Thousands of residents across Nairobi are expected to experience prolonged water shortages following a planned 26-hour shutdown announced by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company. The disruption, scheduled to allow critical maintenance works on key water infrastructure, is set to affect several estates across the capital.
In a public notice, the utility said the interruption is necessary to facilitate repairs and upgrades aimed at improving long-term water supply reliability. Areas expected to experience low pressure or complete outage include major residential and commercial zones, prompting residents and businesses to make advance storage arrangements.
Officials explained that the maintenance works are part of ongoing efforts to modernize ageing infrastructure and reduce recurring supply interruptions that have affected Nairobi in recent years. Water services are expected to resume progressively once the maintenance exercise is completed.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the long-term benefits of infrastructure upgrades while others raised concerns about the impact on daily routines, schools, hospitals, and small businesses that rely heavily on a consistent water supply.
Urban planners note that rapid population growth in Nairobi has increased pressure on water systems, making maintenance operations unavoidable despite the temporary inconvenience.
The utility has advised residents to store enough water for domestic use and to use available supplies sparingly during the shutdown period.
As Nairobi continues to expand, experts say investment in sustainable water systems and early communication with residents will remain key in managing similar disruptions in the future.