Nairobi water bills rise looms as regulator gets new directors
Wasreb chief executive Robert Gakubia. PHOTO | FILE
The plan to raise water tariffs by 93 per cent is back on cards as officials of Water Services Regulatory Board (Wasreb) prepare for meeting this quarter.
Wasreb chief executive Robert Gakubia, said the agency is ready to make a final decision on pending tariff adjustments after appointment of six new board members in April.
“Within this quarter (July- September), we should be able to meet and give a board decision on whether to approve the proposed tariffs,” he said.
A near doubling of the cost of water will raise the household costs for families in the city even as they pay more for other items like power and fuel.
The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company had last year sought the regulator’s approval to increase water tariffs by 104 per cent, but was only allowed a 93 per cent rise pending board approval.
The terms of Wasreb’s directors later expired before a decision was taken. At least six directors are required for board approvals to have legal effect.
If the board approves the tariff increase as proposed, Nairobi residents who consume an average of 20 cubic meters of water per month will part with about Sh1,674 up from the current Sh868.
This figure is inclusive of sewerage charges that are 75 per cent of the amount charged on water units consumed, and Sh50 as meter rent.
Low-income earners who consume six cubic meters of water and below will see their monthly bills go up from the current Sh187.10 to a flat rate of Sh204 — a nine per cent increment.
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