Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki has formally requested a comprehensive statement regarding the decision to place the Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MOWASSCO) under a special regulatory framework by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
While presenting his request before the Senate under the Standing Orders, Senator Faki called on the Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources to provide a clear explanation on the circumstances that led to MOWASSCO being placed under special administration, as well as the legal basis for the decision.
WASREB recently placed MOWASSCO under a six-month special regulatory mechanism pursuant to Section 101 of the Water Act, a move aimed at improving service delivery to Mombasa residents.
“It is important for the Committee to explain the specific reasons that necessitated this action, and whether the company was given an opportunity to address the existing challenges before being placed under special management,” said Senator Faki.
The Senator emphasized that Mombasa residents deserve transparency on the matter, particularly concerning the operational and governance issues that may have informed the regulator’s intervention.
Senator Faki further sought clarification on the measures being undertaken by the WASREB Chief Executive Officer to ensure uninterrupted water supply and sanitation services throughout the six-month intervention period.
“We must ensure that the people of Mombasa continue to receive reliable water services without disruption during this regulatory process,” he stated.
Additionally, he urged the Committee to outline the long-term strategies being implemented to improve MOWASSCO’s performance and guarantee sustainable, efficient service delivery beyond the special oversight period.
Senator Faki also questioned whether there are specific agreements, conditions, or performance benchmarks attached to the intervention, and whether an effective monitoring and evaluation framework has been established to track progress.
“Water is a fundamental right for every citizen. Transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the water sector are essential to safeguarding this right,” Senator Faki added.
The Senator’s push underscores growing concern over water service delivery in Mombasa and reinforces the need for stronger governance, oversight, and reforms to ensure residents receive dependable and quality water services.
