Nairobi Water Threatens To Cut Supply To Counties, Public Schools Over KSh 4b Debt

• Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company CEO Nahashon Muguna revealed that the city and Kiambu county owe them more than half a billion
• He said that private water users in Nairobi have a debt of over KSh 3 billion while public schools owe them KSh 160 million
• Highrise MCA Kennedy Oyugi urged Muguna to ensure equitable water provision, especially in areas grappling with water rationing

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) is facing a substantial debt of approximately KSh four billion due to non-payment from various entities.

According to Nahashon Muguna, the managing director of NWSC, this outstanding amount has accumulated over several years, significantly affecting the company's ability to carry out planned projects.

"If these institutions were paying things would be easier for us, especially in rehabilitation of sewer lines," Muguna said.

How much do public schools owe NWSC?

Among the debtors are water service providers in Nairobi and Kiambu, who owe KSh 280 million and KSh 220 million, respectively, and public schools, with a debt of KSh 160 million.

The accumulated debts amount to nearly one billion Kenyan shillings, with additional contributions from private water users in Nairobi.

Muguna, speaking on behalf of the company, stated that they've reached out to the Ministry of Education to expedite funding to schools to alleviate the burden of these debts.

Kennedy Oyugi, Highrise member of County Assembly and chairperson of the water committee, has urged the company's CEO to take all necessary measures to ensure equitable water provision, particularly in areas still grappling with water rationing.

Despite the financial challenges, the company has affirmed that it continues to provide water services without interruption.

Furthermore, plans are underway for the company to secure a loan facility of KSh 100 billion from the South Korean government to finance the second phase of the Northern Water Collector project.

Nairobi water announces rationing amid heavy rains

Muguna said water supply will remain constant despite the dams supplying water in Nairobi overflowing due to heavy rains.

He argued that the production capacity of the installed water infrastructure cannot be exceeded.

Muguna stated that water rationing will be enforced through the Equitable Water Distribution Program, ensuring each customer receives water once weekly.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke