Nakuru residents to hold protests on Tuesday over increased water tariffs
A display of some of the new meters said to hike water bills for Nakuru residents.
A section of Nakuru residents are planning to hold peaceful demonstrations next week on October 14, 2025 to protest against the recent increase in water tariffs announced by the Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company (NAWASSCO).
The Nakuru County Tenants Association (NACTA) is accusing NAWASSCO of raising tariffs without following the correct procedures.
According to a notice seen by Mtaa Wangu, the protest will start at Afraha Stadium and proceed along Kenyatta Avenue to the company’s offices.
"The purpose of the peaceful demonstrations and picketing is to reject the new water tariffs introduced without a proper constitutional framework, as well as the installation of new meters without public participation,' reads part of the letter.
NACTA General Secretary Newton Esichupa says that the increase has hit many households hard, particularly those in informal settlements, where some residents have already had their water supply cut off.
“NAWASSCO has increased the cost of water from approximately Sh66 to almost Sh100 per unit. Considering the high cost of living, this increase is too heavy a burden for ordinary residents," Mr Esichupa says.
Mr Esichupa added that some residents have been forced to buy water from vendors at higher prices after their supply was cut off, stating that “water is a basic need and should not be priced beyond people’s reach”.
However, the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) has defended the tariff review, stating that the new rates were approved following an evaluation of NAWASSCO’s application for the period from 2024/2025 to 2029/2030.
WASREB Chief Executive Officer Richard Cheruiyot said the price adjustments were necessary to support operations and improve service delivery.
"For the period 2024/2025 to 2029/2030, the cost of water has increased by 61 per cent — from 59 shillings on the lifeline block (1–6 cubic metres) to Sh95," he says.
Meanwhile, NACTA officials have confirmed that the protest will go ahead as planned, unless NAWASSCO withdraws the new rates or calls for public consultations.