Kasarani, Kilimani, Roysambu among areas affected by new water supply plan

Nairobi residents should prepare for changes in water distribution throughout June as the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company introduces a revised supply plan targeting equal access across the city.

The affected estates include Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Lavington, Karen, Lang’ata, Kasarani, Embakasi, Kabete, Roysambu and Westlands.

Only a few areas—mainly institutions and their surrounding zones—will continue to receive water on a daily basis.

These include the University of Nairobi and the Mamlaka line, Kenyatta National Hospital, Daystar University and its environs, Upper Hill’s Matumbato, Kiambere, Masaba and Kenya Road. Others are Elgon Road, Gikomba Market, Pumwani Hospital, Forest Road, Waruku, Ngara, Kenyatta University, Kahawa Barracks and Embakasi Barracks.

While some city residents have seen the changes as water rationing, the water company insists the plan is broader.

“It is a programme encompassing other areas which were not receiving water, such as Utawala among others,” said board chairperson Arnold Karanja.

The company’s managing director, Nahashon Muguna, assured Nairobi residents that the overall water supply remains sufficient. He said the new schedule is designed to ensure fair and predictable distribution across all estates.

In parts of Karen, the new plan will see residents around Bogani Last Road, Mukoma Road, Ndovu Road, Swara Road and nearby areas receive water from Thursday afternoon to Monday afternoon.

In Riverside, water will now be distributed in three different shifts. Homes from Chiromo to Prime Bank will get supply from Monday noon to Friday noon.

Residents from Ring Road to Kirichwa Road will have water from Tuesday noon to Thursday noon, while those living between Riverside Lane and Strathmore School will receive supply from Saturday noon to Monday noon.

The changes coincide with the start of partial operations at the Northern Water Collector Tunnel, a major project expected to boost Nairobi’s supply by 140 million litres per day once fully completed.

Utawala is among the first areas to benefit.

In March, Karanja said residents there had started receiving piped water twice a week for the first time.

"Not all estates have been connected to water pipes, but we are doing everything to complete the process.

Those who are already connected are getting water for the first time. Our teams are on the ground, and you can always get in touch with them," he said during a visit to the area.

Utawala estates that recently received water include Summit Court, Swan Villa, Olympia Estate, Rubis and Ridgeway.

The water company has encouraged residents to check the updated supply timetable and reach out to field teams in case of any concerns.