Four water companies serving the Coast region have been disconnected from bulk water supplies due to a mounting Sh5.5 billion debt, exacerbating an existing water crisis.

• The debt, spanning water bills owed to the Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA), threatens to worsen the region's daily water deficit of 327,000 cubic metres.
• Involved entities include TAVEVO Water and Sewerage Company, Kwale Water and Sewerage Company (KWAWASCO), Malindi Water and Sewerage Company (MAWASCO), and Kilifi-Mariakani Water and Sewerage Company (KIMAWASCO).
• Persistent operational issues like leakages, illegal connections, and ageing infrastructure are cited as primary contributors to the financial strain and subsequent debt.