Nairobi Water cuts production 35% as Ndakaini Dam levels fall

Nairobi Water has reduced production at two treatment plants by 35 per cent, and warns of longer rationing across four counties.

What happened

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (Nairobi Water) has reduced water production by 35 per cent at the Ngethu and Kigoro water treatment plants, with immediate effect, according to a notice released on Monday, November 9 [1][2]. The utility said the cut followed declining water levels at Thika/Ndakaini Dam, which it linked to below-average rainfall in the dam's catchment area [1][2]. Nairobi Water said it had temporarily reduced water abstraction to preserve available reserves and sustain supply in the coming months [1][6].

Households and businesses will face reduced or interrupted piped supplies, because authorities are limiting distribution as available water cannot meet normal demand [1]. Customers may face longer waits before normal supply schedules resume [2].

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, but do not link either to the search trend [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].
• Source of supply: Thika/Ndakaini Dam supplies Nairobi and surrounding areas, including Thika. Nairobi gets most of its bulk water from the Aberdare Ranges and Upper Tana River Basin [1][2].
• Providers named: Nairobi City Water; three Kiambu companies; Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company (Machakos); and two companies supplying parts of Kajiado County [2].
• Naming differences: Sources give slightly different names for some Kiambu and Kajiado companies, so check the utility's notices before relying on a specific name [2][4].
• Separate planned shutdown: A 24-hour interruption from 8am on Monday, November 9 to 8am on Tuesday, November 10, for pipe connection works near Kianda School along Waiyaki Way. Areas named include Westlands, Parklands, Kilimani, Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Hospital. The shutdown is not part of the rationing [3][4].
• 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].

What to watch

• Whether Nairobi Water changes production volumes, which it said would be reviewed periodically depending on available reserves [2].
• Dam levels and whether the short rains forecast materialises [1][2].
• Official notices from the named providers on supply schedules, since no end date for rationing has been given [1][2].

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 production 35% as Ndakaini Dam levels fall, extending rationing - 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.