A looming water crisis has been exacerbated by the recent announcement of increased water tariffs across Kenya.

The new rates, effective from August 2nd, 2024, will see domestic, commercial, and institutional users pay significantly more for their water consumption.

The Water Service Regulatory Boards (WSRB), in a gazette notice issued by CEO Richard Cheruiyot, unveiled the revised tariffs.

Cities such as Kakamega, Kiambu, Thika, Kisumu, and Nyeri will be among those impacted by the hikes.

"Pursuant to clause 1.3 of the schedule of tariff published vide Gazette Notice o.2188 of 2021, notice is given that all prices for services will be as follows for all meter readings to be taken from 2nd August 2024 to 30th June 2025," the WSRB stated in its gazette notice.

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The new tariffs will see domestic users in Kakamega pay between Sh91 and Sh227 per cubic meter (M3), while commercial users will pay between Sh136 and Sh238. Education institutions in the city will be subject to rates between Sh68 and Sh170.

In Kisumu, the new rates will see domestic consumers pay between Sh143 and Sh176 per M3, while commercial users will be charged between Sh126 and Sh176. Education institutions in Kisumu will be billed between Sh66 and Sh121.

Residents of Nyeri will also see adjustments, with domestic users paying between Sh53 and Sh113, commercial users paying between Sh85 and Sh150, and educational institutions paying between Sh46 and Sh62.

In Thika, domestic consumers will now be charged between Sh55 and Sh106 per M3, commercial users between Sh86 and Sh106, and educational institutions between Sh67 and Sh84.

Finally, in Kiambu, domestic users will pay between Sh71 and Sh156, commercial users will pay between Sh118 and Sh156, and education institutions will pay between Sh83 and Sh125.

This rise in water tariffs comes amid a worsening national water crisis in Kenya.

A report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that over 16 million Kenyans are currently dependent on unsafe and untreated water sources.

The disparity in water access between rural and urban areas is stark.

Rural families spend an average of $38 monthly on water, while urban households with piped water systems in cities such as Nairobi spend just $4.46.

Experts attribute the water poverty in urban areas to a combination of low supply, high demand, and inadequate water management planning.

Malesi Shivaji, CEO of the Kenya Water and Civil Society Network (KEWASNET), has pointed to the country's outdated water infrastructure as a major contributor to the shortages.

The existing systems, he argues, are ill-equipped to serve the rapidly growing urban population.

The combination of growing demand, limited supply, and inefficient water management continues to place considerable strain on both rural and urban communities, with the recent tariff hike adding further financial pressure on consumers across the country.