Governor Mutua Asks Government to Waiver Water and Electricity Bills for Kenyans

Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua wants the government to waiver water and electricity bills for Kenyans in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Mutua, through Twitter, said this would cushion Kenyans from the economic challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that household users should get a 100 percent waiver while businesses and companies should pay half of their utility bills.

“The electricity waiver can be up to a certain level of usage that is enough for household use for lighting and other household appliances use. Over-consumption can then be charged,” Mutua proposed.

“Businesses and industries’ bills should also receive a 50 percent discount to cushion them during these slow economic times.”

Dr. Mutua argued that companies like Kenya Power and Lighting Company would not suffer huge financial losses by waiving household electricity bills. 

“Last year, for example, Kenya Power declared a whopping profit of Sh.334 million. Studying the company’s declared financial estimates and revenue, it is clear that KPLC can afford to waive power charges for households for even a year,” noted Mutua.

To lead by example, Mutua announced Machakos county government will waiver all water bills for household users from May 1st to December 31st.

“My administration has waived all water bills for household consumption in Machakos county beginning May 1 to December 31, 2020, as we continue working towards free domestic water in the whole of Machakos County,” he said.

In addition, Mutua urged the government to remove VAT charges on cooking gas and paraffin during the pandemic.