Nairobi depends on a complex network of rivers, dams, and pipes to supply water to more than four million residents, yet shortages remain a daily reality in many neighbourhoods across the country's capital.
Nairobi, which has a population of approximately five million people, requires up to 900 million litres of water a day.
Most of Nairobi’s water is sourced from rivers and dams in the Aberdare Ranges and their surrounding catchments. Major supply points include Ndakaini Dam, Sasumua Dam, Ruiru Dam, and several smaller intakes along rivers flowing from forested highlands.
Before being pumped into Nairobi's distribution network after collection, the raw water is first taken through treatment plants, which are usually outside the city.
Once treated, the water is then pumped and stored in large reservoirs and service tanks, which are positioned all around the city, and from here, pumping stations use pipes to pump the water to thousands of homes, businesses, hospitals, and also industries.
Despite a heavy supply network, over the years, residents in the capital have been suffering from persistent and recurring shortages in some areas. This is usually caused by several factors.
First of all, the water supply across the county is zoned to manage distribution, reduce losses, address supply issues, and also billing; however, this comes with some disadvantages.
Areas closer to reservoirs or at lower elevations tend to receive water more consistently, while high-rise buildings and neighbourhoods on higher ground often rely on pumping or scheduled rationing, explaining why some areas receive more water than others.
Over the years, the rural-urban migration has been on the rise, and major cities, including Nairobi, have experienced a rapid population growth, which has expanded faster than the city's water infrastructure capacity. This means that new estates and informal settlements often rely on a water system that was designed for fewer people.
Furthermore, the old age of many pipes in the city often makes them susceptible to leaks and bursts, and if this occurs, water shortages that may even last for weeks in some areas are not new.
On the other hand, the unauthorised tapping of pipelines and vandalism often limit supply to other water connections.
Some other factors, including unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged dry seasons, and human activities in forested water towers, often affect the water quality and quantity that is being supplied in the county.
The Treatment, distribution, collection, treatment, and regulation of water in Nairobi is managed by the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company.
To resolve the persistent shortages, President William Ruto revealed plans to increase water supply in the city through the Northern Water collection tunnel, which is an 11.8 km raw water transfer tunnel.
"I know we have a water shortage problem in Nairobi. I want to give an assurance that in the next week or two, we are going to launch the Northern Collector Tunnel, which will bring 140 billion litres," Ruto said on Wednesday, March 12.
