At 32 years of age, Eric Mugaa Murithi became the youngest Cabinet Secretary in President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
An engineer by training, Mugaa has made inspections of water and irrigation projects a visible part of his tenure, with several visits featuring pointed questions to engineers and contractors about the quality, progress and operation of projects under his ministry.
In some of those inspections, the questions have gone beyond general updates. Muuga has challenged technical explanations, questioned contractors over timelines and, in some cases, identified specific shortcomings in the works being implemented.
Here are five instances that illustrate that approach:
K’obong’o Irrigation Project - Nyando, Kisumu County
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On 26 February 2026, Mugaa broke ground for the K’obong’o Irrigation Project in Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County.
The project is intended to irrigate 1,000 acres and benefit 240 households. Its works include rehabilitation of the intake, installation of new pumps and development of a water-distribution network.
During the launch, Mugaa engaged the site's engineers over conflicting information about the pumps. He asked how many pumps were installed, how many were operational, how many were being installed and how many were undergoing rehabilitation.
The exchange centred on the difference between the number of pumps the engineers said were available and the number Mugaa understood to be operational.
When one of the engineers indicated that there were three pumps, Mugaa challenged the figure and sought clarification on the status of the additional pumps.
Chemususu Water Project - Baringo County
On 5 February 2026, the Water CS inspected works associated with the Chemususu Water Project and the transfer of bulk water to Nakuru County.
During the inspection, he focused on the installation of a heavy valve. Mugaa asked engineers why the valve had been installed without the supporting stool required to carry its weight.
The engineers explained that ladders had been used in place of the support. Mugaa rejected that arrangement and continued questioning how the valve would be properly supported.
He also asked about the absence of a speedo, which is used to operate the valve, and questioned whether the arrangement complied with the project specifications.
Mugaa then turned his attention to the valve chamber, where he pointed out uneven formwork and sections of weak or crumbling finishing. He questioned the engineers about the workmanship and said the defects would have to be addressed.
The CS told the contractors and consultants that temporary works should also comply with professional standards and directed that the work be done properly or redone.
Oyugis Water Supply Project - Homa Bay County
On 19 August 2026, Mugaa inspected the Oyugis Water Supply Project in Homa Bay County alongside Governor Gladys Wanga.
At the treatment plant, he questioned the technical team about the operation and maintenance of the filtration system. He focused particularly on the sand filters and asked whether the sand had ever been replaced since the plant was commissioned.
Mugaa said the filters appeared clogged and questioned their ability to effectively treat water. He also asked about the number of filters at the facility and raised questions about the backwashing and maintenance of the system.
He further questioned the management of the treatment process during periods of high turbidity, including the quantities of chemicals being used to treat the water.
During the exchange, Mugaa directed attention to the technical team and said the plant required an experienced operator. He also called on Engineer Paul Agwanda, a Senior Manager, Water Works and Services at the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, to provide technical support. He recommended that a qualified engineer spend time at the facility to train the operators.
Nyamanche Water Project - Migori County
At the Nyamanche Water Project in Migori County, Mugaa confronted a contractor after identifying what was described as shoddy work during his inspection.
The Water CS questioned the contractor over the state of the works and cited what he termed as poor workmanship observed during the inspection.
He sought to establish how locals would receive value for money if the project is not properly done.
Moi’s Bridge–Matunda Water Supply Project - Uasin Gishu County
In January 2025, Mugaa inspected the Moi’s Bridge–Matunda Water Supply Project in Uasin Gishu County and raised concerns about the implementation of the project.
The project was officially launched by President William Ruto on 9 January 2025. It was intended to improve water supply and sanitation services in Moi’s Bridge, Matunda and surrounding areas.
During his inspection, he put contractors on notice over delays and called on consultants supervising the works to ensure that contractors complied with their contractual timelines.
Despite his age, CS Mugaa has demonstrated a strong grasp of the technical aspects of projects under his docket, often questioning engineers and contractors on equipment, workmanship and specifications.
His attention to technical detail has enabled him to spot and challenge shortcomings on site, with his candid exchanges during inspections gaining traction online and endearing him to many Kenyans.
