WASREB Mandates Registration for All Water Service Providers.
The Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) has issued a directive requiring all small-scale water service providers across the country to complete their registration by April 28th, 2025. This initiative aims to enforce compliance with the Water Act 2016, which mandates that all water service providers obtain proper licensing to operate legally.
In an official notice, WASREB emphasized that this registration requirement applies to various categories of water providers, including community water projects, suppliers within gated communities, private and individual operators, as well as water projects managed by public benefit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). By enforcing this requirement, the government seeks to streamline water service delivery and ensure that providers adhere to established regulatory standards.
According to existing regulations, all entities involved in water provision, regardless of scale, must register with the relevant water authority. This includes operators of water kiosks, water tankers, and private boreholes. The Water Act 2016 explicitly prohibits the operation of unlicensed water service systems, meaning that any entity providing water services without proper authorization is operating illegally.
Under Section 85(1) of the Water Act 2016, no individual or organization is permitted to provide water services without obtaining a valid license from WASREB. As a result, all water service operators across the 47 counties in Kenya are now required to comply by ensuring that their operations are duly registered. Failure to adhere to this directive could lead to legal repercussions, including penalties and possible shutdowns of non-compliant water supply systems.
WASREB’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Richard Cheruiyot, stressed the importance of registration in maintaining and enhancing water service standards. He noted that proper registration helps regulate various aspects of water services, including water quality, pricing structures, and overall customer experience. Additionally, he highlighted that consumer health and safety remain a top priority, and licensing allows for better monitoring and oversight of water service providers.
The regulatory board has also streamlined the registration process to make it more accessible. Water service operators can now register through the Small-Scale Service Providers (SSSPs) Data Collection link available on WASREB’s official website. To avoid penalties and legal actions, operators are strongly encouraged to complete the registration process within the stipulated timeframe.
Once the registration process is finalized, WASREB will maintain a comprehensive register of all licensed water service providers. This registry will include key details such as the names of the providers, their addresses, and the specific nature of the services they offer. The availability of this information will contribute to greater transparency in the water sector and enable consumers to access reliable and regulated water services.
WASREB was initially established under the Water Act 2002 and currently operates under the provisions of the Water Act 2016. The agency is tasked with ensuring that water services across the country remain sustainable, efficient, and affordable. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding consumer rights by approving water tariffs, balancing affordability with operational viability, and conducting regular compliance audits and assessments. By enforcing these regulations, WASREB ensures that service providers meet the necessary operational and legal requirements, ultimately benefiting the public by enhancing access to clean and safe water.
As the registration deadline approaches, water system operators must act promptly to ensure compliance. This move marks a significant step in the government’s broader efforts to enhance water service delivery, improve consumer protection, and promote accountability among water providers. WASREB remains committed to enforcing these regulations and ensuring that all Kenyans receive high-quality and reliable water services.
WASREB Mandates Registration for All Water Service Providers