WRA Suspends Water Disconnections Throughout December to Ease Holiday Pressure
The suspension, effective for the entire month of December, will see normal disconnection procedures resume on January 15, 2026
By : Mweru Mbugua
The Water Resources Authority (WRA) has announced a month-long suspension of water disconnections for unpaid bills, offering relief to Kenyans during the festive season
The suspension, effective for the entire month of December, will see normal disconnection procedures resume on January 15, 2026
WRA says the decision aims to ensure households enjoy uninterrupted water supply despite ongoing challenges, particularly in urban and informal settlements where water scarcity remains persistent
Many residents in these areas receive water only twice a week, forcing them to ration limited supplies
The authority also raised alarm over increasing cases of illegal water abstraction and failure to comply with water-use permits. WRA Chairman Donald Murgor noted that the rising trend violates the Water Act 2016 and Water Resources Regulations 2025, threatening sustainable water management
Murgor emphasized that WRA is mandated to regulate and ensure equitable water distribution through a transparent permitting system
However, recent investigations point to rogue politicians and opportunistic businessmen exploiting water shortages for profit, leaving residents dependent on expensive private water suppliers
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WRA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Shurie highlighted a worrying surge in permit violations, with some political actors allegedly inciting non-compliance
He cited a recent incident in Kieni, Nyeri County, where abstractors were encouraged to ignore lawful directives from the authority
The authority warned that private entities flouting regulations will face prosecution, while heads of government departments will be held personally liable for breaches under the Water Resources Regulations
WRA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s water resources and ensuring fair access for all users, especially during the high-demand holiday period
