Tuesday 18th June 2024. Nairobi, Kenya

Today the Water Services Regulatory Authority (WASREB) conducted public consultations following the application by Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) for a bulk water license to operate the Northern Collector Bulk System.

The NCT system has been under construction from 2017 and is now nearly complete with the tunnel and Kigoro water treatment plant already in operation. Transmission pipelines are currently being tested and operations are planned to commence in July 2024.

The Government of Kenya through AWWDA has invested more than Kshs 12 billion in the project whose main objective is to give an additional 1.2 million residents of Nairobi and Kiambu clean and safe water, as well as the beneficiary communities living around and along the system.

The Water Act 2016 mandates Water Services Regulatory Board to protect consumers’ interests and rights in water services. This is mainly through licensing and setting appropriate tariffs that ensure clean water is affordable and the infrastructure’s cost is recovered for sustainable supply.

AWWDA has applied to Water Services Regulatory Authority (WASREB) for a bulk water license to operate the Northern Collector Bulk System. The system falls under the definition of a National Public Water Works as per the Water Act 2016 as will be outlined later.

Speaking during the event Principal Secretary State Department for Water and Sanitation representative Stephen Kihara, Secretary Administration noted that today’s engagement provides a platform for effective coordination and collaboration between State, County and Non State actors to pave the way for a systemic mechanism to enhance the capabilities for the sustainable administration and management of water resources.

“The system, which will provide 140 million litres of clean water to Nairobi and parts of Muranga will help alleviate the water demand as we work towards developing adequate infrastructure to meet the rising demands,” said Mr. Kihara.

Member of Parliament present Hon. Wakili Muriu, Members of County Assembly, Water Service Providers, members of the public, government institutions, county government representatives, local leaders among others drawn from our area of jurisdiction also shared their views during the consultations.

The discussions led to a huge consensus to support Athi Water Works application for a license to operate as a bulk water service provider for the Northern Collector Tunnel System.