Residents of Mandera Town in Kenya are facing a severe water crisis, with households relying on costly private water vendors due to the unavailability of piped water. Despite the River Dawa running through the town, many families depend on water purchased from vendors who source it from privately owned wells. This has resulted in a significant financial burden on households, with residents paying higher prices for water.
The Mandera Water and Sewerage Company has received a cumulative Sh1.4 billion from the county since its creation, including Sh45 million in exchequer funds. However, the 2025/26 budget report shows that only Sh97 million of the allocated Sh120 million was actually transferred to the company during the year. This has raised concerns among residents about the utilization of funds allocated for the provision of piped water.
Local residents, such as Ahmed Hanshi of Bula Power, have expressed disappointment with the current state of water supply in the town. According to Hanshi, piped water was once common but has now disappeared, leaving taps dry. Neighbour Siad Abdiqani questioned the use of the allocated funds, pointing out that despite the yearly budget, households still face dry taps and must purchase water at high cost.
Dekow Guliye, who runs a water bowser business, says private vendors have become the main water source, buying from individual well owners and delivering to residents. Guliye adds that bowser operators receive no assistance from the county, despite their essential role in supplying water to the community. The reliance on private water vendors has become a norm in Mandera Town, with residents depending on them for their daily water needs.
The disparity between the substantial financial transfers to the water company and the continued reliance on private water suppliers has prompted residents to question the effectiveness of county spending. Residents are demanding answers on how the allocated funds have been utilized and why the piped water supply has not been implemented. The county government has not provided any explanation for the failure to deliver piped water to households.
The water crisis in Mandera Town has significant implications for the health and well-being of residents. The lack of access to clean and affordable water forces households to rely on unregulated private water vendors, which can lead to water-borne diseases. Residents are calling on the county government to take urgent action to address the water crisis and provide piped water to households.
The situation in Mandera Town highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in county spending. Residents are demanding that the county government provides a clear explanation for the failure to deliver piped water and outlines a plan to address the water crisis. The county government must take immediate action to ensure that households have access to clean and affordable water.
Key points
- Mandera residents rely on costly private water vendors due to the failure of county funds to deliver piped water supply.
- The Mandera Water and Sewerage Company has received Sh1.4 billion from the county since its creation, but piped water supply remains unimplemented.
- Residents demand answers on the utilization of allocated funds and a plan to address the water crisis.
