Regulator tells water service providers to enhance their capacities
Experts in the water sector have warned that the abrupt shutdown of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited in July 2026, could grossly affect the supply of water and sanitation services by the service providers.
By Adieri Mulaa
Water Service Providers (WSPs) should build capacities in their leadership and governance structures, to enable them improve service delivery and respond effectively to emerging challenges in the sector, as institutions.
Last week, the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) had an engagement with chairpersons of water service providers, to discuss key challenges affecting service delivery, and explore practical solutions for stronger performance of the sector.
During the engagement, the new WASREB Chief Executive Officer, Leparan C. Tialal, emphasised the need for water service providers to build their human resource and leadership capacities.
Tialal says all water service providers should strengthen their management and leadership portfolios, to enable them render services effectively.
”Continuous capacity building of the leadership and governance in the institutions providing water and sanitation services will strengthen their ability to respond effectively to emerging challenges in the sector, and improve service delivery”, said Tialal.
The engagement reaffirmed that good governance, capacity building and regular dialogue between the regulator and the service providers were critical aspects for sustainable and efficient delivery of quality water services to the populations in all regions of the country.
Water Service Providers are entities including companies and community projects, that are licensed by the regulator, to provide water supply and sanitation services to consumers.
Majority of the water service providers under the Water Act 2016, are owned by the county governments. The function of overseeing public water works belongs to the county governments.
Experts in the water sector have warned that the abrupt shutdown of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited in July 2026, could grossly affect the supply of water and sanitation services by the service providers.
Last week, a senior water engineer told The Informer Weekly, that TCML company produces soda ash, which is cleaned upto 97% purity, that meets the standard required for water treatment.
The service providers say water and sanitation companies in the counties use locally produced soda ash in their water treatment plants, to correct or neutralise the pH levels of municipal water, for drinking.
Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nairobi City County Government, is the largest service provider in the country. It serves the capital city with a population of approximately 5.6 million people.
Following the suspension of operations at by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited company, water service providers now have to source soda ash from outside Kenya.
The shutdown has effectively created a significant supply risk, especially given the on-going disruptions in the international shipping and global supply chains.
Last week however, Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Ali Joho, initiated negotiations with the management of Tata Chemicals, with possibility of re-opening its operations, if an agreement is reached with the government.
On July 29, 2026, the Cabinet Secretary ordered immediate suspension of all mining operations by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited, until it fully complies with the Mining Act, its regulations and all other applicable laws governing Kenya’s mining sector.
The engagement between WASREB and chairpersons of water service providers agreed on several priority issues that were outlined for action. WASREB chairman, Mr Job Chirchir, also attended the meeting among other officials.
It was agreed that future engagements between the regulator and the service providers, would focus on clear smart water management systems, dubbed Smart, and actionable resolutions.
The resolutions will include mechanisms to track and monitor implementation, measure progress and deliver quick wins.
The meeting also agreed on the need to promote clustering of water service providers, where it adds value, strengthens bulk water supply agreements, addresses ageing infrastructure, and development of appropriate arrangements for cross-county water services.
It was agreed that strengthening continuous capacity building to enhance the ability of water service providers to deliver efficient, sustainable and quality services is one of the priority measures to be undertaken.
The meeting affirmed that good governance, collaboration, capacity building and regular dialogue among players in the sector are critical to efficient delivery of sustainable quality water services for all.
