The Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) in Kenya has issued a directive requiring all small-scale water service providers across Kenya to complete their registration by April 28, 2025. This move is aimed at enforcing full compliance with the Water Act 2016, which mandates that all entities supplying water must operate under a valid license issued by the regulator.
The directive applies to a wide range of water service operators, including community-run water projects, private suppliers in gated communities, individual operators, and organizations such as NGOs and public benefit institutions involved in water provision. The regulation also covers small-scale operations like water kiosks, tanker services, and private boreholes.
READ: Kenya, China ink MoU for nuclear energy development
Laws
According to Section 85(1) of the Water Act 2016, providing water services without a license is illegal. WASREB has emphasized that the new push for registration is intended to enhance oversight and ensure water providers meet minimum standards related to service quality, pricing, and customer experience.
WASREB Chief Executive Officer Eng. Richard Cheruiyot noted that the licensing process is essential for safeguarding public health and ensuring accountability in water service delivery. He said the registration will allow the regulator to maintain an accurate database of providers, which will include service types, addresses, and contact details.
To streamline the process, registration is being facilitated online through a dedicated Small-Scale Service Providers (SSSPs) portal on the WASREB website. The regulator has urged all eligible providers to comply promptly to avoid potential penalties for operating without authorization.
WASREB, which was established under the Water Act 2002 and now operates under the 2016 legislation, is tasked with ensuring efficient, sustainable, and affordable water services across all 47 counties. Its responsibilities include tariff approval, performance monitoring, and consumer rights protection through audits and regulatory enforcement.
