Nairobi Water Shutdown: Hospitals, Homes and Businesses Face Three-Day Supply Cut

NAIROBI, Kenya — Residents and businesses across several parts of Nairobi should prepare for three days of water supply disruption, with a major pipeline scheduled to be shut down for emergency repairs from Monday night.

The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) says the interruption will begin at 11.59pm on Monday, October 26, and is expected to end at 11.59pm on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

The shutdown of the NCT–Kigoro–Gigiri–Kabete pipeline is being carried out by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) to allow emergency repair work. The affected areas span residential estates, commercial centres and institutions across the capital. For households, the immediate concern is having enough water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and sanitation. Businesses and institutions that rely on a steady supply may also need to make alternative arrangements while repairs continue.

Hospitals and major neighbourhoods among affected areas

The affected areas include Upper Hill, Westlands, Parklands, Lavington, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Lang’ata, Karen and Nairobi West.

In Upper Hill, the listed areas include the vicinity of Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Hospital. The notice also names parts of Lang’ata, including Uhuru Gardens, Southlands, Civil Servants Estate, Moi Lang’ata Barracks, Sunvalley and Royal Park.

Residents in Nairobi West, Madaraka, Siwaka and areas around Wilson Airport are also expected to experience interruptions.

Other affected neighbourhoods include Riverside, Ngong Road, Kibera, Jamhuri, Woodley, Adams Arcade and parts of Mbagathi Road.

The shutdown is also expected to affect several northern and western parts of the city, including:

Westlands and Brookside: Westlands Road, Muthithi Road, Chiromo Lane, Waiyaki Way, Upper Brookside, Brookside Junction and surrounding estates.
Parklands and Highridge: Parklands estates 1 to 5, Parklands Road, Suswa Road, Iregi Road, Kusi Lane and nearby areas.
General Mathenge and Peponi: Upper General Mathenge Road, Lower Kabete Lane, parts of Peponi Road and Peponi Groove.
Ngara and nearby areas: Park Road, City Park, Desai Road, Railway Quarters, Forest Road, Kipande Road and Limuru Road.
Other affected locations: Kihingo Estate, Magnolia, Kinanda Valley, parts of James Gichuru Road, Lower Raphta Road and Upper Lantana Road.

The notice also lists the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the US Embassy and the International School environs among the areas likely to be affected.

Residents should check the full notice for their specific street or estate, as the interruption may vary by location.

Nairobi Water urges customers to conserve supplies

In a notice signed by managing director Martin Nang’ole, Nairobi Water apologised for the inconvenience and asked customers to use their available water sparingly.

“We appeal to our customers for indulgence and urge them to use their available water sparingly as we work towards restoring the supply,” the company said.

Residents in affected areas can prepare by storing enough water for essential household needs before the shutdown begins. Where possible, businesses and institutions should also plan for their immediate water requirements.

The company says supply will be restored after the repair works. However, the announced end time is a target for completing the shutdown, and residents should follow further updates from Nairobi Water for confirmation that supply has resumed.

The interruption follows another shutdown of the same pipeline earlier in October, when Nairobi Water announced a separate 24-hour disruption for emergency repairs.

For residents already managing tight household budgets, the key concern will be how long it takes for water to return after the pipeline is reopened. Nairobi Water has advised customers to conserve what they have while repair teams work to restore supply.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.