A group of Murang’a residents, served by Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company (MUSWASCO), has urged swift action to resolve ongoing disputes between the company and locals over water services.
The water provider has been locked in conflict with residents, particularly in the Kinyona area of Kigumo sub-county, where it draws its water supply due to rising tariffs. Tensions recently boiled over, leading locals to vandalise MUSWASCO’s water infrastructure.
This has severely impacted residents across Murang’a South, including Kigumo, Kandara, and Maragua, who rely on the company for water. Many report taps running dry in homes, schools, and hospitals, sparking a significant crisis in the region.
In response, the county administration, under Governor Irungu Kang’ata, stepped in, writing to the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) to request a reduction in water rates from £107 to £88 per cubic metre to ease the conflict. Kang’ata has also appealed to the Principal Secretary for Water, seeking an urgent transfer of MUSWASCO shares to the county government for improved oversight and management. Notably, MUSWASCO is the only one among Murang’a County’s five water service providers still under national government control.
However, these moves have stirred unease among some residents, who suspect the disputes are politically motivated, aimed at seizing control of the water firm. Speaking at a press conference in Thika town, locals led by Kamau Waithera and Andrew Thuo claimed that water issues in Murang’a County had been settled a year ago during a public participation meeting in Kennol town. They accused certain county leaders of reigniting tensions for personal gain.
Kamau alleged that some political factions were eyeing MUSWASCO’s revenue and had incited conflicts between the company and residents. “We’re dismayed by leaders who are stoking disputes rather than seeking lasting solutions. We have evidence they’re behind the destruction of MUSWASCO’s infrastructure, to the detriment of thousands who depend on it,” he said.
The group expressed alarm that water shortages are jeopardising sanitation in public schools and hospitals, despite Murang’a supplying clean water to several counties in the Nairobi Metropolitan area, including Kiambu, Kajiado, Nairobi, and Machakos. “We’re worried about potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera if this isn’t resolved soon. We urge our leaders, including the county administration, to act quickly and bolster water firms to improve service delivery,” Thuo added.
Resident Julius Mwaura urged Governor Kang’ata to intervene decisively by clarifying boundaries and catchment areas between MUSWASCO and Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (MUWASCO) to prevent further clashes and improve service delivery. “All we want is a steady supply of clean water in our taps. Other disputes can be settled diplomatically by the right leaders,” he said.
Mwaura emphasised that reviewing boundaries is crucial to ending recurring conflicts, placing responsibility squarely on the Governor. “He must fast-track this process to spare residents the hardship of going days or even weeks without enough clean water for household use,” he insisted.
The residents also urged WASREB to conduct public consultations before deciding on Kang’ata’s request to adjust water rates, ensuring their voices are heard.
