The Water Resources Authority (WRA) on Monday issued a 30-day ultimatum for landowners operating boreholes without permits.
According to the authority, all owners and operators must renew their permits within the next thirty days.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, WRA Chairman Mr. Donald Murgor instructed land owners with boreholes and wells to register and pay for operation permits. The authority also warned landowners who fail to renew operation permits that they risk a fine of a maximum of Sh.1 million or a jail term not exceeding 2 years.
“WRA has established guidelines and procedures that are operational and therefore those seeking to make payments for their permits should be able to do so through the e-Citizen platform,” said Mr Murgor.
He further urged landowners with non-valid or expired permits to visit designated WRA offices in their respective areas to renew their permits.
On his part, WRA CEO Mr. Mohammed Shurie while speaking on the matter claimed that Kenya was a water-scarce Country and noted that with competition for the scarce resource, there was a need for strict regulations.
“I want Kenyans to be aware that by law they cannot extract water anywhere without a permit. We have all witnessed the change in weather patterns, with drought and warm weather being the major hurdles the Country is facing which are creating challenges where water provision and consumption is concerned. We cannot afford to be careless with the sparse water resources that we have. To avoid issues with the law, please procure the permit,” he said.
“Some permit holders, contractors, and borehole owners have failed to submit their permit renewal records to WRA as provided for in the Water Act 2016. Section 36 of the Act states that a permit is required for any of the water use purposes,” said Shurie.
The water authority classifies boreholes into several categories i.e. category A to D, based on water usage and its impact on the water resource. Category A boreholes refer to social water, while Category B and C cover private and economic boreholes.
Category D involves either international waters, two different catchment areas, or water that is of a large scale or complex in nature.
The directive comes after a spike in cases of non-compliance was reported, forcing the water agency to crack the whip on lawbreakers.
By Hellen Lunalo
