About: K.E.Y. Engineering PLC

Our Story

Founded to Bridge the Gap in Ethiopia's Water Sector

K.E.Y. Engineering PLC was established in 2010 under Ethiopian law, founded by Sr. Selam Nigussie and Ato Gedlu Sima. The company was born out of a thorough assessment of the gaps and operational challenges facing drilling companies in Ethiopia.

It was built to close long-standing gaps in the drilling sector (aging rigs, frequent breakdowns, shortages of qualified crews, and limited on-site operational discipline) by combining reliable equipment, skilled teams, and disciplined long-hour drilling operations.

Over 15 years, K.E.Y. Engineering has completed 115+ contracts for government bureaus, international NGOs, and private industry across 8+ regions of Ethiopia, delivering reliable, professional services across the full water-supply value chain, from study and design through drilling, supply, and post-construction support.

Our Mission

To deliver dependable, professional, and sustainable water-supply and groundwater-development services that contribute to improved access to safe water and improved community health across Ethiopia.

Our Objectives

What We Strive to Achieve

Deliver dependable, professional services in the study, design, and drilling of deep and shallow wells.

Pair reliable equipment and skilled crews with disciplined, long-hour drilling operations.

Supply quality water-supply materials: casings, hand pumps, pipes, and fittings.

Support government, NGO, and private clients with tender-ready execution across Ethiopia.

A K.E.Y. Engineering drilling rig at work among the trees with drill rods laid out on site

Our Approach

Partnership-Driven Execution

K.E.Y. Engineering was built to address the bottlenecks that hold back Ethiopia's drilling sector: aging rigs, frequent breakdowns, shortages of qualified crews, and limited operational discipline.

We answer them with reliable equipment, skilled teams, and disciplined long-hour drilling operations, backed by strong working partnerships that keep modern rigs mobilized and projects moving from feasibility study to commissioned borehole.

Leadership

Meet Our Team

Kefele Mormora

General Manager

Kefele Mormora leads K.E.Y. Engineering, bringing more than three decades of management experience to the company's work in Ethiopia's water development and construction sector. An accounting graduate by training, he combines financial discipline with sound organizational management, supported by sustained leadership and management development throughout his career. He sets the company's strategic direction, oversees its most complex programs, and upholds the standards that underpin K.E.Y.'s record on government and institutional contracts.

Samuel Yohannes

Deputy Manager

Samuel Yohannes pairs an engineer's precision with a planner's discipline. Holding a BSc in Water Supply & Environmental Engineering and an MSc in Project Management & Planning, he ensures every contract is executed on schedule, on budget, and to specification. With over five years in the field, he plays a central role in translating project plans into delivered results and in maintaining the quality K.E.Y.'s clients expect.

Tewodros Shewangizaw

Operations Manager

Tewodros Shewangizaw directs day-to-day drilling operations at K.E.Y. Engineering. A hydrogeologist by training, with a BSc in the field and more than ten years of experience, he brings a deep understanding of Ethiopia's varied aquifer systems to every project. He coordinates the people and equipment behind each borehole, ensuring rigs are deployed where the water is, efficiently, reliably, and to standard.

Tariku Sima

Head of Finance

Tariku Sima brings financial rigor to a capital-intensive industry. With a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, an MBA, and more than five years of experience, he oversees the company's financial management with the transparency that institutional and government clients require. He keeps K.E.Y.'s finances tender-ready and well-governed, managing resources to support sustainable, long-term growth.

About K.E.Y. Engineering