Nairobi Water cuts production 35% as Ndakaini Dam levels fall, extending rationing

Nairobi Water has reduced production at two treatment plants by 35 per cent, and says rationing will last longer for customers of seven water companies.

What happened

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (Nairobi Water) reduced water production by 35 per cent at the Ngethu and Kigoro water treatment plants, with immediate effect [1][2]. The utility said this followed declining water levels at Thika/Ndakaini Dam, caused by below-average rainfall in its catchment area [1][2]. A notice was released on Monday, 9 November [2]. Nairobi Water said it had temporarily reduced water abstraction to preserve available reserves [1][6].

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources do not say why people are searching for 'water'. They report the rationing and a separate planned shutdown, both announced around the same date. The sources do not give an end date for the rationing.

Key facts

• Production cut: 35 per cent at Ngethu and Kigoro plants, effective immediately [1][2].
• Counties named: Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos [2].
• Affected providers (seven): Nairobi Water; Githunguri Water and Sanitation Company; Kiambu Water and Sanitation Company; Karuri Water and Sanitation Company; Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company; Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company; and Olkejuado Water and Sewerage Company [1][2].
• Main supply source: Thika/Ndakaini Dam is the principal source for Nairobi and surrounding areas [1][6]. Nairobi gets most of its bulk water from the Aberdare Ranges and Upper Tana River Basin, which extend across Murang'a, Nyandarua and Nyeri counties [2].
• Separate shutdown: A 24-hour interruption from 8am on Monday, 9 November, to 8am on Tuesday, 10 November, for new pipe connection works near Kianda School along Waiyaki Way [3]. Areas listed include Westlands, Parklands, Kilimani, Lavington, Kibera, Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Hospital [3].
• Rainfall outlook: The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority forecasts above-average rainfall in more than 80 per cent of the country for the October-December 2026 short rains season [2]. The same source says the rationing was announced even with this forecast. It does not explain how the two are connected.

What to watch

Nairobi Water says it is monitoring dam levels and weather conditions, and that production volumes will be reviewed periodically depending on available reserves [2]. Households may face longer waits before normal supply schedules resume, and the utility has urged customers to use water sparingly [2]. Customers in the shutdown areas were advised to store enough water for essential household and business needs before the interruption begins [3].

Sources

1. [1] Nairobi, surrounding counties face extended rationing as Ndakaini water levels fall - The Star, Kenya
2. [2] Nairobi, 3 Other Counties to Face Extended Water Rationing as Utility Company Issues Warning - Kenyans.co.ke
3. [3] Dry taps in Nairobi for two days from Monday - The Standard
4. [4] Nairobi faces prolonged water rationing - Nairobi Tea
5. [5] Nairobi, 3 Other Counties to Face Extended Water Rationing as Utility Company Issues Warning - Nairobi Tea
6. [6] Nairobi Water Cuts Supply 35% as Ndakaini Dam Levels Fall - Nairobi Tea

Compiled by the NairobiCity trend desk from the sources above.