Nairobi: Over 200,000 residents and business owners across Nairobi’s Central Business District and its environs are set to benefit from improved and reliable water supply, thanks to a Sh1.6 billion water network rehabilitation project launched by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA).
According to Kenya News Agency, the project, implemented in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), seeks to reduce water losses, modernize the city’s ageing distribution network, and enhance overall efficiency within the high-demand zones of Nairobi’s CBD, Industrial Area, Pumwani, Starehe, Jogoo Road, and Ngara.
Athi Water Works Development Agency Chief Executive Officer Eng. Joseph Kamau highlighted that the initiative forms part of the Nairobi Water and Sanitation Project, which aims to improve living conditions and access to clean water for Nairobi residents by expanding and rehabilitating the city’s water and sanitation systems.
The project marks a milestone in Kenya’s water infrastructure development as it becomes the first to employ trenchless technology – specifically Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) – for water pipeline installation. This method allows the construction of new underground pipelines with minimal disruption to surface activities such as traffic, businesses, and essential services.
The rehabilitation works will cover approximately 97.5 kilometers of pipelines and will connect 2,930 households to clean, safe, and efficient water supply by November 2027.
Eng. Kamau described it as transformative for Nairobi’s water supply system and a testament to Kenya’s readiness for modern infrastructure solutions. ‘The Central Nairobi Area Water Network Project represents a major leap forward in addressing the challenges of water distribution within our capital city. By deploying trenchless technology for the first time in Kenya, we are ensuring that critical works can proceed with minimal disruption to residents and businesses within the CBD,’ he said.
He further noted that the project builds on earlier successes, including the Northern Water Collector Tunnel, which now supplies 140,000 cubic meters of water per day to Nairobi and five neighboring counties. ‘This rehabilitation complements our broader strategy of maximizing the efficiency of water transmission from our major dams to the end users. It is a clear demonstration of the government commitment to providing sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life for all Kenyans,’ added Eng. Kamau.
Nairobi’s central region has long suffered from old, dilapidated water pipelines, some dating back several decades. These outdated systems have contributed to significant non-revenue water losses through leaks, bursts, and illegal connections. Eng. Kamau emphasized that the project will help resolve these persistent challenges while preparing the city for future population and economic growth.
‘This project is part of a long-term vision to modernize Nairobi’s infrastructure. By strengthening the water distribution network, we are not only enhancing supply reliability but also reducing system losses and ensuring that every drop reaches the people who need it most,’ he said.
The rehabilitation works will ultimately boost water flow capacity within the city, reduce pressure imbalances, and ensure equitable water distribution across all connected zones. Moreover, the use of environmentally sensitive construction methods aligns with Kenya’s sustainability goals and urban resilience strategy.
‘AWWDA continues to work closely with development partners like AFD to implement innovative and sustainable water solutions,’ Eng. Kamau said.