The "Racecourse Gardens Apartments" estate and property in Nairobi which has been financed by Co-operative Bank of Kenya is facing an intolerable situation that demands attention. Despite initially paying 200 Ksh per unit of water, residents received notice from the water office of the estate that they would face an unjust and unfair increase to 500 Ksh for the month of February alone due to drought conditions.

Despite residents' negotiations with both the water office and developers, the water office maintained this exorbitant rate in subsequent months and even disconnected the water of residents who refused to pay their high bills. This situation is unacceptable and violates the basic human right to water, especially in a town where the cost of living is already high.

It is disheartening to note that both the head of the water office in the estate, Jean Karanja, and the developer Lee Muchiri supported this action in a meeting with RCG residents, despite receiving three letters from a committee representing the majority of the residents. One of these letters specifically requested that the water office not turn off residents' water while negotiations were still ongoing.

Residents have started moving out to avoid being inconvenienced. Some have decided to start buying water from Mitungis at 15 - 20 Bob / Gallon to avoid the exorbitant charges. Others are forced to buy tokens in order to have water in their houses. It has also come to our notice that some people do not pay water bills but rather use the water for free at the expense of other residents.

We now believe that Jean Karanja together with Lee Muchiri and probably other members of the RCG management are intentionally extorting money from residents by charging the Ksh.500 rate. Therefore, we are appealing to Co-operative Bank of Kenya to intervene on behalf of residents.

We would also like to address the high cost of service charges, which are set at Ksh.3000 per month for some residents as the management of RCG is not providing adequate justification for the high charges.

We, as a community, must demand that Co-operative Bank of Kenya intervenes in the reduction of the cost of water and ensures that every tenant has access to safe and affordable water. Water's rising cost has made it challenging for many families to meet this basic necessity, and no citizen should have to choose between other necessities.

We call upon the management of Racecourse Gardens Apartments, the RCG water office, and Co-Operative Bank of Kenya to prioritize their clients' well-being and correct this situation by cutting water costs and ensuring that no one is forced to pick between fundamental requirements. By signing this petition, we urge them to act and ensure that everyone has access to the basic human right of water.