Eng. Sammy Mburu who was the Acting Chief Executive Officer at the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) passed away on February 10th 2020. He was 57 years old. Family, friends, neighbors and colleagues described him as a visionary and ambitious leader who inspired many especially in the water sector. Eng. Mburu was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Ol’Kalou, Nyandarua County on 20th February 2020.
The Principal Secretary in Ministry of Water and Sanitation & Irrigation Mr. Joseph Irungu described Eng. Mburu as a great friend. Mr. Irungu said Eng. Mburu had great ambitions of leadership and his sudden death was a big blow to the water sector. The PS added that Eng. Mburu was firm in his decisions an attribute that saw him rise in his career as an engineer over the years. He had worked in various institutions before joining Lake Victoria South Water Work Development Agency (LVWWDA) as a Chief Technical Manager and later the Acting Chief Executive Officer at NWHSA. The PS concluded that Eng. Mburu had contributed immensely to the water sector and his loss will be felt in the sector.
NWHSA’s Board Chairman Dr. David Nkedianye delivered a message of condolence on behalf of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Authority. In his message, the Chairman said that the Authority had learnt with profound sorrow the demise of Eng. Mburu and NWHSA fraternity was deeply saddened by the untimely loss.
“I offer our deepest condolences and sympathy on the passing on of our former Chief Executive Officer Eng. Sammy Mburu. We received the news of his sudden demise with shock and pain. We therefore join family and friends in mourning him and pray that God will comfort you in this time of grief. As our former Chief Executive Officer, he was part of the greater NWHSA family.” Dr. Nkedianye said.
Eng. Mburu joined the Authority at the end of June 2018 as the Acting Chief Executive Officer. He served in the same position till November 2019. During his short stay as the Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Mburu spearheaded many projects that included both ongoing and new projects in flood control, small dams and pans bore-hole drilling and large dams.
Eng. Mburu brought to National Water his rich experience of over 30 years in the water sector, part of which he was the Chief Manager, Technical Services at the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency. In his career, he had experience of working with donors and this was a great honor for National Water to have such a person as the Chief Executive Officer. We are grateful for all he did during this period.
We remember him for his professionalism at work. Being a qualified engineer, he paid attention to details of technical works on projects.
He ensured that procedures were followed to the letter. He demanded for accountability from officers handling various tasks. In some cases he even joined inspection teams personally to ensure work met the standards of construction. We honor his legacy and mourn his loss alongside his family, friends, and the people of Nyandarua.
The Board Chairman’s message was read by Director Gitau.
The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) also sent a message of condolence through NWHSA. The Message was read by Director Gitau and handed over to Eng. Mburu’s family. EBK described Eng. Mburu as a hardworking, diligent and professional member who had been in the profession for over 30 years.
The funeral was attended by family, friends, colleagues, area leadership and administration, Chief Executive officers, Board of Directors, and Board Chairpersons from the water sector institutions. Also in attendance were members of the Engineers Board of Kenya, management and staff from Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVWWDA) and National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA).
May his Soul Rest in Peace.