Electricity and Water Tariffs Revised as New Charges Take Effect

Kenyan households and businesses will face changes to their monthly utility bills following new regulatory charges and cost adjustments.

The changes introduce new electricity cost adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and revised water tariff structures approved by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB)

In a gazette notice dated August 14, 2026, consumers will experience changes that will increase the cost of power consumed in August.

However, changes in water tariffs have some consumers benefiting from reduced charges while others face higher rates.

New Electricity Charges Raise Cost of Power

EPRA has approved three separate adjustments applicable to all electricity meter readings taken in August 2026, increasing costs to consumers’ power bills.

The largest adjustment is the Fuel Energy Cost Charge (FECC), set at 351 Kenya cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

“Pursuant to Clause 1 of Part III of the Schedule of Tariffs 2023, notice is given that all Prices for Electrical Energy specified in Part II of the said Schedule will be liable to a Fuel Energy Cost Charge of Plus 351 Kenya cents per kWh for all meter readings to be taken in August 2026,” part of the notice read.

According to EPRA, the charge is based on fuel costs incurred in generating electricity across power plants and thermal generation facilities. The authority’s data indicate that total electricity generated in July was approximately 1.376 billion kWh.

In addition, consumers will pay a Foreign Exchange Fluctuation Adjustment of 117.77 cents per kWh, as EPRA reports that the total exchange gain and loss adjustment amounted to KSh1.35 billion.

EPRA has also imposed a Water Resource Management Authority (WRMA) Levy of 1.50 cents per kWh based on an approved rate of 5 cents per kWh on energy purchased from hydropower stations with a capacity of at least one megawatt.

Also Read: EPRA Explains July 2026 Electricity Tariff Increase and New Charges

Relief as WASREB Orders Lower Water Tariffs

WASREB approved a downward revision of tariffs for Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) following an arbitration process before the Water Tribunal.

In addition, WASREB has revoked previously approved tariffs and introduced lower charges for the period covering 2026/27 to 2028/29.

Under the new structure, domestic consumers will pay KSh84 per cubic meter (m³) for consumption between one and six cubic meters, with higher consumption bands reaching KSh140 per m³ for usage exceeding 300 cubic meters.

Commercial, industrial, and government consumers will pay from KSh108 per m³ for the first 50 cubic meters consumed, while water kiosks will be billed at a uniform rate of KSh88 per m³.

Upward Reviews Approved for Kisii, Narok, and Murugi Mugumango

While Eldoret customers will enjoy reduced rates, WASREB approved upward tariff reviews for several other water utilities, citing the need to strengthen financial sustainability, expand infrastructure, and improve service delivery.

Kisii Water and Sanitation Company (KWASCO) domestic tariffs will start at KSh113 per m³ for the first six cubic meters and KSh223 per m³ for consumption above 300 cubic meters.

Water kiosks will pay a fixed charge of KSh70 per m³.

Consumers served by Narok Water and Sewerage Services Company (NARWASSCO) will pay between KSh140 and KSh200 per m³, depending on consumption levels, while water kiosks will pay KSh70 per m³.

Meanwhile, customers of Murugi Mugumango Water Society will pay some of the lowest approved rates, with domestic tariffs ranging from KSh25 per m³ for low-volume users to KSh50 per m³ for consumption above 100 cubic meters, and water kiosks will be charged KSh30 per m³.

Across all the approved tariff structures, sewerage services will generally be billed at 75 percent of the water volume consumed.

WASREB further directed that all approved tariffs will be subject to annual inflation indexation, meaning additional adjustments are expected every July beginning in 2027.

Also Read: Big Win for Kenyans as Govt Withdraws New Electricity Tariff

Approved Domestic/Residential Water Tariffs (2026/2027–2028/2029)

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