Arise Media 
Residents of Kiandundu village in Kithimu ward, Embu County, have raised concerns over the rising cases of water meters theft, which has left many without access to water.
On Thursday dawn, at least four meters were stolen, bringing the total number of stolen meters in the area to seven within less than two months.
Nicasio Mwaniki, one of the affected residents, lamented that victims are forced to pay Sh3,400 for a new meter and water reconnection.
He added that the thefts are not limited to Kiandundu but have also been reported in neighboring villages such as Mvangua and Gitumbiri.
Mary Njue, a resident of Mvangua, echoed these concerns, warning that the trend is spreading.
“The thieves appear to be targeting metallic water meters along road reserves,” said Elias Kariuki Njoka, another resident.
Locals have accused staff from the Embu Water and Sanitation Company (EWASCO) of being involved in the thefts, claiming they know how the gadgets function and their value.
EWASCO Managing Director Engineer James Njeru acknowledged the rise in theft and revealed that two notorious Embu traders have been identified as buyers of stolen meters for scrap metal. He warned that their days were numbered.
Njeru urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid entertaining anyone without official EWASCO branding.
He cited a recent incident where a suspect from Murang’a County was caught through community policing efforts in the lower part of Kithimu ward.
“With over 42,000 water meters installed across Embu, hiring security personnel for all meters is impractical. There is a need for community cooperation in tackling the vice,” he said.
To curb the theft, EWASCO has initiated a phased replacement of metallic meters with plastic ones, which are less attractive to thieves.
The first phase, Njeru said targets 9,000 meters.
Residents have called for swift action to prevent further losses, citing the dire impact of water disruptions on daily activities such as washing, cooking, and caring for livestock.
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