County slashes proposed water tariff by 200% to end standoff with Eldoret residents

Governor Jonathan Bii of Uasin Gishu (c) speaking at a meeting where the dispute over water tariffs in Eldoret was resolved through dialogue

The long-running dispute over a proposed increase in water tariffs in Eldoret has been resolved following dialogue facilitated by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii.

Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) and consumer representatives agreed on a revised tariff increase of 100 per cent to end the two-year standoff.

The company had initially proposed 300 per cent increase, a move that triggered protests and court battles.

The dispute had remained unresolved both in court and before the Water Tribunal, with ELDOWAS already having implemented the higher tariffs, much to the outcry of residents.

“I am pleased to announce that the water tariff dispute involving the ELDOWAS, consumer representatives and other stakeholders has been amicably resolved through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding,” Governor Bii announced.

He had directed the ELDOWAS management, county CEC for water, residents' representatives, consumer groups and other stakeholders to engage in consultations aimed at reaching a lasting solution.

ELDOWAS is fully owned by the county government.

“I am satisfied that the discussions were conducted in good faith and have yielded a consensus that safeguards residents’ interests while ensuring the sustainability of water services in our county,” Bii said.

Following the agreement, all parties resolved to withdraw the pending cases before the courts and the Water Tribunal and instead work jointly towards a fair and transparent water tariff structure for Eldoret residents.

The governor also directed ELDOWAS to reduce the first consumption block, which affects the majority of households, by Sh46 per cubic metre.

He said the new tariff framework will be developed through an inclusive process that balances the financial sustainability of the utility firm with affordability concerns across all consumer categories, including households, businesses, schools and community water kiosks.

ELDOWAS will conduct a public sensitisation exercise to explain the basis of the proposed adjustments before submitting the final tariff proposal to the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).

Bii said the process of withdrawing all pending cases is already underway.

He also directed the water company to intensify efforts to reduce non-revenue water losses, improve efficiency, modernise infrastructure and strengthen accountability systems within the water distribution network.

He said reducing water losses is key to lowering operational costs and improving the reliability of supply to residents.

Bii reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable water across the county.

“I urge all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of cooperation as the tariff harmonisation process progresses,” he said.

Consumer representatives involved in the talks included Kipkorir Menjo and Moira Chepkoech among others.