Eldoret residents threaten protests over 300% water tariff hike

A storm is brewing in Eldoret after residents vowed to resist a planned 300 per cent increase in water tariffs, threatening street protests if the hike is not reversed.

The dispute escalated after the High Court lifted orders that had temporarily suspended the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) from implementing the new rates. The ruling cleared the way for the county-owned firm to enforce tariffs published in Gazette Notice No. 12825 of October 4, 2025.

Residents, led by Muslim Imams and Preachers chairman Abubakar Bini and community leader Kipkorir Menjo, accused the company of imposing punitive charges without meaningful public participation.

“Let President William Ruto intervene to ensure we get water at reasonable tariffs, or we will go to the streets to fight for water, which is the most precious commodity in our lives,” Bini said.

Menjo, who co-petitioned the case alongside David Chebet, announced plans to appeal. “We will file the appeal but also use all other means possible to stop those who think they can mess up with our right to access water in Eldoret,” he said.

Last week, Justice Emmanuel Washe of the Environment and Land Court struck out the petition, ruling that the court lacked jurisdiction under the Water Act to hear the matter.

He also discharged suspension orders he had issued in March 2025, which had halted the implementation of the new tariffs.

In a circular issued soon after, ELDOWAS confirmed it would proceed with the new billing regime.

CEO Lawrence Tanui defended the move, saying the company was following Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) guidelines and would ensure transparency in implementation.

“We will proceed with the implementation in line with WASREB’s guidelines and customer notification procedures,” he said, adding that the firm was focused on improving service delivery, expanding access and ensuring sustainability.

The 64 Residents Association, represented by lawyer Kaira Nabasenge, had also joined the suit. Its members now back calls to move to the Court of Appeal, insisting the tariffs are exploitative and were introduced without adequate public input.

The contested increment, first introduced in October 2024, triggered immediate protests before it was suspended earlier this year. With the suspension now lifted, Eldoret residents say they will continue to fight for affordable water and meaningful public participation in future decisions.