Mr. Barnabas wathiai mugo

Position: Assistant Lecturer
Department: Basic Sciences
Faculty: Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Barnabas Wathiai Mugo is a Kenyan water engineer, hydrologist, and academic specializing in water resources management, irrigation, and environmental engineering. He holds an MSc in Water Science and Engineering from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and a BSc in Water and Environmental Engineering from Egerton University. He is a registered engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya and a member of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Lecturer at Tharaka University, where he also heads the Water and Irrigation section, contributing to teaching, research, and curriculum development. Barnabas has extensive field experience, having led and participated in water resource mapping, irrigation development, and water utility projects across several Kenyan counties. His expertise includes hydrogeology, GIS mapping, water quality analysis, and hydraulic design. He has also held roles in major irrigation and dam construction projects, strengthening his technical and project management skills. With additional training in GIS and modern teaching approaches, he combines academic knowledge with practical experience to advance sustainable water management solutions in Kenya.

Research Interests/Focus

  • Barnabas Wathiai Mugo’s research focuses on sustainable water resources management, with particular emphasis on hydrology and water systems in developing regions. His work explores groundwater dynamics, aquifer sustainability, and the interaction between surface and groundwater. He is also interested in irrigation engineering, especially the design of efficient and climate-resilient systems suited for arid and semi-arid areas, alongside hydrogeological investigations such as borehole siting, groundwater assessment, and sustainable abstraction. In addition, his research covers water quality management, including pollution control and ensuring safe water supply for communities. He applies tools such as GIS and remote sensing in water resource mapping and planning, while also promoting community-based water governance through stakeholder engagement and capacity building. His broader interests include water infrastructure development, maintenance of hydraulic systems, and integrating renewable energy solutions like solar-powered water systems, all aimed at improving water security and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Egerton University (2006-2011) BSc. Water and Environmental Engineering IHE-Delft, The Netherlands (2017-2019) MSc. Water Science and Engineering, specialized in Hydrology and Water Resources