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 neighborhoods. Rapid population growth and aging infrastructure contribute to these persistent issues. President William Ruto has revealed plans to increase water supply through the Northern Collector Tunnel.
Nairobi, with a population of approximately five million people, requires up to 900 million litres of water a day. Most of the city's water is sourced from rivers and dams in the Aberdare Ranges and surrounding catchments. Major supply points include Ndakaini Dam, Sasumua Dam, Ruiru Dam, and several smaller intakes along rivers from forested highlands.
Before being pumped into Nairobi's distribution network, raw water is treated at plants outside the city. Once treated, it is pumped and stored in large reservoirs and service tanks positioned around the city, from which pumping stations use pipes to deliver water to thousands of homes, businesses, hospitals, and industries.
Despite this extensive supply network, residents in the capital have faced persistent and recurring shortages in some areas over the years. Several factors contribute to this. First, water supply across the county is zoned to manage distribution, reduce losses, address supply issues, and billing, though this has drawbacks.
Areas closer to reservoirs or at lower elevations receive water more consistently, while high-rise buildings and neighborhoods on higher ground often depend on pumping or scheduled rationing, explaining why some areas get more water than others.
Over the years, rural-urban migration has risen, leading to rapid population growth in major cities like Nairobi that outpaces the city's water infrastructure capacity. This means new estates and informal settlements rely on a system designed for fewer people.
Additionally, the age of many city pipes makes them prone to leaks and bursts, causing shortages that can last weeks in some areas. Unauthorized tapping of pipelines and vandalism further limit supply to other connections. Other factors include unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged dry seasons, and human activities in forested water towers, affecting water quality and quantity.
Treatment, distribution, collection, treatment, and regulation of water in Nairobi is managed by the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company.
To address the persistent shortages, President William Ruto revealed plans to increase water supply through the Northern Collector Tunnel, 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.
