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

Nairobi Water has cut production at two treatment plants by 35 per cent as falling levels at Thika/Ndakaini Dam lead to longer rationing across several counties [1][2].

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, which it attributed to below-average rainfall in the catchment area [1][2]. The notice was released on Monday, 9 November [2]. To preserve available reserves, Nairobi Water said it had temporarily reduced water abstraction [1][5].

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources do not say why people are searching for "ndakaini". They report the rationing and a separate planned shutdown, both announced around the same date. The rationing and the shutdown should not be confused: the shutdown is a 24-hour interruption for pipe connection works [3][4].

Key facts

• Production cut: 35 per cent at the Ngethu and Kigoro plants, effective immediately [1][2].
• Counties named: Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos [2].
• Affected providers: seven in total, including Nairobi City Water, three Kiambu companies, Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company, and two Kajiado companies [2][4]. Sources give slightly different names for some Kiambu and Kajiado companies [2][4].
• Main supply source: Thika/Ndakaini Dam supplies Nairobi and surrounding areas, including Thika [1][2].
• Planned shutdown: a 24-hour interruption from 8am on Monday, 9 November, to 8am on Tuesday, 10 November, affecting areas including Westlands, Parklands, Kilimani and Kibera, according to [3].
• Rainfall outlook: the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority forecasts above-average rainfall in more than 80 per cent of the country during the October-December 2026 short rains season [2].
• End date: the sources do not give an end date for the rationing [4].

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]. Residents should watch for updates from the utility on any change to production or rationing schedules. Sources differ on how the forecast rains will affect the dam: [2] reports the rainfall forecast alongside the rationing, but none of the sources say when or whether dam levels will recover [2][4]. The sources also do not say how long the rationing will last [4].

Sources

1. [1] Longer water rationing periods for Nairobi residents as Ndakaini Dam levels fall - Daily Nation
2. [2] Nairobi, 3 Other Counties to Face Extended Water Rationing as Utility Company Issues Warning - Kenyans.co.ke
3. [3] Nairobi residents face 24-hour water interruption in planned maintenance - The Star, Kenya
4. [4] Nairobi Water cuts production 35% as Ndakaini Dam levels fall, extending rationing - Nairobi Tea
5. [5] Nairobi Water Cuts Supply 35% as Ndakaini Dam Levels Fall - Nairobi Tea
6. [6] Nairobi Water announces water supply cut as Ndakaini dam levels decline - Nairobi Tea

Compiled by the NairobiCity trend desk from the sources above.