Uasin Gishu County has resolved a long-running dispute over water tariffs charged by the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company [ELDOWAS] after all parties agreed to withdraw court cases and adopt a new, people-centred pricing structure.
Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim announced the agreement on Saturday, May 23, 2026, saying the settlement was reached through dialogue between ELDOWAS management, the County Executive Committee Member for Water, the Sixty-Four Residence Association (SIFRA), consumer groups, and other stakeholders.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that the water tariff dispute involving the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company, consumer representatives, and other stakeholders has been amicably resolved through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding,” Bii said.
Deal that ended dispute over ELDOWAS water tarrif
As part of the deal, all pending matters before the courts and the Water Tribunal will be withdrawn. The parties also agreed to develop a fair, transparent, and sustainable tariff structure for Eldoret residents.
In immediate relief for households, Bii directed ELDOWAS to lower the first consumption block by Ksh 46 per cubic metre, a move that affects the majority of residents.
“I have directed ELDOWAS to lower the first consumption block which affects majority of our residents by Ksh 46 per cubic metre,” he said.
The new framework will be developed through an inclusive process that balances ELDOWAS’s operational sustainability with affordability for households, businesses, schools, and community water kiosks. Before submission to the Water Services Regulatory Board [WASREB], ELDOWAS is expected to carry out a public sensitisation exercise to explain how the proposed adjustments were calculated.
Bii also directed the company to step up efforts to reduce non-revenue water losses, modernise infrastructure, and strengthen accountability in the distribution system.
“Addressing water losses remains critical in lowering operational costs and improving the reliability and consistency of water supply to our residents,” he said.
The governor also commended all parties for choosing dialogue over confrontation, saying the outcome reflects “maturity, patriotism, and commitment to the welfare of our people.”
He reaffirmed that providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water remains a priority under Nguzo Seven of his administration’s development agenda on Water, Environment, and Natural Resources.
Bii urged residents to pay their water bills on time to enable ELDOWAS to maintain operations and improve service delivery.
