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| HurumaWard MCA Kimani Wanjohi |
Huruma Ward MCA and Leader of the Minority at the Uasin Gishu County Assembly, Hon. Kimani Wanjohi, has welcomed the Eldoret Environment and Land Court’s decision to halt the implementation of new water tariffs by the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS). Wanjohi, who is the petitioner in the case Peter Kimani Wanjohi vs. ELDOWAS (ELCLPET/E0010/2024), praised the court for standing with residents burdened by high water costs.
“This ruling is a victory for the people of Eldoret, who have been unfairly subjected to exorbitant water bills. The court has affirmed that public utilities must prioritize fairness and affordability,” he stated.
The injunction, issued by Justice Emanuel Washe on Tuesday morning, suspends Gazette Notice No. 12825 dated October 21, 2024, pending the determination of the petition. The court directed ELDOWAS to revert to the previous billing rates from October 2024 onwards, requiring consumers to settle outstanding bills based on the old tariffs. Justice Washe emphasized that implementing the new rates before a final ruling would cause “unjustifiable financial hardship” to residents. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 13, 2025.
Relief for Residents Facing High Bills
The ruling has been met with widespread relief among consumers, many of whom had faced disconnections for failing to comply with the increased rates. Some residents reported that their monthly water bills had surged from approximately Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 7,000 following the tariff adjustment.
A concerned resident voiced frustration, stating, “We cannot afford such exorbitant charges; water is a basic necessity.”
Petitioners and Leaders Demand Accountability
Political activist and fellow petitioner Kipkorir Menjo also lauded the court’s intervention, stressing the need for fairness in public service delivery.
“Water is a basic human right, and we are glad that the court has acknowledged the importance of ensuring residents are not priced out of this essential service,” he said.
Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba Toroitich also questioned the justification for the increase, terming it “unreasonable and punitive.” He urged ELDOWAS to reconsider the decision, stating, “The cost of living is already high, and such drastic increases make life even harder for ordinary citizens.”
ELDOWAS Justifies Tariff Increase
ELDOWAS had announced the new tariffs in October 2024, citing approval from the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB). The company defended the hike, stating that the increase was necessary to raise over Ksh 2.2 billion for infrastructure upgrades.
However, critics argue that the public was not adequately consulted before the adjustments were implemented. The court’s intervention underscores the need for public participation and transparency in utility pricing.
As the case awaits further hearing in May 2025, affected consumers remain hopeful for a fair resolution that balances the operational costs of ELDOWAS with affordability for residents.
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