Water vendors in Mombasa are in conflict with Mombasa Water and Sewerage Company (MOWASCO) over the implementation of a policy aimed at regulating water prices and business.

The vendors blame MOWASCO of making decisions without involving them or Mombasa residents.

MOWASCO on the other hand states that the policy is relevant to protect consumers from unscrupulous water dealers.

Speaking to the press, MOWASCO Managing Director, Moses Kinyua said, “The current set of kiosks is in a very unhygienic condition…. Vendors dig holes where the water is likely to be contaminated at draw off points and that would defeat the purpose of the treating and delivering of water.”

Kinyua further noted that water vendors sell water at prices that are contrary to the gazette tariff of KES 2 per 20 liter jerry can.

“There have been complaints from consumers of high prices contrary to gazette tariff of 2 shillings per 20 liter jerrycan so they get a profit of 185 per cent; they sometimes sell at about 3 to 10 Shillings… There have been complaints from consumers of collision of water vendors with cartels and some of our staff so as to deny water during supply hours and sell at higher prices during rationing.”

Moses Kinyua maintained that the implementation of regulatory policy will continue to ensure that consumers get quality services from qualified and law abiding vendors.