WRA suspends water disconnections until January 15 to let Kenyans enjoy festive season

onyangoclara6@gmail.com

The Water Resources Authority (WRA) has suspended all water disconnections until January 15, 2026.

The move covers households and businesses nationwide, giving Kenyans relief during the festive season.

Speaking to the press, WRA chair Donald Murgor said the suspension allows citizens to celebrate without worrying about water supply interruptions. He said the authority wants families and institutions to enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.

“Until January 15, 2026, WRA will not disconnect anybody. We want Kenyans to enjoy the festive season without worrying about water supply, whether at home, in schools, or in businesses,” said Mr Murgor at the WRA offices in the SHA Building, Nairobi.

WRA CEO Mohamed Shourie said the authority continues to monitor water use nationwide. He explained that once the festive period ends, enforcement will resume to ensure fair distribution and compliance with permits.

“If we don’t control, if we don’t regulate the little that we have, at the end of the day we’ll have a big problem in this country.”

Murgor also emphasised that water, like other essential services, has value and must be used responsibly. Citizens must understand that using water responsibly is key to protecting supplies and avoiding conflict.

“Why would you want to get water free? You pay for electricity, you pay for fuel, and water is no different, everyone must use it responsibly.”

Mr Shourie said permits are essential for fair and transparent water use. Proper permits prevent illegal extraction and overuse and ensure accountability among all water users.

“Every citizen in this country who wants to touch the water must have a permit. It’s best practice all over the world.”

The CEO noted a rise in violations, including illegal water production and failure to meet permit conditions saying leaders of private and public institutions will also be held responsible for compliance.

“People are taking these things lightly, but WRA is a regulator and we are implementing an Act of Parliament.”

Shourie criticised politicians who encourage the public to ignore regulations, saying such actions undermine national water management.

“It is awkward when a leader comes up and incites wananchi against a regulation that he passed in Parliament.”

He explained that WRA only disconnects non-compliant users and reconnects them once they comply. Claims of vandalism are unfounded.

“We don’t vandalise. We normally disconnect, and the moment you comply, the WRA team will go back and reconnect.”

Shourie urged users without permits or with expired ones to regularise their status at WRA offices or online. Citizens are being given enough time to comply before enforcement resumes.

“We are giving people enough time to organise and celebrate happily.”