Makueni County, classified as an arid and semi-arid region, continues to grapple with persistent water scarcity that threatens both food security and sustainable livelihoods. Communities in Kitise–Kithuki Ward — including areas such as Munathi, Ngunguuni, Manza, Kiambani, Kasayani e.t.c — face long treks of up to 8 kilometers daily in search of water, often resorting to unprotected sources like River Athi. This has not only exposed residents to health risks but has also strained agricultural productivity and household wellbeing.
During a recent meeting convened by the Wote Water and Sewerage Company (WOWASCO) on the new proposed water tariffs, important deliberations were made, emphasizing fairness, sustainability, and consumer protection. The new tariffs are consumer-friendly, keeping in mind that Makueni is a water-scarce area. Under the proposed structure, individual consumers will pay between Kshs. 122 and 150 per cubic meter depending on their consumption block — while households using less than one cubic meter (1,000 liters) will not be charged. Water kiosks, which serve low-income and remote communities, will now pay Kshs. 70 per cubic meter, while commercial, institutional, and government consumers will be charged between Kshs. 136 and 150 per cubic meter, depending on usage.
This progressive move, backed by WOWASCO, Tana-Athi Water Works Development Agency, WASREB, and the County Government of Makueni, aims to make water more affordable and accessible to residents while ensuring sustainability of water infrastructure. The meeting also underscored the need for enhanced public awareness, responsible water use, and community participation in protecting water infrastructure. PTD Kenya appreciates the joint efforts by all stakeholders in promoting transparency and fairness in water management.
However, despite these positive strides, the situation on the ground remains dire — particularly in Kitise–Kithuki Ward, where households still experience long queues at water points and face exploitation from private vendors charging between Kshs. 25–30 per 20-litre jerrican. The community continues to appeal for accelerated water interventions, including expansion of pipelines, drilling of boreholes, and rehabilitation of existing water systems.
PTD Kenya, under its Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods Thematic Area, calls on WOWASCO and the Department of Water and Sanitation to move with urgency to save the situation. Water is the foundation of life and economic productivity — it sustains crops, livestock, households, and industries alike. Access to reliable and affordable water will not only strengthen food security but also empower communities economically and socially.
As PTD Kenya continues to partner with government and development agencies, the organization remains committed to working with WOWASCO to enhance awareness on the new tariffs, promote responsible consumption, and sensitize communities against water theft and vandalism. Every drop counts, and together, we can make Makueni’s vision of a water-secure county a reality.
“Water is life — but access to safe, affordable water is dignity. Let’s protect it, share it, and sustain it.”
