The water tariff dispute involving the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS), consumer representatives, and other stakeholders has been amicably resolved through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Chelilim has announced.
Speaking to the press in Eldoret, as he witnessed the signing of the agreement between the representatives of the Sixty Four Residents Association (SIFRA) and consumer groups, the governor expressed satisfaction with the discussions which he said were conducted in good faith and have yielded a consensus that safeguards residents’ interests while ensuring the sustainability of water services in the county.
“Upon being briefed on the matter, I immediately directed ELDOWAS management, the County Executive Committee Member for Water, representatives of the Sixty
Four Residents Association (SIFRA), consumer groups, and all relevant stakeholders to engage in consultations to find a lasting, people-centred solution,” he noted.
Chelilim affirmed that, after extensive engagements, all parties have agreed to withdraw the pending matters before the courts and the Water Tribunal and to work collaboratively towards developing a fair, transparent, and sustainable water tariff structure for residents of Eldoret.
He further commended the ELDOWAS management, consumer representatives, and all stakeholders for demonstrating patriotism, and commitment to the welfare of the people, noting their decision to embrace dialogue over confrontation reflects responsible leadership and a shared commitment to protecting the public interest.
The Governor directed ELDOWAS to lower the first consumption block which affects majority of the residents by Sh46 per cubic metre. He added that the proposed tariff framework will be developed through an inclusive process that balances the operational sustainability of ELDOWAS with the affordability concerns of residents across all consumer categories, including households, businesses, educational institutions, and community water kiosks.
“As part of the agreed roadmap, ELDOWAS will undertake a transparent public sensitisation exercise to explain the basis upon which the proposed tariff adjustments are determined before submitting the final report to the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB). The process of formally withdrawing all pending cases is already underway,” said Governor Chelilim.
Additionally, the County Boss called on the Water and Sanitation Company to intensify efforts towards reducing non-revenue water losses, enhancing operational efficiency, modernizing infrastructure, and strengthening accountability mechanisms within the water distribution system.
While highlighting the importance of addressing water losses in order to lower operational costs and improve the reliability and consistency of water supply to the residents, Chelilim affirmed his administration’s steadfast commitment to providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water to every resident of Uasin Gishu County.
“This commitment is anchored under Nguzo Seven of our development agenda on Water, Environment, and Natural Resources. I therefore urge all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of cooperation as the tariff harmonization process progresses. I also call upon ELDOWAS to continue improving service delivery standards so that residents receive better quality, efficiency, and reliability in water provision,” he added.
He further encouraged all residents to continue paying their water bills promptly and consistently noting that timely payments are essential in enabling ELDOWAS to maintain operations, improve infrastructure, and deliver quality services to local communities.
The ELDOWAS previous water tariff for the 2023/2024 period was gazetted under Gazette Notice No. 9727. It introduced a multi-tiered consumption block for domestic users starting at Sh37/million for the first 6 m³ and rising to Sh111 million for amounts over 300 m³. Sewerage services were charged at roughly 85-90 percent of water volumetric usage.
The 300 percent adjusted tariff (Water Tariff Structure for the period 2024/2025 to 2028/2029) through Gazette Notice No. 12825 dated 4th October 2024 as granted by the regulator, Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), the water company charges Domestic consumers roughly Sh 130–160 per cubic metre, depending on usage block and category.
Commercial, industrial and government institutions now face higher steppedup tariffs, averaging Sh140–160 per cubic metre depending on consumption level.
The new development on the water tariff comes barely a month after the water tribunal suspended the hiked tarrif pending hearing and determination of a case challenging the hike.
ELDOWAS Managing Director Dr. Lawrence Tanui said following consensus reached at with stakeholders, they are going to revise the new Water Tariff Structure for the period 2024/2025 to 2028/2029 to effect the reduction of the Sh 46, which translates to a reduction of 100 per cent.
Consumer rights advocate Kipkorir Menjo said that the representatives of the water consumer groups have all agreed the reduction of the Sh46 per cubic meter (100 percent) across all the consumer categories which he said is a significant move to cushion the residents of the city from the economic impact caused by high tarrifs while at the same time considering the operational cost incurred by the water service provider in offering its services.
He narrated that the process has taken long due to negotiation procedures with the involved parties and also time spent benchmarking on water service providers for other cities older than Eldoret like Nairobi and Mombasa to understand the procedures and considerations they made to reach at their current charges.
SIFRA Vice Chair Moira Chepkok lauded the county government, ELDOWAS Management and other stakeholders for coming up with an amicable solution to the water tariff dispute. She recounted that they have been in distress since November 2024 , when the issue began. She termed the resolution a win-win situation for everyone.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
