Drillers in Kenya may soon benefit from the removal of permit fees imposed by the Water Resources Authority if the Water Amendment Bill 2024 is approved by the National Assembly.
Sponsored by Nyaribari Masaba Member of Parliament Daniel Manduku, the proposed legislation aims to abolish the levies associated with the construction of wells and boreholes.
Additionally, the bill seeks to exempt water usage extracted from boreholes, wells, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies from any charges.
“The amendment will promote the construction of more boreholes and wells and improve water supply in the country due to the removal of charges and fees,” Manduku stated, emphasizing the potential positive impact on access to water resources for communities across Kenya.
Currently, the Water Resources Regulation imposes varying fees for obtaining permits, ranging from Sh2,000 for low-risk activities to as high as Sh80,000 for projects involving multiple water catchment areas.
According to Manduku, the proposal is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on those looking to access water resources for domestic and agricultural use.
The legislative proposals have been referred to the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation, which is tasked with facilitating a pre-publication review of the proposed changes and providing appropriate recommendations.
