Nairobi Water cuts output 35% at Ngethu and Kigoro plants; four Kenyan counties face longer rationing

The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (Nairobi Water) has cut production at its Ngethu and Kigoro water treatment plants by 35%, and customers in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos counties should expect longer periods without regular piped water, The Star and Kenyans.co.ke reported on 9 November 2026.

The utility said below-average rainfall in the catchment has reduced inflows into Ndakaini Dam, also known as Thika Dam, the main source of water for Nairobi and surrounding areas, and storage at the dam has declined. It is drawing less water from the dam to preserve reserves. The reduction takes effect immediately.

Production volumes will be reviewed periodically, depending on how the reservoir recovers and on rainfall. The aim is to maintain supplies over the coming months.

Seven water providers are affected: Nairobi Water, Githunguri Water and Sanitation Company, Kiambu Water and Sanitation Company, Karuri Water and Sanitation Company, Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company, Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company and Olkejuado Water and Sewerage Company. The three Kiambu companies serve Kiambu County, Mavoko serves parts of Machakos County, Olkejuado parts of Kajiado County, and Oloolaiser parts of Kajiado and Nairobi counties.

Households and businesses face reduced or interrupted piped supplies, and households may wait longer for normal supply schedules to resume. Nairobi Water appealed to all customers to use available water prudently and avoid wastage.

Nairobi gets most of its bulk water from the Aberdare Ranges and the Upper Tana River Basin, which extend across Murang'a, Nyandarua and Nyeri counties.

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority said on 26 August that above-average rainfall is expected over more than 80% of the country during the October to December 2026 short rains.

Separately, a 24-hour shutdown for new pipe connections near Kianda School, off Waiyaki Way, was scheduled from 8am on 9 November to 8am on 10 November, affecting areas including Westlands, Kilimani and Lavington.