Governor Jonathan Bii to Revise Water Tariffs Following Public Outcry
Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii has announced plans to revise water tariffs downwards following public outcry over steep increases in water bills. The governor emphasized that the recent hike in water rates, which saw bills increase by up to five times, was not a decision made by the county government but by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), a national body that sets water pricing standards.
Speaking to the media earlier today, Governor Bii assured residents that his administration had engaged WASREB and will push for a reduction in the current tariffs, which many residents have criticized as burdensome.
“It is not us who set the tariffs, it’s WASREB. However, we have listened to the concerns of our people, and we have held discussions with WASREB,” Bii said. “We understand the strain these high tariffs have placed on our residents, especially in these tough economic times. We are committed to ensuring that the tariffs are revised downwards to a more reasonable level.”
The water tariff increases had drawn widespread protests from residents across the county, with many voicing their frustration on social media and during public forums. Some residents reported receiving bills that were five times higher than what they were previously paying, raising concerns about affordability and access to water.
Governor Bii’s promise to address the situation has been met with a cautious sense of optimism by local communities, many of whom depend on reliable and affordable water services for their daily needs.
In his statement, the governor reiterated that the responsibility for setting tariffs lies with WASREB, an independent regulatory body tasked with overseeing the water sector in Kenya. However, Bii emphasized that the county government would continue to advocate for the interests of Uasin Gishu residents to ensure that water remains accessible and affordable.
The governor also urged residents to continue sharing their feedback, noting that the county administration is committed to working closely with all stakeholders, including WASREB, to ensure a fair and sustainable water pricing model.
While the county waits for the official tariff review, residents are hopeful that the intervention will ease the financial burden and ensure equitable access to one of the most essential resources
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