Dr. Gathuru Mburu

Executive Profile

A distinguished leader in the global energy and extractive sectors with a specialized focus on Energy, Mining, and Water Sectors. Proven track record in high-stakes project leadership, including serving as Chairman of the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) Kenya Bid Committee, promoting Kenya& Africa’s position as a global geothermal hub. Currently serving as the CEO of Kipya Africa, with deep technical expertise in drilling operations, occupational safety, and financial strategy to drive sustainable industrial growth across Africa.

Core Competencies

• Energy Leadership: Geothermal exploration, Mine development, Water resources.
• Industrial Expertise: Compressed air for drilling (high pressure), Extractives operations.
• Strategic Advisory: Advisor to Tier-1 global firms (Atlas Copco, Base Titanium, Doshi Group).
• Compliance & Safety: Expert in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and ESG frameworks.
• Financial Acumen: Advanced Finance Certifications & P&L Management for multi-national entities.

Professional Experience

CEO | Kipya Africa

Nairobi, Kenya | [2012 to Present]

• Spearheading strategic growth in energy and mining services across the East African region.
• Consulting on large-scale infrastructure projects involving geothermal drilling and water resource management.
• Bridging the gap between technical execution and financial feasibility for extractive industries.

Advisor | Atlas Copco, Base Titanium, Doshi Group

Africa [2018 to Present]

• Providing high-level strategic guidance to Boards of Directors and Management.

Global Leadership Role | Atlas Copco

Belgium & USA [2003 to2012]

Specialization: Compressed Air for Geothermal Drilling

• Global Vice President for Atlas Copco Rental Division based in Houston, USA
• Global Product Manager for Atlas Copco Compressors based in Antwerp, Belgium
• Engineered and directed the deployment of high-pressure compressed air solutions for geothermal fields globally.
• Optimized drilling performance in the geothermal fields through innovative air-drilling techniques.
• Managed cross-functional global teams to deliver bespoke engineering solutions for the geothermal sector.

Academic Credentials

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) |University of Aberdeen, UK
• Corporate Finance Certifications | Cambridge University, UK
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) – Mechanical | University of Aberdeen, UK

Academic Appointments

• Visiting Lecturer | Strathmore University, Kenya
  • Delivering specialized modules in Energy and Extractive Sectors.

Professional Affiliations & Certifications

Current

• Director: Geothermal Association of Kenya (GAK) and Chairman of the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) 2029 Local Organising Committee 
• Director: Coppercrest School, Kenya
• Certified: Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Lead Auditor.
• Lead Trainer: Compressed Air Systems for Geothermal Applications.

Previous: 

[2016 to 2021]

Director: Mineral Rights Board, Ministry of Mining, Kenya