Nairobi Water Shutdown: Sakaja Explains Five-Day Supply Interruption Due to Major Upgrade Works
The upgrade forms part of broader efforts to address Nairobi’s recurring water shortages and strengthen infrastructure to meet the demands of the growing urban population.
Water bowsers deployed in Nairobi as residents brace for a planned five-day supply disruption during major water infrastructure upgrade works. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Nairobi residents are set to experience a five-day water supply disruption as authorities undertake critical infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving long-term water distribution across the city.
In a public notice, the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company announced that the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) will temporarily shut down the Northern Collector Tunnel 1 (NCT1) system. The shutdown is intended to allow for the completion of key works connecting the Kigoro Water Treatment Plant to the Gigiri and Kabete reservoirs.
The interruption is scheduled to run from 6:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6, to 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, and is expected to affect several parts of the city. Areas likely to experience water shortages include the Central Business District (CBD), Westlands, Lavington, Kilimani, Ngara, Kileleshwa, Kibera, Industrial Area, and surrounding estates.
Water officials have urged residents and businesses to use available supplies sparingly during the period, noting that the temporary disruption is necessary to enhance the city’s water infrastructure and ensure a more reliable supply in the future.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the shutdown but underscored the long-term benefits of the project.
“We understand the disruption this will cause to residents and businesses, but these works are critical to securing Nairobi’s water future. Once completed, the upgrades will significantly enhance supply capacity and reliability across the city,” Sakaja said.
He added that the county government is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure the project is completed within the set timeline and that normal water supply resumes without delay.
Residents have been advised to store sufficient water ahead of the shutdown and adopt conservation measures throughout the affected period. Authorities also indicated that water bowsers may be deployed to supply essential institutions such as hospitals and schools where necessary.
The upgrade forms part of broader efforts to address Nairobi’s recurring water shortages and strengthen infrastructure to meet the demands of the growing urban population.
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