The Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) has approved revised water tariffs and penalties, resulting in higher charges across counties.
In the Kenya Gazette Notice dated June 19, the regulatory board determined that an upward tariff review is justified for some water companies, including Nyasare Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NYAWASCO).
Affected water companies have been issued a one-month notice, effective from June 19, to communicate with their customers about the changes.
“WASREB hereby gives a one-month notice from the date of this communication to all existing and potential customers of NYAWASCO that the structure of approved tariffs for water services for the three financial years 2026/2027, 2027/2028 and 2028/2029,” WASREB noted.
In addition, the Githunguri Water Sanitation Company (GIWASCO) is set to face higher tariffs, while the Bomet Water Sanitation Company (BOMWASCO) has had its tariffs reduced.
WASREB Revised Water Tariffs
Nyasare Water Supply and Sanitation Company’s domestic and residential tariffs range from KSh 120 to KSh 220 per unit.
Further, the multi-dwelling units, including the residential apartments and flats, will be paying at a rate of KSh. 135 per unit monthly.
According to WASREB, revised water tariffs for commercial and industrial businesses and government institutions range from KSh 150 per unit to KSh 240, depending on the usage.
Public schools’ water tariffs range from KSh 150 to KSh 300 per unit, while the special categories, such as water kiosks, have the lowest rate of KSh 50 per unit.
Githunguri Water Sanitation Company Revised Tariffs
Customers getting supply from the GIWASCO Company for domestic use have the rates of KSh 115 per unit as the lowest charge and KSh 160 as the highest.
Multi-dwelling units have a flat rate of KSH 135 per unit. In contrast, commercial businesses have the lowest rate at KSh 145 and the highest at KSh 160 per unit, similar to the government institutions.
The revised rates for learning institutions are set at KSh 120-160 per unit, while special categories such as water kiosks have a rate of KSh 70 per unit, with the bulk-sale rate set at KSh 73 per unit.
Elwak Water and Sewerage Company (ELWASCO)
Serving areas like Elwak and Wargadud, ELWASCO received an upward review to facilitate its operations, with residents facing the highest rate of KSh 200 per cubic meter and the commercial and government institution rate reaching KSh 350 per unit.
In addition, a specific penalty of KSh 15,000 has been set for any case of overcharging at the water kiosks.
Bomet Water Sanitation Company (BOMWASCO)
Unlike most of the water companies, BOMWASCO had a downward tariff review, which, according to WASRED, was aimed at improving delivery to consumers.
Following the decline in tariffs, the domestic rate is set at KSh 110 per cubic meter, and the water kiosk rate is KSh 70 per unit.
Also Read: Nairobi Water Announces 24-Hour Supply Interruption Affecting 17 Areas.
Water Tariffs Company Comparison
| Category | Consumption Range (m³) | NYAWASCO (KShs/m³) | GIWASCO (KShs/m³) | ELWASCO (KShs/m³) | BOMWASCO (KShs/m³) |
| Domestic/Residential | 1–6 | 120 | 115 | 200 | 110 |
| 7–20 | 135 | 135 | 250 | 122 | |
| 21–50 | 150 | 145 | 260 | 140 | |
| 51–100 | 180 | 150 | 280 | 155 | |
| 101–300 | 200 | 155 | 300 | 180 | |
| Above 300 | 220 | 160 | 350 | 220 | |
| Multi-Dwelling Units | Flat rate | 135 | 135 | — | 122 |
| Commercial/Industrial | 1–50 | 150 | 145 | 350 | 140 |
| 51–100 | 200 | 150 | 380 | 155 | |
| 101–300 | 220 | 155 | 400 | 180 | |
| Above 300 | 240 | 160 | 500 | 220 | |
| Government/Institutions | 1–50 | 150 | 145 | 350 | 140 |
| 51–100 | 200 | 150 | 380 | 155 | |
| 101–300 | 220 | 155 | 400 | 180 | |
| Above 300 | 240 | 160 | 500 | 220 | |
| Public Schools, Colleges & Universities | 1–600 | 150 | 120 | 350 | 125 |
| 601–1200 | 220 | 140 | 380 | 180 | |
| Above 1200 | 300 | 160 | 400 | 220 | |
| Water Kiosks | Flat rate | 50 | 70 | 200 | 70 |
| Bulk Sales | Flat rate | — | 73 | — | 70 |
| Bowsing Point | — | — | — | 250 | 105 |
Also Read: Nairobi Water Announces 14-Hour Shutdown Affecting Major Estates [FULL LIST]
Penalties for Water and Sewerage Fraud
WASREB has standardized penalties across the water companies for industrial illegal water connections, resulting in a KSh 100,000 fine and an additional charge for the estimated water consumed during the period of illegality.
In addition, illegal water and sewer connections for residential use will attract a fine of KSh 30,000 plus estimated consumption charges.
Further, Unauthorized reconnection of water after it has been cut off for non-payment results in a KSh 5,000 fine, with billing backdated to the original cut-off date.
Tampering with, reversing, or removing a water meter carries a surcharge of KSh 5,000 for NYAWASCO, GIWASCO, and ELWASCO and KSh 15,000 for BOMWASCO.
The use of a pump to directly suction water from the supply line results in a KSh 10,000 surcharge across all these utilities.
Officials and entities responsible for providing water services in breach of the set regulations will pay a penalty or face suspension and replacement under a special regulatory regime, or potential prosecution, according to WASREB.
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