This article focuses on the illegal water connection penalty in Kenya. Illegal connection of water is a criminal offence that may lead to imprisonment or attract a fine as stipulated by the Water Act 2016.
Illegal water connection generally entails having access to water services without a duly acquired water connection and not paying for the services as required by law.
Cases of illegal water connection, vandalism of water and sewer infrastructure have been on the rise in Kenya especially in slums in urban areas such as Nairobi. Many unscrupulous individuals are engaging in the vice without knowing the repercussions.
The Water Act 2016 clearly defines the penalty for illegal water connections in Kenya. The Act also established the Water Services Regulatory Board, a state corporation whose mandate is to oversee the implementation of policies and strategies relating to the provision of water and sewerage services.
Illegal Water Connection Penalty In Kenya
According to the Water Act 2016, illegal water connection attracts the following penalties.
1. Illegal water connection for commercial, industrial or construction sites attracts a fine of Kshs 100,000 plus the estimated consumption during the entire period of the illegality.
The offence can also attract a jail term of two years or both (payment of the fine plus jail term).
2. Domestic users who engage in illegal water connections will be fined Kshs 30,000 plus the estimated consumption during the entire period of the illegality.
Apart from the penalties stipulated by the Water Act, other penalties may be imposed by the various water and sewerage companies located in different parts of the country.
There are more than 50 water and sewerage companies located in different towns within the country. The companies are regulated by the Water Services Regulatory Board.
In most cases, the water and sewerage companies usually disconnect water connections for persons found engaging in illegal consumption of water.
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