Kenyan households are facing a mixed picture on utility bills as new electricity charges take effect in August, while revised water tariffs bring different changes for consumers depending on the company serving their area.
The new electricity adjustments were approved by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), while the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) has approved new tariffs for several water utilities for the 2026/27 to 2028/29 financial period.
But what exactly has changed, and how will it affect your monthly bills?
Why your August electricity bill could rise
Electricity consumers will pay several additional charges based on meter readings taken in August 2026.
The biggest adjustment is the Fuel Energy Cost Charge (FECC), which has been set at Sh3.51 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
The charge reflects the cost of fuel used to generate electricity, particularly from thermal power plants.
For example, a household consuming 100 kWh in a month would have a fuel energy cost component of about Sh351, before other applicable electricity charges and taxes are considered.
Consumers will also pay a Foreign Exchange Fluctuation Adjustment of 117.77 cents per kWh, equivalent to about Sh1.18 per kWh.
This adjustment is intended to account for changes in foreign exchange rates that affect electricity generation and other costs.
An additional WRMA levy of 1.50 cents per kWh will also apply.
Taken together, these adjustments mean consumers should expect the cost components linked to electricity generation to have an impact on bills based on August meter readings.
Why electricity prices change every month
Electricity bills in Kenya are affected by several variables rather than a single fixed rate.
Fuel costs can change depending on the amount of thermal generation required, while fluctuations in the Kenya shilling’s value against major currencies can affect costs linked to the electricity sector.
This means some components of the electricity bill can rise or fall even when a consumer’s actual electricity consumption remains unchanged.
The latest adjustments therefore do not necessarily mean every household will see the same increase. The impact will depend largely on how much electricity a customer consumes.
What is happening to water tariffs?
The situation is different for water consumers.
WASREB has approved new tariffs for several water utilities, with some customers receiving lower rates while others will pay more.
The changes cover the 2026/27 to 2028/29 period.
The biggest differences will depend on the water company serving a particular household or business.
Eldoret consumers get lower rates
Customers served by Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) will benefit from reduced tariffs following a review that followed an arbitration process before the Water Tribunal.
Domestic consumers using between one and six cubic metres will pay Sh84 per cubic metre.
The rate increases progressively depending on consumption, reaching Sh140 per cubic metre for customers using more than 300 cubic metres.
Commercial, industrial and government consumers will pay from Sh108 per cubic metre for the first 50 cubic metres.
Water kiosks will pay Sh88 per cubic metre.
Kisii and Narok consumers face higher tariffs
Consumers served by Kisii Water and Sanitation Company (KWASCO) will pay higher rates under the new structure.
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.
In Narok, 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 in both Kisii and Narok will pay Sh70 per cubic metre.
Murugi Mugumango customers pay some of the lowest rates
Customers served by Murugi Mugumango Water Society will continue to enjoy relatively low approved tariffs.
Domestic consumers will pay Sh25 per cubic metre for consumption of between one and six cubic metres.
The rate rises to Sh50 per cubic metre for consumption above 100 cubic metres.
Water kiosks will pay Sh30 per cubic metre.
How the new domestic water tariffs compare
| Consumption | ELDOWAS | KWASCO | NARWASSCO | Murugi Mugumango |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–6 m³ | Sh84 | Sh113 | Sh140 | Sh25 |
| 7–20 m³ | Sh95 | Sh135 | Sh155 | Sh30 |
| 21–50 m³ | Sh110 | Sh151 | Sh165 | Sh35 |
| 51–100 m³ | Sh117 | Sh180 | Sh175 | Sh40 |
| 101–300 m³ | Sh128 | Sh200 | Sh185 | Sh50 |
| Above 300 m³ | Sh140 | Sh223 | Sh200 | Sh50 |
Will water bills keep changing?
Yes.
WASREB has directed that the approved water tariffs will be subject to annual inflation indexation.
This means consumers could see further tariff adjustments every July, starting in 2027, depending on inflation and other applicable factors.
Sewerage charges will generally be calculated at 75 per cent of the volume of water consumed under the approved tariff structures.
So, what should consumers expect?
For electricity customers, the immediate change is the additional cost adjustments applying to August meter readings.
For water consumers, the impact depends on the utility serving their area.
Some households, such as those supplied by ELDOWAS, will see lower approved water rates, while customers in areas served by KWASCO and NARWASSCO will face higher tariffs.
The changes highlight why utility bills can vary significantly across Kenya even when households consume similar amounts of electricity or water.
For consumers, the most important factor remains usage: the more electricity or water consumed, the greater the impact of the applicable tariff and additional charges on the final bill.
