Exhauster operators in Thika town on Thursday, January 5, staged a demonstration against Kiambu County government.
Reports indicated that the operators threatened to unleash their 'unclean' merchandise on the county government facilities over Thika Water and Sewerage Company's (THIWASCO) decision to increase licensing fees.
"THIWASCO must rescind the decision to increase our licensing fees because it's unfair to exhauster operators," one of the protesters lamented.
The operators barricaded part of Haile Selassie Road at THIWASCO in Thika town while daring the county Askaris to forcefully eject them from the busy highway.
The county government did not, however, engage the infuriated operators.
THIWASCO, in December 2022, reportedly increased licensing fees for all exhauster operators in Thika town.
The water and sewerage service provider was immediately warned of possible resistance and demonstrations but the threats were ignored.
THIWASCO is tasked with providing adequate, reliable, safe, accessible and affordable water and sanitation services to all residents in Thika town.
"According to the company's mission statement; their aim is to provide adequate, reliable, safe, accessible and affordable water and sanitation services in a sustainable manner through technology and innovation to the satisfaction of our customers and other stakeholders.”
Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi in August 2022, promised to raise enough revenue for the development of the people.
The Wamatangi also indicated that he would reverse some of his the former governor's policies on taxes and investments.
Former Kiambu County Governor James Nyoro in 2021 waived taxes on some businesses including livestock, tuk tuk businesses among others.
