Nairobi Residents Face Five-Day Water Shutdown as Major Upgrades Begin
Nairobi and surrounding counties will face a five-day water supply interruption starting Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) begins critical upgrades to the Northern Collector Tunnel (NCT) Bulk Water System. The shutdown, set to last from 8:00 a.m. on April 7 until 8:00 a.m. on April 12, aims to strengthen and enhance the region’s water infrastructure, ensuring long-term reliability for millions of residents.
The planned interruption will allow the agency to install and reinforce the Raw Water Gravity Transmission Pipeline, which transports water from the Ndakaini Dam to the Kigoro Water Treatment Plant. Additionally, upgrades will be made to treated water transmission pipelines leading to the Gigiri Reservoir. These improvements are part of a broader effort to optimize the network and bolster its resilience against future challenges.
The NCT Bulk Water System is a vital lifeline for Nairobi and neighboring counties, delivering roughly 140 million liters of clean water daily to communities in Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kajiado, and Machakos. The system serves millions of residents, businesses, and institutions, making the upgrades essential for sustaining the region’s growing water demands.
Affected areas include those served by Gatanga Water & Sanitation Company, Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, Oloolaiser Water & Sewerage Company, EPZA, and Mavoko Water & Sanitation Company. The AWWDA has urged residents and businesses to store adequate water beforehand and use supplies sparingly during the shutdown period.
“We appeal for patience and cooperation from all affected consumers as we undertake these necessary works,” the agency stated in a public notice. “These upgrades are crucial for improving the resilience and overall performance of our regional water supply network.”
The announcement has prompted widespread preparation among residents and businesses, many of whom are already grappling with intermittent water shortages. Local authorities are encouraging communities to collaborate and share resources to minimize disruptions during the five-day period.
The NCT Bulk Water System project is part of a long-term strategy to address Kenya’s water challenges, particularly in urban areas where rapid population growth has strained existing infrastructure. The Athi Water Works Development Agency has emphasized that the upgrades will not only enhance water delivery but also reduce the risk of system failures in the future.
As Nairobi braces for the temporary water shutdown, the AWWDA has assured residents that the inconvenience will yield significant benefits. “We understand the impact this will have on daily life, but these improvements are essential for securing a sustainable water supply for the region,” the agency added.
For now, residents are urged to plan ahead and conserve water where possible. The agency has also pledged to provide updates on the progress of the upgrades throughout the shutdown period.
— Reported by Nexio News
