Water bills rise in five counties
Water consumers in five Kenyan counties are set to pay higher bills after the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) approved revised tariffs for several water and sanitation companies.
In Kirinyaga County, customers of Kirinyaga County Water and Sanitation PLC (KICOWASCO) using between one and six cubic metres of water per month will pay Ksh80 per unit. The rate will gradually increase, reaching Ksh145 per cubic metre for customers consuming more than 300 cubic metres monthly.
WASREB said the tariff review followed applications from the affected water utilities, as well as consideration of submissions from stakeholders and available performance data.
“Having considered the application, the written and oral submissions by all stakeholders and the current data, WASREB has determined that an upward tariff review is justified,” the regulator said.
The board said the adjustments are intended to enable water companies to improve service delivery, maintain financially sustainable operations and protect consumer interests.
In Mandera County, customers of Takaba Water and Sewerage Company Limited (TAWASCO) will face some of the highest domestic charges among the affected utilities. Rates will start at Ksh180 and rise to Ksh312 for high-volume consumers, despite the county government continuing to provide annual financial support to the utility.
In Kiambu, KIAWASCO customers will pay Ksh91 for the first six cubic metres, with the tariff rising progressively to Ksh160 for consumption exceeding 300 cubic metres.
Meanwhile, Homa Bay County Water and Sanitation Company (HOMAWASCO) has received approval for a 4.46 per cent tariff increase for the 2026/2027 billing year.
Nyeri’s Tetu Aberdare Water and Sanitation Company (TEAWASCO) will implement a 4.37 per cent increase following a review of its operational performance.
The revised tariffs will also affect sewerage charges in most of the counties, with fees generally linked to 75 per cent of a customer’s metered water consumption.
WASREB warned that water utilities that fail to implement or comply with the approved tariffs could face regulatory sanctions under the Water Act and the Public Finance Management Act, including suspension or cancellation of their operating licences.
The new tariffs will take effect one month after publication of the respective notices, meaning consumers in the affected counties should expect the revised charges on upcoming bills.
The latest approvals come shortly after WASREB announced new tariffs for Kisii, Eldoret, Narok and Tharaka-Nithi counties on August 17. While consumers in Kisii, Narok and Tharaka-Nithi faced higher charges, Eldoret residents received reduced tariffs following a Water Tribunal ruling.
