not now. [Pause] Not much. [Pause] I thought by this time I'd have a good consulting firm. It hasn't happened, even though I'm a consulting engineer. [Long pause]

Are you generally a contemplative man?

Contemplative?

Yes, you have these long pauses; what goes through your mind when you pause? You seem to be searching inside.

No, no, I'm not contemplative.

Why can't the boy inside you exercise?

[Pause] I've scheduled it for two years now, and it just escapes me.

You're busy?

Or maybe I'm just lazy to start.

You mentioned twice that you want a good vehicle. What is a good vehicle, according to this boy?

A good vehicle is like a four-wheeler... a Prado would work.

A V8?

The other one. The TX.

That's what the boy in you wants?

Yes. [Pause] Maybe I'm too busy with other things, school fees and things.

You've been too busy to buy it or to engage with other things, school fees and things?

Maybe.

What do you dream of now?

I dream of supporting my community through various forms of community service, where my impact can truly be felt. I have six years until retirement, and perhaps then I will have more time to dedicate to community service.

I might also spend more time in my rural home, which isn’t far from my parents, and enjoy more moments with them, should God grant them a longer life. I still visit the village from time to time.

What do you talk to your mom about mostly? What is she curious about regarding your life?

[Chuckles] My mom? [Pause] I think she... We talk about general interests. She often asks how I've been, and we discuss her cows and the charities she is involved in.

We also talk about farming. She inquires about my siblings, asking how they are doing and whether I've spoken to them. These are very unlikely questions you ask... we're lucky we still have them [parents]; they remain our north stars.

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