- The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) aims to remove unauthorized water connections within the region to prevent further loss of income.
- The firm stated that fines will be exempted for individuals who normalize their water supply before the deadline of Wednesday, April 30.
- An illegal water connection poses a significant challenge for the city government of Nairobi, as they strive to increase their revenue in order to sustain their operations.
Bonface Kanyamwaya, who works as a journalist for Ainoti.co.ke, possesses over ten years of experience in finance, economics, business, markets, and aviation. He offers valuable analysis on both Kenyan and international developments.
Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) has announced plans to dismantle illegal water connections in the city as part of a wider plan to stop system losses.
NCWSC said in a recent public notice published on Tuesday, April 1, that individuals who are illegally connected to its water supply must come forth and regularise their water connections.
"As per the notification, applicable fines will be exempted for clients who proactively normalize their water connections by Wednesday, April 30, 2025," stated the announcement.
The Nairobi Water Company, led by CEO Nahashon Muguna, stated in an official notification that individuals failing to normalize their meters or legalize unauthorized connections would face charges and legal action.
They will also be obligated to settle any relevant fines and penalties for not adhering to the notice within the specified timeframe. An illegal water connection incurs a penalty of KSh 100,000.
What impact do unauthorized water connections have on Nairobi?
Illicit water hookups within urban areas have posed significant concerns for the county administration, as they strive to boost their income collection from an initial target of KSh 20 billion up from KSh 12.8 billion recorded during the previous fiscal period.
The county government estimated that out of 560,000 cubic meters of water supplied to Nairobi daily, 300,000 cubic meters are lost due to illegal connections.
Nairobi states leading with cases of illegal water connections include; Githurai, Zimmerman, Kasarani, Mwiki, Huruma, Kayole, Kariobangi, Imara Daima, Mathare North among others.
To allow more city residents to consume water that has not been tapped illegally, NCWSC has been waiving penalties for individuals who volunteer to regularise their connections.
Regrettably, only a small number of water consumers have stepped forward to formalize their connections, leaving the water supply company burdened with increasing debts.
How much debt does Nairobi Water have?
Ainoti.co.ke As reported last May, the company’s financial structure was burdened with significant debt totaling roughly KSh 4 billion because these entities had not made their payments.
NWSC stated at that time that the significant debt had built up over a span of seven years, impacting the company's capacity to proceed with its initiatives.
The firm revealed that the city and Kiambu owed them KSh 500 million while private sector water users in Nairobi had a debt of over KSh 3 billion while public schools owed them KSh 160 million.
Even with the difficulties, the firm stated it would keep supplying water to customers uninterrupted.
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