In Mandera Town, many households are forced to buy water from private bowsers because piped water that once served the area is now scarce.

The County’s budget report for FY 2025/26 shows a Sh120 million allocation to the Mandera Water and Sewerage Company, of which Sh97 million was transferred during the year and an additional Sh45 million came from the exchequer.

Since its creation, the water company has received a cumulative Sh1.4 billion from the county, yet residents report no reliable tap water in the town.

Local resident Ahmed Hanshi expressed disappointment that the town’s river no longer translates into household supply, noting that piped water existed only a few years ago.

Another resident, Siad Abdiqani, questioned the use of the allocated funds, pointing out that taps remain dry and families must purchase water at high prices from bowsers.

Dekow Guliye, who operates a water‑bowser business, said private vendors now fill the supply gap by sourcing water from privately owned wells and delivering it to households.

Guliye added that bowser operators receive no assistance from the county despite being the de‑facto water providers for the community.

The ongoing reliance on private water suppliers has prompted residents to question why the county‑funded water company has not delivered the promised service.