Kilifi County moves to disconnect defaulters as water bill debts hit Sh600 million

The Kilifi County Government has begun disconnecting water supply and issuing demand notices to recover unpaid bills that have pushed the Malindi Water and Sewerage Company (MAWASCO) into financial strain.

The county says persistent failure by customers to settle water bills has left MAWASCO struggling to meet its operational costs, with outstanding arrears standing at about Sh600 million.

The debts cut across individual households, businesses and public institutions.

Speaking during the enforcement exercise, Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for Water Omar Said said the low revenue collection has severely affected the company’s ability to operate effectively.

He said the utility relies entirely on customer payments to meet essential expenses such as electricity bills, bulk water purchases from Coast Water Works Development Agency and staff salaries.

“We are strengthening a programme to ensure that revenue collection at MAWASCO and Kilifi-Mariakani Water & Sewerage Co Ltd (KIMAWASCO) improves. MAWASCO alone is owed about Sh600 million by residents, and this has greatly affected its operations. Without revenue collection, no operations can continue,” Omar said.

He added that the current crackdown targets all defaulters, with different measures depending on the size of the debt. Customers with large arrears face immediate disconnection, while those owing smaller amounts have been given a seven-day window to clear their balances.

“We are starting an operation to reach everyone with outstanding bills. Those with huge debts will be disconnected, while those with smaller arrears are being given seven days to pay. These debts include individuals, the business sector and public institutions,” he said.

Omar further noted that some of the largest debts belong to senior citizens and high-profile individuals, describing the situation as worrying. “It is unfortunate that some senior and well-known people have the biggest arrears. One individual owes as much as Sh1.6 million,” he said.

MAWASCO Managing Director Francis Wanje echoed the concerns, warning that the mounting debts are crippling the company’s operations. He urged customers to take advantage of the grace period to clear their bills before stricter measures are enforced.

“We are urging residents to pay their water bills. Some customers owe as much as Sh600,000,” Wanje said.

He added that the company has issued demand notices to chronic defaulters and will pursue legal action against those who fail to comply.

“Those who do not pay after receiving notices will face legal action so that we can meet our operational costs and continue providing services,” he said.

The county government says the crackdown will continue until revenue collection improves and the utility regains financial stability.

Photos Farhiya Hussein

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