RISING NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE WATER ACT 2016 AND WATER RESOURCES REGULATIONS 2025.

RISING NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE WATER ACT 2016 AND WATER RESOURCES REGULATIONS 2025.

By Stella Ranji 

The Water Resources Authority (WRA) wishes to inform the public and all water users that it has observed an increasing trend of non-compliance with the Water Act 2016 and the Water Resources Regulations 2025.

As mandated under Section 12 of the Water Act 2016, WRA is responsible for regulating the management, protection, conservation, and use of the nation's water resources. One of the core functions of this mandate is to ensure the equitable allocation of available water resources to all legitimate users. This equity is achieved through data-driven, science-based decision-making, with the water use permitting system serving as a key tool for transparency, accountability, and sustainable water management.
However, in recent months, WRA has noted a significant increase in violations of regulatory requirements, particularly relating to illegal water abstraction and the failure to obtain or comply with water use permits. Of particular concern are incidents where political actors have influenced or encouraged individuals or groups to disregard compliance to the regulation. The claim that we are vandalizing the equipment is untrue. A recent case in Kieni, Nyeri County, involved abstractors being incited to violate WRA directives, undermining lawful water management efforts.

The leadership of Private entities in whose permit application was issued and found to be in violation of regulations will be liable and prosecuted accordingly. In case of government institutions the leaders who include: Managing Directors will be the once apprehended in case of violation to the Water Resources Regulations
WRA reminds all water users that the law is clear: any form of non-compliance with the Water Act and its Regulations is an offence and will attract enforcement action as provided for under the law. Such violations not only endanger the sustainability of water resources but also compromise the fairness and efficiency of water allocation, ultimately harming communities, ecosystems, and future users.
The Authority carries out all communication directly to all abstractors who are the permit holders. In this regard, WRA appeals to all members of the public with water permits to regularize abstraction, those without a valid water abstraction permits are required to visit designated WRA offices in their areas for advice or make an application through the e-permitting system and those with expired permits to apply for renewal of the same. From today, 10th December 2025 WRA suspends all massive disconnection towards payment of water use fees to allow our customers to celebrate the festivals, which is an important season for all Kenyans. Enforcement of the Water Act and its Regulation will resume on 15th January, 2026.
WRA remains committed to safeguarding Kenya's water resources for present and future generations. We call upon all abstractors, community leaders, and stakeholders to respect the law and work collaboratively towards responsible and sustainable water use.

Popular posts from this blog

Global Leaders Convene in Nairobi to Forge Path for Climate-Resilient Africa

Image
Global Leaders Convene in Nairobi to Forge Path for Climate-Resilient Africa By Stella Ranji  Nairobi, Kenya – June 30, 2025 — A diverse coalition of global leaders, scientists, faith leaders, and grassroots actors convened in Nairobi today for the opening of the Vatican African Conference on Climate Resilience, a landmark summit aimed at designing a new era of climate adaptation rooted in equity, local knowledge, and science. Hosted at CIFOR-ICRAF, the two-day summit (June 30 – July 1) marks a pivotal step toward shaping a climate-resilient Africa, with an emphasis on decentralising climate policy and financing to reach the continent’s most vulnerable communities. The gathering is co-convened by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS), in collaboration with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) and other regional and international partners. At the heart of the conference is a call for urgent, inclusive, a...
Read more

Cricket Kenya Launches CK T20 League to Honour Past Glory and Usher in New Era

Image
Cricket Kenya Launches CK T20 League to Honour Past Glory and Usher in New Era By Stella Ranji  NAIROBI, August 27, 2025  In a bold move to revive the nation's cricketing legacy and propel the sport into a new era, Cricket Kenya (CK) on Wednesday officially launched the CK T20 League, a franchise-based tournament set to begin this November in Nairobi. The league will pay tribute to Kenya’s golden generation of cricketers — the national teams of 1996 to 2003, who famously elevated the country to global prominence, including a historic semi-final appearance in the 2003 ICC World Cup. The new T20 competition aims to not only honour those achievements but also develop the next wave of cricketing talent in Kenya and across the African continent. The initiative comes after the signing of a lucrative partnership between Cricket Kenya and AOS Sport Tournament, a Dubai/India-based sports promotion company. The collaboration is expected to inject professionalism, visibility,...
Read more

KISM Reaffirms Commitment to Digitizing Public Procurement through EGP System Rollout

Image
KISM Reaffirms Commitment to Digitizing Public Procurement through EGP System Rollout By Wilson Amondo  Nairobi  September 3, 2025 The Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) has reaffirmed its strategic support for the nationwide rollout of the Electronic Government Procurement System (EGPS), positioning supply chain professionals as a critical pillar in modernizing and professionalizing public procurement in Kenya. As a statutory body established under the Supplies Practitioners Management Act (SPMA) No.17 of 2007, KISM is mandated to register, license, train, discipline, and regulate supply chain professionals across the country. With over 28,000 members, the Institute is playing a leading role in facilitating the end-to-end digital transformation of procurement processes. “The rollout of EGPS is not just a government directive—it is a necessary evolution,” said the Institute in a statement released after the recent Heads of Procurement Forum held from Aug...
Read more