The County Government of Kirinyaga has commenced the process of taking full
ownership of water service providers in the county in compliance with an
advisory from the Water Services Regulatory Board (Wasreb).
The advisory dated April 6, 2023 had given all water service providers in
the country 90 days’ notice to comply with the regulatory framework.
The Water Act 2016 says that ownership of the water service providers
shall vest in county governments.
On Monday, shareholders of the Kirinyaga Water and Sanitation Company
(Kiriwasco) endorsed a decision by the Board of Directors to hand over the
company to the county government.
In an extraordinary general meeting, the stakeholders resolved to change
the status of Kiriwasco from a company limited by guarantee to a public
company limited by shares.
Speaking during the meeting, County Water and Irrigation Chief Officer
Peter Murimi said the takeover will help streamline management and
enhance water supply and sanitation in the county.
“The takeover will ensure that there is efficiency in the company’s operations
through accountability and oversight from the county government,” said
Murimi.
Provisions of Section 77 of the Water Act 2016 and Part 2 of the Water
Services Regulations 2021 gives counties full control of the water provision
companies.
The Chief Officer asserted that county governments are the function
owners and shareholding of the water services providers is held by the
devolved units in trust for the people.
Following the ratification of the takeover by the shareholders, the county
government will now commence paper work for the transfer of shareholding
at the Registrar of Companies.
Kiriwasco Managing Director Ephantus Maina said that water and
sanitation are devolved functions and therefore changing the ownership of
the water companies was inevitable.
“By the county government taking full ownership of Kiriwasco, we can be
assured of increased efficiency in the management of the company while
being able to develop the assets and oversee the management,” said
Maina.
Kiriwasco Board Chairman James Kihia called on all stakeholders to
support the takeover because it was made in their best interests.
“This move will enhance how we run the company while increasing our
efficiency. We look forward for support from the county so that we are able
to supply water quality water to all households in the county, The county
government will increase our potential by supporting our ventures,” said
Kihia.
He said that the board is committed to fast tracking the takeover process.
Speaking separately, Governor Anne Waiguru had hinted at reforms to
streamline management of the company.
Waiguru said her administration is committed to ensure the company
achieves her goal.
The governor further asked Member of the County Assembly (MCAs) to
support her agenda of provision of cost effective and affordable quality
water and sanitation services to the residents of Kirinyaga County.
She asked MCAs to team up and pull their ward-based funds together so
as to implement mega water projects that cut across their areas of
representation.
“We are asking our MCAs to join hands and utilize their ward funds in
implementing water projects that will serve many people,” Waiguru said.
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