Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has declined to implement new water tariffs proposed by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
Through a statement shared by the Governor, on Sunday the county will not increase the prices for its customers based on the new tariffs citing several concerns.
"The county has noted contents of a letter from water regulator WASREB that proposes to increase water tariffs in Murang'a. Murang'a county therefore does not agree with the proposed change of tariff," stated Kang'ata
WASREB had proposed to increase rates per cubic metre for three water companies based in Murang'a West, Gatamathi and Gatanga.
In Murang’a West, WASREB suggested implementing a price of Ksh 90/M3, the national govt agency further proposed Gatanga Water and Sanitation Company implement Ksh 120/M3 and the Gatamathi Water and Sanitation Company implements Ksh 60/M3.
First, the county cited that there were enough reserves for non-revenue water which would be an option for the customers if the tariff proposal is implemented.
“Increment of tariffs will hence lead to burdening of loyal customers, hence incentivising them to shift towards non-revenue,” read the statement in part.
Secondly, the Governor noted that the County was working on increasing the investment in the water sector by increasing the budgets allocated and utilising a Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA).
Through the implementation of these moves, the county government has maintained that there would be no need to increase the tariffs.
Further, Murang’a County has also noted that they would be forced to consolidate the three companies into one if the push to increase the tariffs persists.
Irungu Kang’ata has also prompted the county to compare the proposed tariffs with those of other counties operating under similar conditions stating that they have successfully navigated the tariff matter.
“Murang'a County Government, therefore, advises its Water service providers to learn from Nyeri best practices and only adjust tariffs once the Water Service Providers attain the national benchmark of 25% for non-revenue water."
This is the only time the county can consider approving the adjustment,” stated the governor.
