Millions of residents across Nairobi and four neighboring counties are set to face a five-day water shortage following a government announcement of a planned shutdown of a major water supply system.
The State Department of Water and Sanitation, through the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA), confirmed that the interruption will affect Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Machakos, and Kajiado counties. The disruption will begin on Monday, April 6 at 8:00 AM and run until Saturday, April 11 at 8:00 AM.
At the center of the shutdown is the Northern Collector Tunnel (NCT) Bulk Water System, a critical infrastructure that supplies approximately 140 million litres of clean water daily to the affected regions.
“Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) wishes to inform the public, stakeholders, and all consumers that there will be a scheduled five-day interruption of water supply on the Northern Collector Tunnel (NCT) Bulk Water System,” the agency stated in a public notice.
According to AWWDA, the planned interruption is necessary to allow for key installation and maintenance works aimed at strengthening the regional water transmission network. These works will include installation of new valves, pipeline fittings, and reinforcement of key sections along the Raw Water Gravity Transmission Pipeline.
The pipeline stretches from Thika and Ndakaini Dam to the Kigoro Water Treatment Plant, forming a vital link in the region’s water supply chain. Additional works will also be undertaken on treated water pipelines running from Kigoro to the Gigiri Reservoir as part of efforts to operationalize an upgraded bulk water delivery system.
“This interruption is necessary to facilitate critical installation and strengthening works for the Raw Water Gravity Transmission Pipeline from Thika/Ndakaini Dam to Kigoro Water Treatment Plant and treated water pipelines from Kigoro Water Treatment Plant to Gigiri Reservoir,” the notice further stated.
The shutdown is expected to affect all consumers dependent on the NCT system, including those served by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, Gatanga Water and Sanitation Company, Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company, the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA), and Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company.
Authorities have urged residents, institutions, and businesses within the affected areas to prepare adequately by storing enough water ahead of the shutdown and using it sparingly during the interruption period.
“Residents and institutions within these supply zones are advised to store adequate water before the shutdown and to use water sparingly throughout the interruption period,” the ministry urged, appealing for patience and cooperation.
The agency emphasized that the upgrade works are part of a broader government strategy to enhance the resilience, efficiency, and reliability of water supply infrastructure across the region. Once complete, the improved system – linking Thika Dam through Kigoro to Gigiri Reservoir, is expected to significantly boost long-term water availability.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Water has indicated progress in restoring previously damaged transmission lines affected by recent floods, offering some reassurance on system stability once the planned works are completed.
Normal water supply is expected to resume on April 11 at 8:00 AM, subject to successful completion of the scheduled upgrades.
