Butterfly pump fault disrupts water supply to Nairobi estates

Residents of Kawangware, Karen, Dagoretti Corner, Kangemi, Riruta Satellite, and several other estates are facing a 24-hour water supply interruption caused by a breakdown at the Kabete pumping station.

The disruption follows damage to critical pump motors and control panels that help move water to key distribution points in the city.

The trouble started on May 4 when a butterfly pump failed at the Kabete Water Treatment Works, splashing water onto six pump motors and their electrical control units.

These components play a key role in maintaining water pressure and directing supply to Dagoretti and Uthiru reservoirs, which serve large sections of Nairobi and nearby areas.

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company said the technical team began urgent repair works on May 6.

The company confirmed that pipeline repairs are ongoing and that work on the pump motors will be completed later today.

"The Technical team spent the better part of yesterday, 6th May 2025, repairing the pipeline and which is currently ongoing. The repair of the motors will be completed later today, May 7, 2025, at 9:00 pm," the statement said.

Water supply is expected to resume later tonight once the repairs are finalised.

In addition to the areas already mentioned, other affected locations include Gatina, Kabiro, Naivasha Road estates, the entire Ngando area, Mountain View, and Ongata Rongai.

"This is therefore to inform our customers residing in the affected Estates of the 24-hour interruption of water supply," the company announced.

Residents have been urged to remain patient as the repairs are completed.

"We regret any inconvenience caused to our customers," said Eng. Nahason Muguna, Managing Director of Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company.