Residents of Eldoret have filed a fresh petition at the Water Tribunal seeking to halt a more than 300 per cent increase in tariffs by the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company.
The new water tariffs, implemented in November last year, sparked outrage among consumers.
Residents had previously challenged the rates at the Environment and Land Court through Kipkorir Menjo and David Chebet, suing Eldowas and the Water Services Regulatory Board.
However, Justice Emmanuel Washe ruled the court lacked jurisdiction, advising the consumers to file their petition at the Water Tribunal.
Lawyer Kaira Nabasenge, representing residents, said on Friday they are seeking a suspension of the new rates pending the tribunal’s determination.
“We moved to the tribunal after the High Court ruled it has no jurisdiction to hear our earlier petition,” he said.
The Water Tribunal, a specialised court established under the Water Act 2016, is mandated to resolve disputes related to water services and resources. The matter, originally scheduled for Thursday, was adjourned to February 16.
“The new tariffs being charged by Eldowas are exorbitant, and many residents cannot afford them, hence our decision to pursue the case at the tribunal,” Nabasenge said.
Eldowas currently charges an average of Sh130 per 1,000 cubic metres of water—roughly triple the previous rate. Some residents, including members of the business community, have threatened protests if the new tariffs are not withdrawn.
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