Legal and Compliance Officer

About the role

Malindi Water and Sanitation Company (MAWASCO), a public water utility wholly owned by the County Government of Kilifi and regulated by WASREB, is recruiting a Legal and Compliance Officer in Malindi. The role advises management and the Board on legal matters, ensures compliance with laws and regulations, and oversees contracts and regulatory reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to management, departments and the Board on operational and strategic matters.
• Ensure compliance with the Water Act 2016, EMCA 1999, PPADA 2015, OSHA 2007, PFMA 2012, Data Protection Act 2019, Mwongozo Code of Governance and county sanitation bylaws.
• Draft, review and interpret contracts, MoUs, consultant and supplier agreements, including those on desludging, wastewater treatment, infrastructure works and reuse products.
• Oversee compliance with WASREB guidelines, license conditions, quality-of-service requirements and reporting obligations.
• Coordinate litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution with external counsel and prepare legal briefs, affidavits and statements.
• Support procurement and contract management in line with PPADA and internal procedures.
• Develop compliance frameworks, monitoring tools and internal policies, and run compliance audits, follow-ups and risk assessments.
• Maintain statutory registers, licenses, permits and contracts, and submit statutory reports to WASREB, NEMA, DOSHS and County authorities.
• Support land acquisition, wayleave and right-of-way matters, and sensitize staff on legal obligations and regulatory changes.

Required profile

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognised institution and a postgraduate diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law.
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in legal practice, regulatory compliance, public sector, utilities, environmental management or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience in contracts drafting, regulatory compliance and litigation management.
• Familiarity with the water sector regulatory environment is an added advantage.

Required skills

• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet strict deadlines.

Applications are made online through the company's career page, with a CV, academic and professional certificates, a copy of the National Identity Card and other testimonials, sent in a sealed envelope marked with the position and advertisement number. The deadline is 31 August 2026.