Residents of Kajiado County, particularly in Kajiado North and parts of Kajiado West, have raised concerns over rising water bills charged by Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company, despite the availability of cheaper alternatives from local borehole vendors.
The issue came to light during the company’s 7th Annual General Meeting held on November 14 at the Oloolaiser Water Plaza, where Ongata Rongai resident Daniel Gikera questioned the disparity in pricing. “We are paying more than Sh150 per cubic meter for water from Oloolaiser, yet some borehole vendors offer the same quantity at that price or less. Why is the cost so high?” Gikera asked.
Responding to the concern, Oloolaiser Managing Director Gladys Marima explained that water tariffs are not arbitrarily set but are determined in consultation with the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), which assesses company performance and operational costs. “Our pricing is guided by WASREB’s tariff structure, which reflects our service delivery standards and the cost of maintaining quality,” Marima said.
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Marima further attributed the high costs to environmental challenges at the company’s main water source, the Kiserian Dam. She noted that encroachment around the dam has led to pollution, including the release of untreated sewage into the water, forcing the company to spend more on treatment chemicals. “We are dealing with serious encroachment issues. Some individuals are releasing waste directly into the dam, and this drives up our treatment costs significantly,” she said.
In an exclusive interview with The Metropolitan Shopper, Marima acknowledged that while water bills may continue to rise in the short term, reversing the trend will take time. “Going up is certain, but going down may take a while. Once we fence off the Kiserian Dam, relocate those encroaching on riparian corridors, and establish a dedicated sewerage system for the county, we may begin to see relief,” she said.
She emphasized that Oloolaiser is not a profit-making entity, but a public utility committed to delivering safe water. “We are here to serve, not to profit. Once WASREB reviews and adjusts the tariff downward, we will immediately reflect that in our billing,” Marima assured.
For now, residents will have to brace themselves for continued high bills until long term solutions are implemented
By Masaki Enock
