MP Timothy Toroitich Raises Alarm Over Rising Water Tariffs
Hon. Toroitich argued that the steep increase would place an undue burden on households and businesses already facing economic challenges.
Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba raised alarm over raising water tariffs. Photo/Nairobi Leo.
Timothy Toroitich,Member of Parliament for Marakwet West Constituency, has raised concerns in the National Assembly over the approval of a controversial 300% water tariff increase by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
Speaking during a parliamentary session on November 28, 2024, Hon. Toroitich criticized the sharp hike in tariffs imposed by the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS), describing it as “burdensome and detrimental to economic growth.”
The tariff adjustment, published on October 4, 2024, through Gazette Notice No. 12825, saw an increase in water and sewerage rates from Ksh. 35 to Ksh. 130 per cubic meter.
ELDOWAS explained that the hike would fund eight new community water projects and upgrade critical infrastructure at Chebara Dam in Marakwet West Constituency.
However, Hon. Toroitich argued that the steep increase would place an undue burden on households and businesses already facing economic challenges.
He pointed out, “This abrupt and significant rise in tariffs will have a devastating impact on consumers, particularly those already struggling with rising costs.”
In response to the tariff hike, Hon. Toroitich called on the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water, and Irrigation to provide a detailed statement on three key issues.
First, he requested an explanation of the criteria WASREB used to approve the tariff increase.
Second, he sought a review of compliance with public consultation requirements, specifically in relation to the 2019 Constitutional Petition No. 16 judgment (Murang’a County Government v. Murang’a South Water & Sanitation Co. Ltd & Another).
Lastly, he asked for an outline of mitigation measures to alleviate the financial impact on consumers resulting from the tariff adjustment.
“The role of WASREB is to protect the interests of consumers in water service provision,” Hon. Toroitich emphasized. “This decision raises serious concerns about whether the appropriate public participation and due process were followed.”
Local residents in Eldoret have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the tariff increase, citing a lack of consultation and the negative effects on their livelihoods.
One resident commented, “We’re already struggling to pay our bills, and this increase is simply unaffordable.”
The matter has been referred to the Departmental Committee, which is tasked with investigating the issue and providing a report to the National Assembly.
Hon. Toroitich concluded, “We demand transparency and fairness in this process to ensure that development initiatives do not come at the expense of the people’s welfare.”
This debate underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing the need for infrastructure development with the economic well-being of citizens.
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for future water tariff decisions in Kenya.
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