Kenyans may soon get a huge relief in costs of water and constant water shortages after a parliamentary committee recommended for a reduction in electricity tariffs charged to water companies.
Vice-chairman of the committee, Dr. Robert Pukose said they expect to see a reduction of electric tariffs to water companies to end the constant power disconnections.
Dr Pukose spoke after touring the Baricho Water Works in Kilifi County. He lamented that contracts signed by the Energy Ministry and thermal suppliers have made it impossible to regulate costs of power. The contracts are for a 20 year period.
In his petition, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, claimed that electricity costs are very high forcing water companies to pay more than what they make as profit.
Also present were committee members Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga together with Coast Regional Director of KPLC, Hicks Waswa and EPRB Technical Director Research and policy together with CEOs of Malindi and Kilifi Water and Sewerage companies.
MP Chonga noted that street lights were given special tariffs together with many factories but water companies like Baricho water works have never been given such tariffs despite their huge use of power.