The ongoing drought in Gusii region and its environs has led to public outcry following hiked water prizes by suppliers, especially in urban centres.
Suppliers have been accused of taking advantage of water shortage and are making double profits with some of them selling a 20-litre container for up to Sh100 from the initial Sh40 during normal circumstances.
According to Verah Makori, a town resident, lives have become difficult with many residents using little they had saved to buy water which is a necessity.
“Life in town has particularly become difficult in this dry spell. We are using a lot of money to buy water, whose price has doubled making even washing our clothes impossible,” she said.
“They have capitalised on the situation and are really making a living out of it. The problem is that we have no law that regulates what they are doing so they are justified with the action,” she added.
The situation has deteriorated with some residents admitting to having skipped shower in a bid to save the rare commodity for survival.
“I have been going without bathing for two days now. It is a shame but life has to go on. But I am appealing to water suppliers to stop overcharging us because rains are expected soon,” said John Omino.
However, a water supplier, Andrew Oyunga, defended his colleagues from the blame, saying they are forced to travel to distant places to fetch water.
“It is not our fault and distance is to blame. Otherwise we love living within our means,” Oyunga said.