Nairobi Water has introduced water rationing across Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos counties following a decline in water levels at one of its main reservoirs.
The utility warned residents on Monday, November 9, that they could experience prolonged interruptions and reduced piped water supplies as the company adjusts distribution to cope with diminishing reserves.
In a notice, Nairobi Water attributed the shortage to below-average rainfall, which has affected water levels at Thika/Ndakaini Dam.
The company announced an immediate 35 per cent reduction in water production at Ngethu and Kigoro Water Treatment Plants.
“Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Ltd (Nairobi Water) wishes to inform its valued customers and the general public that, due to declining water levels at Thika / Ndakaini Dam, water production at Ngethu and Kigoro Water Treatment Plants has been reduced by 35% with immediate effect,” Nairobi Water stated.
Ndakaini Dam, a major source of water for Nairobi and neighbouring areas, including Thika in Kiambu County, has experienced a significant drop in storage following inadequate rainfall within its catchment area.
Nairobi sources much of its bulk water from the Aberdare Ranges and the Upper Tana River Basin, which span parts of Murang'a, Nyandarua and Nyeri counties.
The decline in water inflows has prompted the utility to scale down abstraction temporarily to protect the remaining reserves and ensure that available supplies last over the coming months.
Consequently, households and businesses in the affected areas are expected to experience reduced water availability or temporary interruptions as authorities adjust distribution to match the available resources.
The affected water service providers include Nairobi City Water, which serves Nairobi, alongside Kiambu Water, Githunguri Water and Karuri Water in Kiambu County.
In Machakos County, the rationing affects Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company, while Olkejuado and Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Companies serve the affected areas in Kajiado County.
Nairobi Water urged consumers to conserve the available water, warning that households could wait longer for supplies as the utility implements revised distribution schedules.
The company added that it was monitoring water levels at the dams and prevailing weather conditions, noting that production would be reviewed periodically depending on the amount of water available.
Kenya Weather Forecast
The water rationing announcement comes despite projections by the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) of above-average rainfall across more than 80 per cent of the country during the October-December 2026 short rains season.
The weatherman has forecast enhanced rainfall in 44 counties, with temperatures expected to rise above 30°C in some areas.
KMSA has also projected an 81 per cent probability that a very strong El Niño event will continue into early 2027.
