Schools and households in Murang’a South, served by the Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company (MUSWASCO), are urgently requesting interventions to resolve ongoing conflicts between the water firm and local communities over service delivery.
The tensions have been particularly acute in the Kinyona area of Kigumo Sub-county, where MUSWASCO sources water. Disputes over increased tariffs have escalated, leading to incidents of vandalism and destruction of the company’s water infrastructure by locals.
This turmoil has severely affected residents in Murang’a South, including those in Kigumo, Kandara, and Maragua, many of whom report that taps have run dry in their homes, schools, and hospitals, resulting in a significant water crisis.
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In response to the situation, the County Administration, led by Governor Irungu Kang’ata, has reached out to the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) to request a reduction in water rates from KSh 107 to KSh 88 per cubic meter, hoping to ease the tensions.
Additionally, Kang’ata has written to the Principal Secretary for Water, urging the urgent transfer of MUSWASCO shares to the county government for improved management and operations, as MUSWASCO is the only water service provider in Murang’a County managed by the National Government. However, some residents express dissatisfaction with this approach, claiming that the disputes are politically motivated.
According to community leaders Kamau Waithera and Andrew Thuo, who spoke at a press conference, previous water issues in Murang’a County had been resolved during a public participation meeting held in Kennol town a year ago.
They allege that certain local leaders are now instigating conflict to serve their own interests.
“We are disturbed by the actions of some of our leaders who are fueling these disputes instead of working towards a lasting solution. We know that they are behind the destruction of MUSWASCO’s infrastructure, which harms thousands of residents who rely on it,” said Kamau.
Public schools
Residents are particularly concerned about sanitation in public schools and hospitals, as ongoing water scarcity threatens health and safety. They fear an outbreak of waterborne diseases, including cholera, if the crisis remains unresolved.
Thuo urged local leaders and the county administration to act swiftly to support the water company in providing adequate services to the community. Julius Mwaura, another resident, appealed to Governor Kang’ata to expedite the determination of boundaries and catchment areas between MUSWASCO and Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (MUWASCO).
He emphasized the need for a consistent supply of clean water, suggesting that other disputes could be resolved through diplomatic discussions among the relevant leaders.
“Boundaries must be reviewed to end the ongoing conflicts between the two firms. The responsibility lies with the Governor to expedite this process to relieve residents of the hardship of going for days or even weeks without sufficient clean water for domestic use,” Mwaura stated.
Residents also urged WASREB to hold public participation meetings with the community before responding to Governor Kang’ata’s request to review the water rates.
By Kamau Njoroge
