The Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) on Wednesday convened a public consultation forum in Bomet County to review proposed water tariffs for Bomet Water and Sanitation Company Ltd (BOMWASCO), amid renewed focus on bulk water supply and sector sustainability.
The meeting, attended by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) and local stakeholders, explored the role of regulation in improving water service delivery, while addressing persistent challenges in licensing, rural supply models and the financial viability of utilities.
Participants were briefed on ongoing infrastructure projects by LVSWWDA aimed at boosting service delivery in Bomet, with particular attention given to the Itare Bulk Water Supply project and its expected impact on the region.
LVSWWDA Chairman Dan Omino said the bulk water initiative dates back to 2022, when the agency stepped in to resolve a protracted water dispute between Bomet and Kericho counties.
He noted that subsequent regulatory changes in 2024 empowered Water Works Development Agencies to abstract, treat and distribute bulk water, paving the way for LVSWWDA to secure licensing and a tariff for the Itare project.
LVSWWDA Chief Executive Officer Jackline Kemunto said the agency is ready to operationalise the Itare Water Supply Scheme.
She also urged BOMWASCO to consider solar-powered systems to reduce rising electricity costs that continue to strain water production and distribution.
WASREB Acting CEO Richard Cheruiyot reaffirmed that access to water is a fundamental right, calling for a gradual but deliberate expansion of services to underserved communities.
He emphasized the need for efficiency and fairness in pricing to ensure consumers receive water reliably and at affordable rates.
The forum also examined the framework for bulk water tariffs, with stakeholders urging transparency and accountability as the sector undergoes significant reforms.
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