Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has told companies providing electricity and water to waive households’ basic utility bills for six months to cushion Kenyans from tough economic times in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mutua (pictured) said Machakos county government will waive all water bills for household consumption in the county beginning May 1 to December 31.
“My administration has waived all water bills for household consumption in Machakos county beginning May 1 to December 31, 2020, as we continue working towards free domestic water in the whole of Machakos County.”
Mutua urged the Kenya Power Lighting Company (KPLC) and public water companies to waive electricity and water bills for household consumption in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I call on Kenya Power and public water companies around the country to also not charge water for household consumption,” he said.
He said the waiver on electricity bills can be up to a certain level of usage that is enough for household use for lighting and other household appliances use with Kenya Power charging overconsumption.
The waiver can be to a certain level then Kenya Power can charge overconsumption,” said the Governor.
He said even businesses and industries deserve a waiver of power bills of up to 50 per cent to cushion them during the tough economic times.
Mutua added that going with Kenya Power’s declared profit of Sh334 million in 2019 and its declared financial assets and estimates, the waiver will not affect it.
“Last year, for example, Kenya Power made Sh334 million profit. Studying the company's declared financial estimates and revenue, it is clear it can afford to waive power bills for households for even a year.”
VAT waiver
Mutua also urged the National Treasury to waive VAT on cooking gas and paraffin so that Kenyans can use the extra coins on buying other essential commodities such as food.
“I urge the National Treasury to waive VAT charges on cooking gas and paraffin so as to allow households to have more money left in pockets to buy food and other essential commodities.
He said if implemented, the proposals will cushion wananchi and make their life more comfortable in these trying moments.
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He said most Kenyans live from hand to mouth and struggle to make ends meet hence the need for the government to assist in the face of coronavirus
“There is need to cushion Kenyans during the hard economic times through the use of practical measures which will only reduce the profits of some companies, but will not affect their operations.”
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe early this week pleaded with the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company not to disconnect water for city residents because of pending bills.
He said water is a vital commodity in the fight against coronavirus that has already infected 126 people in the country.
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