Nairobi residents who keep county meter readers locked out of their compounds could soon feel it in their wallets.

Governor Johnson Sakaja told a Senate watchdog panel on Monday July 21 that his administration is drafting penalties for anyone who blocks access to water meters, a practice he says bleeds Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company (NCWSC) of badly needed revenue.

In some estates, our teams are denied access to meters. This is interfering with accurate billing and planning, Sakaja told the Senate County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee. We are now considering introducing penalties for individuals who knowingly obstruct water meter access.

The governors push follows grim numbers from NCWSC. Managing Director Eng. Nahashon Muguna said roughly 15,000 of the citys 250,000 meters go unread every month because guards, housekeepers, or aggressive dogs keep staff at bay.
Our teams do their best, but we are often blocked from entering certain homes. This is especially common when house helps are instructed not to open the gate, Muguna told senators.

To end the standoff, City Hall is:

  • Relocating meters to the outside of compound gates so readers never need to ring the bell.
  • Texting customers monthly prompts to self-report readings.
  • Piloting smart water meters that transmit data remotely.

Smart meters promise pinpoint accuracy but cost about Ksh 15,000 apiece, compared with Ksh 3,500 for the mechanical versions most homes use. Muguna warned that a blanket rollout would take 20 to 30 years to recoup, though Sakaja said phased installation is still on the table.

Revenue is up, losses remain

Even with blocked meters and unpaid bills; public schools are among the worst defaulters NCWSC booked record revenue in the last fiscal year:

Financial Year Revenue (Ksh Billion) 2022/2023 9.46 2023/2024 10.75 2024/2025 11.70

Yet Kenyas water sector still loses about 45 percent of its supply to leaks, theft, and unbilled consumption, according to industry data, underscoring why every unread meter matters.

Under Nairobis Water Supply By-laws, consumers must keep meters safe and allow authorised officers access; tampering or obstruction is an offence. City Hall now wants fines written into county law so the rule finally bites.

Sakaja said draft legislation will land in the county assembly within weeks. Senators urged Nairobi to balance enforcement with public education, warning that indiscriminate fines could spark court battles.