WASREB urges residents to ignore county-issued notice; says only national board can set water prices.

The Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) has released an urgent message to the people of Murang’a: disregard a recent notice published by the County Government about new water tariffs.

According to WASREB, the county government acted outside the law by announcing tariff changes in a notice published in the Standard Newspaper on 10th April 2025.

While counties do help manage water services, the law is clear only WASREB can review, approve, and publish changes to water and sewerage tariffs.

This is to protect consumers and ensure fair pricing across the country.

The Water Act 2016 gives WASREB the power to regulate and set water tariffs.

It also ensures that any changes to water prices must be legal, transparent, and put the public first.

“This isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about making sure water remains affordable and accessible to every Kenyan,” said a WASREB official.

So what does this mean for Murang’a residents?

Ignore the county’s notice.

No new water prices are valid unless they come from WASREB and are properly gazetted.

WASREB reassures the public that it is working to protect consumers from unfair practices and will continue to uphold the law.