Homa bay: At least 13 people have been arrested in Homa Bay town following a crackdown on water thieves conducted by Homa Bay Water and Sanitation Company (HOMAWASCO) in collaboration with the Water Police Unit. The suspects were found engaging in illegal malpractices including meter tampering, illegal bypass connections, and installation of unauthorized water meters, leading to significant revenue losses for the water utility company.
According to Kenya News Agency, the company’s Managing Director Tom Nyonje stated that the operation, which lasted three weeks, enabled the company to recover Sh1.8 million in unpaid bills and penalties from customers who had bypassed the official billing system. He highlighted that water theft remains one of the biggest challenges facing water utilities in the county and the country at large, with non-revenue water standing at about 44 per cent nationally, translating to approximately Sh11 billion losses. In Homa Bay, non-revenue water had previously reached about 68 per cent, but through various interventions, it has been reduced to around 40 per cent.
The MD noted that several water kiosks in the Kotieno area, identified as a hotspot for illegal water connections, had been temporarily disconnected in efforts to streamline water distribution and curb theft. He explained that a centralized meter chamber is under construction to house all vendor meters securely, preventing tampering. Only authorized officers will have access for inspections to ensure accountability, and vendors will be vetted before their connections are restored.
The Chairman of the Homa Bay Town Kiosk Owners Water Vendors Association, Eliud Nixon Osso, pledged support to the company’s efforts in eliminating water theft. Osso emphasized that vendors do not support water theft and called on all stakeholders to comply with water distribution regulations. He acknowledged that the crackdown revealed malpractices in the Kotieno area and assured that the association would ensure compliance among its members.
Osso further confirmed an agreement with the company to restore water supply to vendors once the centralized meter chamber is completed, noting that this arrangement would help prevent meter tampering and illegal connections.
