Nzoia Water Services Company (NZOWASCO) will soon be split into two, a move that has received approval from Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) and aims at ensuring efficient and effective service delivery, owing to the increased demand.
The process of splitting the company, which had the responsibility of providing water and sanitation services in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, started two years ago following a joint proposal floated by the two counties to the regulatory body.
If fully implemented, the proposal will see each county have a stand-alone water company.
As revealed in a meeting bringing together WASREB representatives and the County Government of Trans Nzoia, the remaining part of the process entails sharing of assets, liabilities and the company’s human resources.
The remaining activities are set to be completed before July 1, 2024, when the deal is expected to be formalized.
WASREB Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. James Kigutu, who led the Board’s delegation, urged the two counties to fast-track the process.
“We call upon the two devolved units to move with speed and ensure that the process of splitting NZOWASCO is completed as soon as possible,” he said.
Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member In-Charge of Water and Sanitation Services, Sam Ojwang, representing Governor George Natembeya, welcomed the move to split the water body, saying it would enhance service delivery besides ensuring that residents get quality and timely services.
He stressed the commitment of the county government to ensure the deal crosses the line within the set timelines.
Water and Sanitation Chief Officer Dorothy Nyukuri, who was also present, echoed Ojwang’s sentiments and promised to ensure that challenges facing NZOWASCO are not replicated elsewhere when the body is finally divided.
“We want to assure residents that they will receive better services in terms of service delivery. This process was initiated by the county government to counter concerns about poor service delivery,” he said.
NZOWASCO has in the recent past faced leadership challenges and financial liabilities amounting to close to Sh8.5 billion, accruing from defaulted loans, pensions and creditors.
Accompanying Kigutu were WASREB Legal Officer, George Muluka and Licencing Manager, David Leleita.
By Isaiah Nayika
