WASREB Approves Mandera, Nairobi Tariffs: Kenya Water Services Regulatory Board

• WASREB has approved tariff changes for Mandera and Nairobi water service providers, with Nairobi's new tariffs effective March 2026 and currently facing a legal challenge.
• The public consultation process for these tariffs has concluded, leading to approved changes.
• Compliance officers and lawyers should monitor the situation closely, as it may impact clients operating in the water service sector.
• The approved tariff changes could lead to increased costs or regulatory obligations for WSPs and their customers.

The public meetings will provide an opportunity for interested parties to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed changes.

The Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) previously held public consultation meetings regarding tariff changes for two water service providers in Kenya, Mandera and Nairobi. WASREB has since approved new tariffs for Nairobi, effective March 2026, though these are currently subject to a pending legal challenge in the High Court. For Mandera, tariffs were also approved following public participation in December 2025. Separate tariff details were made available on the WASREB website. The consultations aimed to gather input from stakeholders before a final decision was made on the tariffs. The public meetings provided an opportunity for interested parties to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed changes.

The tariff consultation process is governed by the Water Act 2016, which empowers WASREB to regulate water services in Kenya. The Board's role includes setting tariffs for WSPs to ensure they are reasonable and do not unfairly burden consumers. In this case, the proposed tariff changes may have significant implications for both WSPs and their customers. Compliance officers and lawyers should be aware of these developments, as they may impact clients operating in the water service sector.

The approved tariff changes could lead to increased costs or regulatory obligations for WSPs, which may have far-reaching consequences for their operations and customers. As a result, it is essential for lawyers and compliance officers to monitor the situation closely and advise clients accordingly. The public consultation meetings provided an opportunity for stakeholders to shape the outcome of the proposed tariff changes, ensuring that they are fair and reasonable. By engaging with the process, parties can mitigate potential risks and ensure their interests are protected.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the proposed tariff changes for potential impacts on clients in the water service sector, including possible increases in costs or regulatory obligations.

Source: Original reporting via WASREB