Nairobi slum residents are calling for the complete rejection of the Smart Meter Water Project, arguing that it will not address their ongoing water crisis but rather deepen inequalities in water access.

The project, set to be rolled out later this year in Nairobi, Siaya, Uasin Gishu and Mombasa counties, has sparked criticism from civil rights activists and local communities.

During a water festival in Korogocho slums to mark World Water Day, civil groups led by activist Ruth Mumbi from Women Collective Kenya dismissed the project as a business-driven initiative that would benefit the wealthy while disadvantaging slum dwellers.

The smart meters are expected to regulate water usage and charge users based on consumption, a move that residents fear will make water unaffordable for the urban poor.

Mumbi pointed out that similar projects in other countries, such as South Africa, have worsened water access for women and low-income households. She warned that if implemented, the project could leave thousands struggling to access this essential resource, particularly in informal settlements where water scarcity is already a daily challenge.

In addition to rejecting the smart meters, the group also opposed the Nairobi riparian wall project, which aims to clear settlements from riparian land. The residents argue that the eviction plans are politically driven and discriminatory, disproportionately affecting those living in slums.

Activists and community members are now calling on the government to focus on equitable water distribution strategies that prioritize access for all rather than projects that could further marginalize vulnerable populations.