Who We Are
Meru County Rural Water and Sanitation Company Limited — commonly known as MeRuWASCO — is a public water utility wholly owned by the Meru County Government. We were established under the Water Act 2016 to manage, operate, and expand water and sanitation services in the rural areas of Meru County.
Our work is guided by the recognition that access to safe water and dignified sanitation is a constitutional right of every Kenyan. Through ten operational water schemes, we serve thousands of households, schools, health facilities, and businesses across our service area, contributing to improved public health, economic productivity, and quality of life in Meru County.
Our Vision
A community with access to clean, safe, and sustainable water and sanitation services.
Our Mission
To provide affordable, reliable, and high-quality water and sanitation services to rural communities in Meru County through sound management, innovation, and community partnership.
Our Core Values
- Integrity — We uphold honesty and transparency in all our operations.
- Customer Focus — Our customers are at the centre of every decision we make.
- Accountability — We are answerable to the communities we serve and to our County Government.
- Teamwork — We achieve more through collaboration and mutual respect.
- Sustainability — We manage our resources responsibly for the benefit of present and future generations.
Regulatory Framework
MeRuWASCO operates under the Water Act 2016 and is licensed by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB). We adhere to WASREB performance standards and submit regular compliance reports to ensure quality service delivery. Our operations also comply with the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019 and all applicable environmental and public health legislation.
Governance
Board of Directors
Lawrence Ngituju — Board Chairman
Management Team
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Romano Mwito | Managing Director |
| Winfred Mukiri | Commercial Manager |
| Edward Njagi | Technical Manager |
| Winfridah Juma | Human Resource Manager |
| Elias Mutuma | Internal Auditor |
Our History
MeRuWASCO was established to consolidate the management of rural water schemes previously operated by the defunct municipal councils. Formalisation under the Water Act 2016 brought professional governance structures, improved accountability, and access to financing for infrastructure expansion. Since our formation, we have steadily grown our asset base, increased customer connections, and strengthened service reliability across our schemes.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Clean Water Access for Vulnerable Communities — We prioritise extending connections to underserved households, schools, health centres, and public institutions, including subsidised connections and community water kiosks in low-income areas.
- Sanitation & Hygiene Promotion (WASH) — We partner with schools, community health volunteers, and county health departments to promote safe sanitation practices, hand hygiene, and open defecation-free (ODF) communities.
- Environmental Conservation & Water Source Protection — MeRuWASCO actively participates in tree planting, riverbank protection, and catchment conservation to safeguard the water sources feeding our schemes.
- Supporting Schools & Youth Development — We support schools with WASH infrastructure and host industrial attachment programmes.
- Emergency Water Relief — During drought, floods, or other emergencies, MeRuWASCO provides emergency water supply support through water trucking and priority restoration of disrupted schemes.
We welcome partnerships with NGOs, faith-based organisations, development agencies, and private sector actors. Email: info@meruwasco.co.ke
Our Partners & Regulators
Regulators
- Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) — The national regulator for water and sanitation services in Kenya. www.wasreb.go.ke
- Water Resources Authority (WRA) — Regulates the use and management of water resources in Kenya. www.wra.go.ke
Key Government Partners
- County Government of Meru — Our sole shareholder, providing policy direction and development budget oversight.
- Ministry of Water, Sanitation & Irrigation — We align operations with national water sector policy and WASH targets.
Development Partners
- Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF) — www.wstf.go.ke
- Water Services Providers Association (WASPA) — Industry association for peer learning and sector advocacy.