THIWASCO Uncovers 442 Illegal Water Connections Amid Crackdown on Water Theft in Thika

Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO) has intensified its crackdown on illegal water connections and vandalism of sewer infrastructure as it moves to reduce water losses and improve service delivery amid rising demand in the rapidly growing town of Thika.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting, THIWASCO Managing Director Eng. Dr. Moses Kinya warned residents against tampering with water infrastructure, revealing that the company has strengthened surveillance operations with support from the Water Police Unit established under President William Ruto’s directive to combat water losses across the country.

Dr. Kinya disclosed that over the past year alone, THIWASCO has uncovered 442 illegal water connections and warned that the operation will continue in collaboration with security agencies.

He explained that domestic customers found engaging in illegal connections face a penalty of Ksh. 30,000 in addition to paying for all water estimated to have been consumed illegally. Offenders also risk criminal prosecution since interfering with water infrastructure is a criminal offence.

For commercial and industrial consumers, the penalties are much higher, with offenders required to pay Ksh. 100,000 alongside the cost of the illegally consumed water.

The Managing Director urged members of the public to report individuals involved in illegal connections, saying those engaging in the practice would eventually be caught. He also encouraged residents currently using illegal connections to voluntarily regularise their supply in order to avoid penalties and enable the company to serve them more efficiently.

At the same time, Dr. Kinya raised concern over increasing vandalism and theft of sewer manhole covers, describing the trend as extremely dangerous to the public.

He warned that some sewer lines are as deep as seven metres and that stolen covers leave behind open chambers capable of causing fatal accidents, particularly to children and unsuspecting pedestrians.

According to the MD, sewer gases such as hydrogen sulfide are highly toxic and can kill instantly before victims even realise the danger. He further noted that open manholes during rainy seasons allowed dirt and debris into sewer pipelines, resulting in blockages, sewer overflows and increased risk of disease outbreaks.

“It can affect anybody.... our child, your parent, your relative. Yet you are the one who stole the cover. How would you feel?” posed Dr. Kinya.

Dr. Kinya appealed to scrap metal dealers to stop buying vandalised sewer covers, valves and water meters, saying cooperation from scrap dealers would greatly help in protecting public infrastructure and improving service delivery.

Despite the challenges facing the water sector, THIWASCO has continued to earn national recognition for its performance.

The Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), which conducts annual rankings of water service providers across the country, ranked THIWASCO as the best-performing utility in the Athi Water Works region for the 2024/2025 financial year. The company was also ranked third among the very large water service providers and sixth overall out of the 90 water utilities nationwide.

Dr. Kinya said the company is now focused on improving its performance even further as Thika continues to expand and prepares for city status.

Currently, Thika’s water demand stands at approximately 60,000 cubic metres per day, but projections indicate that demand could rise to about 140,000 cubic metres by the year 2047 due to population growth and urban expansion.

To address the anticipated increase in demand, THIWASCO is implementing several major projects aimed at boosting water production and improving supply capacity.

Among the flagship initiatives is a DANIDA-funded project that has already reached advanced procurement stages. According to the company, tendering has been completed, with the tender opening expected by the end of October, while construction works are projected to begin next year.

THIWASCO also revealed that funding arrangements for the African Development Bank (AFDB)-supported Karimenu Water Supply Project are at advanced stages. Once complete, the project is expected to increase water supply to Thika by an additional 20,000 cubic metres per day.

In addition, the company is undertaking internal upgrades at its current treatment plant aimed at increasing production without constructing entirely new infrastructure. This will involve installation of inclined settlers and enhancement of existing treatment technology, a move expected to boost production capacity by another 15,000 cubic metres daily.

The company says the combined projects will significantly help ease the persistent water shortages affecting many residents.

The stakeholders’ meeting was convened to update stakeholders on the progress of THIWASCO services and collect feedback aimed at improving service delivery.

One of the major concerns raised during the forum was the widening gap between water demand and supply. THIWASCO acknowledged that it currently faces a daily water deficit of about 20,000 cubic metres, a challenge expected to worsen as the population continues to grow.

THIWASCO Board Chairman Bishop Dr. Kennedy M. Mbatia admitted that water shortages remain a major challenge for residents, attributing the crisis to outdated infrastructure, rapid population growth, and limited resources over the years.

He noted that the current water system serving Thika was designed in 1991, nearly 35 years ago, and has undergone minimal expansion despite the town’s tremendous growth.

According to Bishop Mbatia, most of the pipelines and water systems are old and worn out, making it difficult for the company to meet the demands of the expanding population.

He acknowledged that many residents do not receive water daily, forcing the company to ration supply in different areas on alternating days.

However, Dr. Mbatia expressed optimism that the ongoing projects, coupled with improved technology and installation of new pumps, would help increase production capacity and eventually eliminate water shortages within the next two to three years.

Bishop Mbatia further revealed that THIWASCO is relying heavily on transformative projects such as the Karimenu Water Project and a proposed new dam supported by the Danish government to permanently address the water crisis.

He said the company is also positioning itself to become a modern and efficient utility provider as Thika pushes for elevation into a fully-fledged city.

Kiambu County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment and Natural Resources David Kimani Kuria reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting THIWASCO in improving water services for residents.

Kuria revealed that the county government has been engaging the national government and relevant water agencies to ensure Thika received its rightful share of water, particularly from the Kariminu Water Project.

“We have had continuous engagements with the national government so that Thika Water can get its rightful share of water and enable us provide reliable services to the people of Thika,” he said.

The county official also highlighted efforts to reduce operational costs in the water sector through solar energy, noting that all county boreholes are being solarised.

One of the major projects, implemented in Gatuanyaga through Climate Change, with the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) funding, is expected to operate entirely on solar power, with the county government also providing pipes, fittings and other infrastructure to support efficient borehole operations.

Kuria further praised THIWASCO for embracing environmental conservation, especially through protection of water catchment areas.

He noted that the company has established a large tree nursery and has been working closely with farmers by distributing tree seedlings and fruit trees for planting.

The CEC Member pointed to environmental improvement projects at Mama Ngina Park, Gatito Road (Kenyatta Highway) and upcoming afforestation works in Mugumo Garden in Section 9 as examples of the ongoing transformation taking place in Thika.

He expressed confidence in THIWASCO’s professionalism and capability, saying the utility company should become one of the flagship agencies as plans to elevate Thika Municipality into a city gain momentum.

“Our vision is to transition Thika into a city, and I want Thika Water to be one of the trademark agencies of the government. They have the potential to market themselves even further,” he stated.

Kuria also revealed that senators who recently visited Thika were impressed by the progress and performance of THIWASCO, strengthening confidence in the town’s readiness for city status.

He concluded by urging residents to support ongoing efforts aimed at transforming Thika into a modern and fully-fledged city.