NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan households and businesses will face changes in their monthly utility bills following new electricity cost adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and revised water tariffs approved by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
The changes affect electricity meter readings taken in August 2026, while the revised water tariffs cover the 2026/27 to 2028/29 period and will affect customers served by several water utilities.
New electricity charges raise cost of power
In a gazette notice dated August 14, 2026, EPRA approved three adjustments applicable to electricity meter readings taken during August, increasing the cost of power consumed during the month.
The largest adjustment is the Fuel Energy Cost Charge (FECC), which has been set at 351 Kenya cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
“Pursuant to Clause 1 of Part III of the Schedule of Tariffs 2023, notice is given that all Prices for Electrical Energy specified in Part II of the said Schedule will be liable to a Fuel Energy Cost Charge of Plus 351 Kenya cents per kWh for all meter readings to be taken in August 2026,” the notice stated.
According to EPRA, the charge is linked to fuel costs incurred in electricity generation across power plants and thermal generation facilities. The authority reported that total electricity generated in July stood at approximately 1.376 billion kWh.
Consumers will also pay a Foreign Exchange Fluctuation Adjustment of 117.77 cents per kWh.
EPRA said the adjustment was based on foreign exchange movements, with the total exchange gain and loss adjustment amounting to Sh1.35 billion.
An additional WRMA Levy of 1.50 cents per kWh will also apply. The levy is based on an approved rate of five cents per kWh on energy purchased from hydropower stations with a capacity of at least one megawatt.
The combined adjustments mean consumers will see additional costs reflected in electricity bills based on August meter readings.
Eldoret consumers get water tariff relief
While electricity charges are rising, some water consumers will benefit from lower tariffs following a review by WASREB.
The regulator approved a downward revision of tariffs for Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) following an arbitration process before the Water Tribunal.
WASREB subsequently revoked previously approved tariffs and introduced lower charges covering the 2026/27 to 2028/29 period.
Under the new structure, domestic consumers will pay Sh84 per cubic metre for consumption between one and six cubic metres. The rate rises progressively, reaching Sh140 per cubic metre for consumption exceeding 300 cubic metres.
Commercial, industrial and government consumers will pay from Sh108 per cubic metre for the first 50 cubic metres, while water kiosks will be charged a uniform Sh88 per cubic metre.
Kisii, Narok and Murugi Mugumango tariffs reviewed upwards
Unlike Eldoret, customers served by several other water utilities will face higher approved tariffs.
For Kisii Water and Sanitation Company (KWASCO), domestic consumers will pay Sh113 per cubic metre for the first six cubic metres, with the rate rising to Sh223 per cubic metre for consumption above 300 cubic metres.
Water kiosks will pay Sh70 per cubic metre.
Customers of Narok Water and Sewerage Services Company (NARWASSCO) will pay between Sh140 and Sh200 per cubic metre, depending on their level of consumption. Water kiosks will pay Sh70 per cubic metre.
Meanwhile, customers served by Murugi Mugumango Water Society will continue to pay some of the lowest approved rates among the utilities listed.
Domestic tariffs will range from Sh25 per cubic metre for low-volume consumers to Sh50 per cubic metre for consumption above 100 cubic metres. Water kiosks will pay Sh30 per cubic metre.
Approved domestic water tariffs, 2026/27–2028/29
| Consumption | ELDOWAS | KWASCO | NARWASSCO | Murugi Mugumango |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–6 m³ | KSh84 | KSh113 | KSh140 | KSh25 |
| 7–20 m³ | KSh95 | KSh135 | KSh155 | KSh30 |
| 21–50 m³ | KSh110 | KSh151 | KSh165 | KSh35 |
| 51–100 m³ | KSh117 | KSh180 | KSh175 | KSh40 |
| 101–300 m³ | KSh128 | KSh200 | KSh185 | KSh50 |
| Above 300 m³ | KSh140 | KSh223 | KSh200 | KSh50 |
| Multi-dwelling units | KSh96 | KSh135 | KSh155 | KSh30 |
| Water kiosks | KSh88 | KSh70 | KSh70 | KSh30 |
Across the approved tariff structures, sewerage services will generally be charged at 75 per cent of the volume of water consumed.
WASREB has also directed that the approved tariffs will be subject to annual inflation indexation, meaning further adjustments are expected every July beginning in 2027.
The latest changes therefore create a mixed picture for consumers: electricity users face additional cost adjustments in August, while water customers will see different outcomes depending on the utility serving their area.
