Court Issues This Order to Murang’a Water Company Over Water Tariffs

Kenya High Court

A Murang’a Court on Monday issued orders against a local water company following a petition filed by the county government.

High Court Registrar Victoria Ochanda granted the application by the county government to suspend implementation of new water tariffs by Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company.

Ochanda issued interim orders restraining application of new tariffs after the company announced its intention to increase water charges.

The county government had filed a petition against the company, following a proposal to hike water tariffs that was approved by a stakeholders’ conference on August 9.

Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company offices

In an Affidavit, the devolved administration represented by Ng’ang’a Mbugua indicated that the move by Muwasco to increase water tariffs as illegal.

Mbugua told the court that the public participation conducted by the company was not sufficient as some stakeholders were left out in the conference.

He further pointed out that if the new tariffs were implemented, they would affect many residents who cannot pay the high water rates.

The company on the other side objected the application by the county government and termed the move an abuse of the court process.

Lawyer Kirogo Ndegwa representing Muwasco asked the court to strike off the application highlighting that the due process was followed before the company opted to increase water tariffs.

“The petitioner had not demonstrated that indeed the process to resolve the dispute had been exhausted, before turning to the court for intervention,” he noted.

Two years ago, water tariffs had been lowered following a directive from the county governor Mwangi wa Iria.

Local water firms had been complaining that the reduced tariffs do not cater for operations costs subjecting them to losses.

Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria during a past meeting

Water Services Regulatory Board (Waserb) is currently in a process to conduct public participation towards renewal of Muwasco’s operating license.

The magistrate scheduled November 19 as the mention date when the court will give directions on the case.

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