Eldoret: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Chelilim, 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, expressed satisfaction with the discussions. He noted that the talks were conducted in good faith and yielded a consensus that safeguards residents’ interests while ensuring the sustainability of water services in the county.
Governor Chelilim directed ELDOWAS management, the County Executive Committee Member for Water, representatives of SIFRA, consumer groups, and all relevant stakeholders to engage in consultations to find a lasting, people-centered solution. Following extensive engagements, all parties agreed to withdraw pending matters before the courts and the Water Tribunal and to work collaboratively towards developing a fair, transparent, and sustainable water tariff structure for Eldoret residents.
The Governor commended the ELDOWAS management, consumer representatives, and all stakeholders for demonstrating patriotism and commitment to the welfare of the people. He noted their decision to embrace dialogue over confrontation reflects responsible leadership and a shared commitment to protecting the public interest.
As part of the agreement, ELDOWAS will lower the first consumption block, which affects the majority of residents, by Sh46 per cubic metre. The proposed tariff framework will be developed through an inclusive process balancing ELDOWAS’s operational sustainability with residents’ affordability concerns across all consumer categories, including households, businesses, educational institutions, and community water kiosks.
Governor Chelilim stated that ELDOWAS will undertake a transparent public sensitization exercise to explain the basis of the proposed tariff adjustments before submitting the final report to the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB). The process of formally withdrawing all pending cases is already underway.
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. Chelilim emphasized the importance of addressing water losses to lower operational costs and improve water supply reliability and consistency.
Chelilim reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water to every resident of Uasin Gishu County. He urged all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of cooperation as the tariff harmonization process progresses and called upon ELDOWAS to continue improving service delivery standards.
He encouraged residents to pay their water bills promptly and consistently, noting that timely payments are essential for ELDOWAS to maintain operations, improve infrastructure, and deliver quality services.
The previous water tariff for the 2023/2024 period 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. The adjusted tariff for the 2024/2025 to 2028/2029 period, as granted by WASREB, charges domestic consumers roughly Sh130-160 per cubic metre, depending on usage block and category.
ELDOWAS Managing Director Dr. Lawrence Tanui stated that following the consensus reached with stakeholders, they will revise the new Water Tariff Structure to effect the Sh46 reduction. Consumer rights advocate Kipkorir Menjo highlighted that the reduction is a significant move to cushion residents from the economic impact of high tariffs while considering the operational costs incurred by the water service provider.
SIFRA Vice Chair Moira Chepkok praised the county government, ELDOWAS Management, and other stakeholders for resolving the water tariff dispute, recounting their distress since November 2024 when the issue began. She termed the resolution a win-win situation for everyone.
