Mt. Kenya governors angered over water disconnections in the region

From left are governors Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), Muthoni Njuki (Tharaka Nithi) and Kiraitu Murungi (Meru) during the meeting.

Governors in the Mt. Kenya region have strongly condemned the move by Water Resources and Management Board (WARMA) and Kenya Forest Service to cut off all water connections in the Abardare and Mt. Kenya region.

Speaking at a press conference, the team which included Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Nyandarua’s Francis Kimemia, Meru’s Kiraitu Murungi, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthoni Njuki and Nyeri’s Mutahi Kahiga, the governors expressed disappointment on the handling of the matter.

“Water is a devolved function and there should have been consultation before the decision was made,” Governor Waiguru said.

“This has affected services in hospitals, schools and even farming,” she added.

Governor Kimemia said, “many homes have also run out of water as a result of the order’s enforcement by Kenya Forest Service and Water Resources management Board in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya Forests.”

The Governors called on National Government to consult with County Governments as water is a devolved function and arbitrary disconnections are bound to lead to water shortages that gravely affect county residents.