Religious leaders, traders, and residents staged peaceful protests in Eldoret on Friday, October 24, 2025, to oppose a 300% increase in water tariffs proposed by the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS). The demonstrations highlight escalating tensions over the rising cost of living and accusations of inadequate public consultation in the newly inaugurated city.

The protest march proceeded to the Eldoret Court of Appeal, where a new petition was filed challenging a High Court decision that upheld the tariff hike. The Environment and Land Court had previously struck out a petition by residents, citing a lack of jurisdiction under the Water Act, which cleared the path for ELDOWAS to implement the new rates.

Legal Battles and Public Outcry

Leading the protests, Sheikh Abubakar Bini, the chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) for the North Rift region, declared that residents would pursue all legal avenues to have the increase reviewed to a more manageable 50%. He warned of continued street demonstrations if the utility company proceeds with the current proposal and appealed to President William Ruto to intervene. "We will not be muzzled," Sheikh Bini stated, emphasizing the community's resolve.

The legal challenge is the latest development in a protracted dispute. The Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) initially approved the tariff adjustments following an application by ELDOWAS in January 2024, which was gazetted on October 4, 2024. Residents, represented by activist Kipkorir Menjo and others, successfully sought a temporary suspension of the tariffs on March 25, 2025, before the petition was ultimately dismissed. Mr. Menjo has vowed to appeal the latest court ruling, arguing the sharp increase is unjustifiable, particularly as Eldoret's water supply from Chebara Dam flows by gravity, which should theoretically lower operational costs.

Company Justification and Government Intervention

ELDOWAS has defended the tariff adjustment, stating that it is necessary to cover rising operational and maintenance costs and to fund infrastructure expansion to serve a growing population. The company's CEO, Lawrence Tanui, has maintained that the process followed WASREB guidelines, including public consultations, a claim disputed by protesters.

In response to the public pressure, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has directed ELDOWAS to engage in fresh dialogue with residents and consumer groups. In a statement issued in late September 2025, Governor Bii called for constructive engagement to find a "fair and lasting solution" and gave the water company 21 days to report back on the resolutions. This directive led to meetings between ELDOWAS officials and consumer representatives in early October.

Socio-Economic Impact on Kenyans

The dispute in Eldoret mirrors a broader national concern over the rising cost of essential utilities. Recent data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that price hikes for electricity and other basic goods continue to strain household budgets across the country. An increase in utility charges, such as water and electricity, has a ripple effect, driving up operational costs for businesses, which are often passed on to consumers, thereby fueling inflation. Protesters in Eldoret have warned that the 300% water rate hike could make the city uncompetitive for investment and force small businesses, such as car washes, to close.

Residents have expressed frustration with local elected leaders, including Members of Parliament and the County Senator, for their perceived silence on the issue. As the legal and public challenges continue, the outcome of this standoff will have significant implications for the affordability of essential services in Eldoret and may set a precedent for how utility tariff disputes are handled elsewhere in Kenya.