Kirinyaga County Gov’t begins full takeover of public water companies

The County Government of Kirinyaga has commenced taking full ownership of water service providers in the county in compliance with an advisory from the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).

The advisory dated April 6, 2023, had given all water service providers in the county 90 days’ notice to comply with the regulatory framework stated in the Water Act 2016 that ownership of the water service providers shall vest in county governments.

In a general meeting held by stakeholders of the Kirinyaga Water and Sanitation Company (KIRIWASCO) on Monday, the stakeholders endorsed a decision by the Board of Directors to hand over the company to the county government officially.

Speaking during the meeting, Water and Sanitation Chief Officer Peter Murimi hailed the takeover stating that it will not only help streamline management and enhance water supply and sanitation but also devolve units in trust for the people of the county.

“The takeover will ensure that there is efficiency in the company operations through accountability and oversight from the county government,” said Murimi.

KIRIWASCO Managing Director Ephantus Maina said that water and sanitation are devolved functions and therefore changing the ownership of the water companies was inevitable. The county government will therefore commence paperwork for the transfer of shareholding at the Registrar of Companies.

“By the county government taking full ownership of KIRIWASCO, we can be assured of increased efficiency in the management of the company while being able to develop the assets and oversee the management,” Maina said.

Speaking separately, Governor Anne Waiguru said that her administration is committed to ensuring the company achieves its goal further urging Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to support her agenda of provision of cost-effective and affordable quality water and sanitation services to the residents of Kirinyaga County. 

“We are asking our MCAs to join hands and utilize their ward funds in implementing water projects that will serve many people,” Waiguru said.