Nairobi County to Introduce ‘Conservancy Fee’ in Water Bills, Sakaja Announces
Residents of Nairobi will soon pay an additional charge in their monthly water bills after Governor Johnson Sakaja announced the introduction of a new conservancy fee aimed at strengthening waste management services across the capital.
Speaking during an interview with NTV Kenya, the governor revealed that the county government had already engaged the Water Services Regulatory Board to incorporate the fee into water billing systems.
Sakaja explained the measure would provide predictable funding for garbage collection, vehicle maintenance and modern waste-handling infrastructure.
He said “Nairobi needs sustainable solutions that are not quick fixes, especially on the issue of garbage. We have finally agreed with WASREB to include the conservancy fee in the water bill.”
Funding waste management reforms
According to the county boss, proceeds from the fee will be used to repair garbage trucks and procure durable waste-handling equipment to be distributed across residential estates and commercial areas.
He added “When I was growing up in this city, every bill of water had a component that included solid waste management, which disappeared. But now with this fee, everybody will be paying because it is sustainable; we will be able to service our vehicles and other logistics.”
County officials say the plan is part of a broader shift from emergency garbage collection to a structured system financed directly by service users.
Turning waste into revenue
Sakaja further disclosed that the county would partner with private investors and national authorities to monetize waste through recycling and fertiliser production.
He said “In the past, garbage was just a cost centre; there was no revenue, and that led to pending bills. So we are partnering with the national government because they will do the offtake of fertiliser that will come from the waste.”
Officials believe the approach could transform waste management from a financial burden into a revenue-generating sector while reducing landfill pressure.
Link to national waste programme
The announcement comes days after President William Ruto revealed plans for a joint national-county waste programme that includes relocating the long-standing Dandora dumpsite to Ruai and building a modern treatment facility.
The Head of State said the facility would convert refuse into fertiliser, energy and other usable products.
He stated “We have agreed to clean the city of Nairobi. Nairobi cannot be the city in the garbage. We have sat down with the governor. I will get money from the national government so that we can add to that of the county government so that we can clean the city of Nairobi.”
Mixed expectations from residents
Urban policy analysts note that attaching the levy to water bills could improve compliance because water connections are widespread across the city.
However, consumer groups caution that authorities must clearly communicate the fee structure to avoid confusion among households already facing rising living costs.
County leaders insist the fee is designed to ensure consistent service delivery rather than impose a tax burden, arguing that reliable waste collection improves public health, urban aesthetics and environmental protection.
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Nairobi County to Introduce ‘Conservancy Fee’ in Water Bills, Sakaja Announces
