Governor Abdulswamad Nassir reveals 21 senior officials involved in illegal water connections
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said selfish officers had diverted water supplies for personal gain, leaving thousands of residents without access to clean water.
Senior government and county officials are among 21 individuals found culpable of illegal water connections in Mombasa, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has revealed.
Governor Abdulswamad said the officers had diverted water supplies for personal gain, leaving thousands of residents without access to clean water.
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“We will not allow the people of Mombasa to go thirsty because of a few individuals who have decided to steal water and sell it at inflated prices. It does not matter who you are action will be taken,” said Abdulswamad.
Abdulswamad disclosed that Mombasa suffers the highest rate of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in Kenya, with 60 per cent of its supply lost through illegal connections, leakages, meter tampering and weak enforcement. This level of loss, he said, is the worst in the country and amounts to economic sabotage.
“This can be equated to treason. You cannot deny people their livelihood by cutting off their water and then selling it for selfish gain,” he added.
The crackdown, led jointly by the Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MOWASSCO), the infrastructure department, public health officials and enforcement teams, has so far targeted areas in Changamwe, Mvita, parts of Kisauni and Mwakirunge.
The governor said the operation began three days ago and will continue across all sub-counties.
Residents have been urged to report anyone involved in the illegal practice. “Those who steal water are not robbing the government but the people of Mombasa,” the governor said.
He outlined a 100-day plan aimed at cutting NRW by half within two years. Measures include mapping and auditing all illegal connections, deploying enforcement teams, introducing smart meters and GIS mapping, and engaging the public through awareness campaigns.
The county will also collaborate with estate associations, community leaders and security agencies to ensure long-term compliance.
The governor said the initiative has yielded results, with illegal connections dismantled in 21 areas. He assured residents that the county is working closely with Coast Water and other stakeholders to repair leaking pipelines and improve supply from Baricho, Mzima, Marere and Tiwi sources.
“Our goal is to reduce Non-Revenue Water from 60 per cent to 30 per cent by 2027 and increase household connections from 20,000 to 120,000. Every drop counts, and water belongs to the people of Mombasa,” he stated.
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