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Why Nairobians will continue to experience water shortage even after heavy rainfall

Water shortage to hit Nairobi
A water bowser delivers water in the city centre
A water bowser delivers water in the city centre

Resident in Nairobi will have to bear with the water shortages that will hit the city.

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) blamed the situation on the lower than the maximum volume of transmission pipes.

This might come as a surprise to many city residents since reports had initially confirmed that Ndakaini and Sasumua dams are full following heavy rains in the Aberdares.

NCWSC Managing Director Nahashon Muguna said the existing pipes can pump 525,600 cubic metres per day, which is below Nairobi's daily water requirement.

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A water bowser delivers water in the city centre

A water bowser delivers water in the city centre

Rationing of water is there to stay until new lines are built. The current demand is 790,000 cubic metres per day and it has been growing by nearly 20,000 cubic metres every year,” he said.

Continued water rationing

NCWSC has been rationing water for city resident since 2017 due to rapidly plunging water levels in Ndakaini.

However, water rationing has continued even after the dam filled up. Some of the most affected areas in Nairobi are Lang’ata, Umoja and Kawangware.

A water vendor delivering water in his cart

A water vendor delivering water in his cart

Nairobi's Water shortage crisis birthed illegal connections, kiosks and vendors where locals buy a 20-litre jerrycan for as high as Ksh100.

Concern has also been raised on whether the water sold is not safe for human consumption, especially in the informal settlements.

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