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Senators have summoned Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome (pictured) over the move by her Ministry to implement what they termed as ‘exploitative’ water tariffs introduced by the new Water regulations.

The Senate’s Agriculture committee chaired by Kirinyaga lawmaker James Murango issued the summons for the CS to appear this Thursday to explain why water tariffs have been increased without public participation.

The committee led by Senator Murango also wants the CS to explain the rationale of increasing the tariffs at a time Kenyans are suffering from drought, famine and hunger among other vagaries of life.

“This is something that we cannot bury our heads in the sand about. If you ask farmers anywhere, they will tell you there was no public participation. You cannot implement the new Water Resource Regulations without consulting anyone,” said Murango.

This is after the implementation of the new water tariffs took effect on February 1.

In the new tariffs, Water Service Providers are now paying Sh5 per cubic metre per month for water charges from the current five cents.

The Water Service Providers Association (Waspa) has said the new tariffs will force consumers to dig deeper into their pockets to access the basic commodity. The summons were issued after the Agricultural committee met several players in the agriculture sectors that have petitioned the senate to stop the implementation of what they term exploitative water tariffs.