Kenya: Water Rationing Looms in Nairobi As Ndakaini Dam Levels Decline

What the report says

Water rationing is expected to worsen in Nairobi and nearby counties after falling levels at Thika/Ndakaini Dam led to a 35% cut in water production at two key treatment plants serving the capital, according to a report distributed by AllAfrica from Capital FM. The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company said the reduction at the Ngethu and Kigoro plants took effect immediately.

The utility linked the decline to below-average rainfall in the dam’s catchment area, which has reduced inflows into the reservoir. It said the lower storage levels mean it must temporarily limit water abstraction in order to conserve reserves and support supply in the months ahead.

The company warned that customers supplied by seven water utilities could face longer rationing periods. Those providers cover parts of Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado counties, affecting households, businesses and institutions that rely on the network for daily use. The utility said it will keep monitoring reservoir levels and weather conditions, with production to be reviewed as inflows improve.

Nairobi Water also urged residents to save water and avoid waste while the system is under strain. The situation highlights the capital region’s dependence on dam levels and rainfall patterns, and the broader challenge of maintaining reliable urban water supply during dry conditions.