Nairobi to receive additional 140 million litres daily as Northern Water Collector Tunnel project completed

Nairobi residents are set to experience a significant improvement in water supply, following the completion of the Northern Water Collector Tunnel.

The water project will inject an additional 140 million litres of water daily into the city's distribution system. 

Speaking during a tour of the Gigiri Reservoir and pumping station, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja assured residents that additional supply will help alleviate the chronic water shortages, that have plagued various parts of the city, particularly in Eastlands, Kabete, Lang’ata, and other underserved areas.

"We are committed to achieving water justice in Nairobi. Residents who have been receiving water only once a week can now expect to see supply increase to two or even three times a week as the new system comes online,” said Sakaja.

Governor Sakaja reiterated that the Tunnel would solve 85% of Nairobi's water needs which would in turn resolve the city's water crisis, with the only challenge being equitable distribution following the City’s growing population which leads to water rationing.

"We have secured commitments from our partners in Southeast Asia, who have pledged over $100 million to support Nairobi’s water sector. With Nairobi’s population projected to reach 10 million by 2050, investment in robust water infrastructure is not just necessary but urgent," the Governor stated.

The Governor consequently lauded the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company for their financial performance, having achieved a record collection of Ksh.10.7 billion in water bill payments during the last fiscal year.

"This milestone is unprecedented, and we are now looking to implement more advanced technologies in water billing to further enhance our efficiency," he added.

NWSC Managing Director Engineer Nahashon Muguna who was also in the meeting echoed Sakaja’s optimism, confirming that the integration of the new water supply from the Northern Water Collector Tunnel is on track for completion by October.

"We are fully committed to ensuring that this project is ready within the next eight weeks, bringing much-needed relief to Nairobi's residents," Muguna stated.