Kilifi Water Crisis: Leadership, Not Residents, to Blame
The ongoing water shortage in Kilifi County is sparking outrage as residents continue to face dry taps and failing services. Contrary to claims by some county leaders, including Hon. Owen Baya, the crisis is not caused by unpaid household bills but by years of mismanagement, political interference, and systemic failures in water governance. Citizens argue that while they struggle to access water, county resources are misallocated to public relations stunts instead of practical solutions.
Investigations into the crisis reveal that a staggering KSh 1.7 million in unpaid water bills reflects not citizen negligence but flaws in the billing and enforcement systems. Illegal water connections proliferate in the absence of robust oversight, while statutory payments owed to the Coast Water Works Development Agency remain unsettled by the county government, despite funds being collected. Residents emphasize that it is unreasonable to blame communities for shortcomings in leadership and administrative structures designed to serve them.
Calls for accountability are intensifying, with advocacy groups demanding transparent management, proper billing enforcement, and immediate action to restore water access. Kilifi residents insist that leadership must prioritize integrity, efficiency, and service delivery, particularly as the county approaches critical political milestones. The consensus is clear: the water crisis is man-made, and the people deserve solutions, not scapegoating.