The Utility Regulation Authority (URA) has started issuing permanent licenses to operate utility services in the country for the first time.
The URA issues a public utility service license for the provision of water, sewer, electricity and waste management services provided for a fee or on a commercial basis.
The URA has now started issuing permanent operating licenses for public utility services under the Utility Regulatory Authority Act. Previously, the authority issued a temporary operating licence. Providing services without such a license is prohibited under the URA Act.
URA has so far issued permanent operating licenses to several utility service providers. The authority says the issuance of a permanent operating license for public utility services will expand and enhance the provision of utility services in the country.
Established in 2020, the URA is mandated by law to regulate public utility services such as water, sewerage, electricity and waste management, under one roof.