Murang’a County is grappling with a severe water shortage, leaving thousands of residents, schools, and hospitals without access to clean water. The crisis, fueled by an ongoing dispute between the Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company (MUSWASCO) and local communities, has escalated tensions in the region.
In Kigumo sub-county’s Kinyona area, where MUSWASCO sources its water, residents have voiced their frustrations over increased tariffs. Their outrage recently boiled over into acts of vandalism, targeting water infrastructure, which has further worsened the crisis. Entire neighborhoods in Murang’a South, including Kigumo, Kandara, and Maragua, have been left without water, forcing families into desperate measures.
Daily Struggles and Health Risks
The impact of the water crisis is severe. Parents now send their children to school with bottles of water, while hospitals are struggling to maintain hygiene standards, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Public sanitation has deteriorated, with toilets in schools and health facilities remaining unflushed, putting thousands at risk of infections.
Julius Mwaura, a distressed resident, lamented, “We fetch water from contaminated streams, and our children are suffering from stomach illnesses. How can a county that supplies Nairobi and other counties with water fail its own people?”
Local leaders are warning of an impending health disaster if urgent action is not taken. “We are staring at a health crisis,” said Kamau Waithera, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.
Political Wrangles and Solutions Sought
The county government, led by Governor Irungu Kang’ata, has attempted to mediate the situation. Kang’ata has requested the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) to reduce water tariffs from Ksh 107 to Ksh 88 per cubic meter. Additionally, he has petitioned the Principal Secretary for Water to transfer MUSWASCO’s management to the county government for streamlined operations.
MUSWASCO remains the only water company in Murang’a still under national government control, raising concerns that the crisis has political undertones. Some residents believe certain politicians are using the dispute for personal gain. “Water is life, not a political tool. Let leaders stop playing games with our survival,” urged Andrew Thuo.
Residents Demand Immediate Action
Residents are now calling for an end to the stalemate and prioritization of their right to clean water. Many have urged WASREB to conduct public participation meetings before making any tariff adjustments.
“We don’t care about the political wars,” said Mwaura. “We just want clean water flowing in our taps. We are tired of suffering in a county that should never lack water.”
As the crisis continues, Murang’a residents remain hopeful that a swift resolution will be reached before the situation spirals further out of control.
