Murang’a water firms in process to transfer ownership to the county administration

Murang’a, Wednesday, 17, May, 2023

KNA by Bernard Munyao

Water companies operating in Murang’a County have commenced a process of transferring their ownership to the county government.

Already four water firms have organized for public engagement forums ahead of transferring their shares to the county administration before June 30.

The move comes after the county government issued a circular directing the local water firms to adhere to the law and transfer 97 percent of their shares to the devolved administration.

According to the circular dated April 11, Governor Irungu Kang’ata said section 77 of the Water Act 2016 requires that the water service providers comply with the Act by legally transferring ownership of the company to the county government.

In the new set up, the county government seeks to own 97 percent shares in each of the five local water companies, and the remaining 3 percent be shared among the stakeholders.

By now, only Gatanga Water Company has complied with the directive where it has transferred its shares to the county government.

The other four water companies including Murang'a West Water (Mwewasco), Murang’a Water (Muwasco), Murang’a South (Muwasco) and Gatamathi companies have communicated to Water Service Regulatory Board (Wasreb) and Murang'a county government over the process to transfer the ownership to adhere to the law.

Managing Director of Murang'a South Water and Sanitation Company (Muswasco) Mary Nyaga speaking to KNA said the process of transferring the company’s ownership to the county administration has kicked off.

“Our company secretary is expected to invite the public for an engagement forum ready for the deliberations on the task of transferring ownership to the county government,” observed Nyaga.

Muwasco on the other hand has set to have an annual general meeting on June 9 where the main agenda will be on converting the firm to a public entity.

Gatamathi Water headed by Charles Muriuki will be meeting members of the public on May 25, in Kiria ini. While Managing Director of Murang’a West Company Ephantus Kamau has said the engagement forum is set for May 26 in Kangema town.

Last month, Wasreb Chief Executive Officer Dr. Julius Itunga asked the water service providers in Murang’a to furnish his office with the progress they are making towards transfer of ownership to county administration.

 Courtesy; K.N.A