As the government and regulators continue pushing for improved service delivery, financial sustainability, and governance across the country’s water sector, Tatu City Water and Sanitation Company (TATUWASCo) in Ruiru, Kiambu County has emerged as one of the top-ranked water utilities in Kenya. The company earned two national accolades from the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), recognizing it as the Best Private Utility Company of the Year and for Excellence in Corporate Governance for Utility Providers.
These awards followed WASREB’s comprehensive assessment of utility performance across key indicators, including water coverage, service quality, supply hours, non-revenue water, metering, staff productivity, revenue collection, and sanitation.
According to Caroline Cheptoo, the Water Infrastructure Manager at Tatu City, the firm, which operates within a private mixed-use development near Nairobi, has over the past decade invested heavily in building a modern water and sewerage network. “The firm’s success is rooted in long-term planning, strong technical execution, and a collaborative approach with regulators and customers,” said Cheptoo.
Its robust infrastructure includes a 30 million-litre water storage tank, trunk and distribution pipelines, and sewer networks that serve homes, schools, businesses, and industries within the city. The utility currently serves more than 4,500 residents, 6,000 students, and over 100 companies in a city that also hosts over 25,000 workers daily, making demand for water and sanitation services both high and constant.
WASREB’s recognition comes amid growing scrutiny of water service providers, especially in urban areas where supply challenges and governance issues persist. The utility’s parent development, Tatu City, has positioned itself as a model for integrated urban planning, offering stable electricity through a 135MVA substation, high-speed internet via an extensive fibre network, and well-developed roads, in addition to its water infrastructure.
The water firm now plans to expand its capacity further, with a focus on smart metering and enhanced wastewater treatment systems as Tatu City continues to grow.
