Kakamega county has begun the process of clustering its two water companies to improve services to residents.
The county registered Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) in 2015 and Kakamega County Rural Water and Sanitation Company (KACRWASCO) in 2021 to meet the rising demand.
But under performance by KACRWASCO since its operationalisation has forced the county to cluster it together KACWASCO to be managed as a department until it's stable again.
“KACRWASCO has not been commercially viable so the county has put in place measures and systems to ensure sustainability and prudent use of public resources while strictly adhering to the provisions of the law,” Rodah Masaviru, county Water executive said.
Masaviru said KACRWASCO's expenditure has been higher than its earnings.
She said the company has been spending its income on salaries and personal emoluments for the board and employees.
KACWASCO acting chief executive officer Christabel Ashiono said KACRWASCO’s monthly revenue income of Sh500,000 is very low.
They were speaking during a public participation forum by the company at Kakamega county polytechnic on Friday.
Masaviru said the clustering of services will not affect the services offered.
"The process will also not affect the terms, roles and responsibilities of the current employees of KACRWASCO negatively," she said.
“It will bring them on board under one management team to ensure efficiency, accountability and prudent use of public resources."
The county executive said KACRWASCO has not been wound up as a limited liability company as its board of directors shall not be dissolved.
She said that the company will be retained until mechanisms of its commercial viability are put in place.
Masaviru said that the process, including licences and tariffs will strictly adhere to the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) 2018 guideline on the clustering of water service providers.
Residents unanimously welcomed the planned restructuring saying it will enhance service delivery.
Japheth Kove from Navakholo subcounty said it would save the county further losses of public money.
“This is a good move. We cannot continue paying taxes on a project without getting value for money,” Kove said.
Veronicah Kanguro, another resident said the money saved on low operational costs should be plowed back to expand the distribution network.
Masaviru said the county will continue putting in place adequate budgetary allocations and projects to ensure national standards of clean and safe water to residents are adhered to.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
“WATCH: The latest videos from the Star”
