KES 1.6 Billion Water Network Overhaul to Boost Supply for Over 200,000 Nairobi Residents
Left-Right: Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) CEO Eng. Joseph Kamau, the CS for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Muuga and AFD Regional Task Team Leader for Water and Sanitation in East Africa, Melanie Grignon, during the launch of AWWDA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027 in August.
Nairobi, October 28, 2025 – More than 200,000 residents and business owners in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and its surrounding areas are set to enjoy improved and more reliable water supply following the launch of a KES 1.6 billion water network rehabilitation project by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA).
The project, implemented in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to modernize the capital’s ageing water distribution network, reduce losses, and enhance supply efficiency across high-demand areas including the CBD, Industrial Area, Pumwani, Starehe, Jogoo Road, and Ngara.
Part of the Nairobi Water and Sanitation Project, the initiative seeks to expand and rehabilitate the city’s water and sanitation systems to improve access to clean and safe water. It marks a major milestone as the first project in Kenya to deploy trenchless technology, specifically Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), for pipeline installation.
This innovation enables the laying of new underground pipelines with minimal disruption to surface activities such as traffic flow and business operations.
Covering approximately 97.5 kilometres of pipeline, the rehabilitation works will connect 2,930 households to safe and efficient water supply by November 2027.
AWWDA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Joseph Kamau hailed the project as transformative, underscoring its significance in modernizing Nairobi’s water infrastructure and improving service delivery.
“The Central Nairobi Area Water Network Project represents a major leap forward in addressing the challenges of water distribution within our capital city. By deploying trenchless technology for the first time, we are ensuring that critical works proceed with minimal disruption to residents and businesses,” said Eng. Kamau.
He added that the initiative builds on previous successes, notably the Northern Water Collector Tunnel, which now delivers 140,000 cubic metres of water daily to Nairobi and neighbouring counties.
“This rehabilitation complements our broader strategy of maximizing water transmission efficiency from major dams to end users. It reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life for all Kenyans,” he noted.
Nairobi’s central region has long grappled with ageing water infrastructure some pipelines dating back several decades leading to frequent bursts, leaks, and high non-revenue water losses. The new project is expected to resolve these persistent challenges while preparing the city for future population and economic growth.
“By strengthening the water distribution network, we are not only improving supply reliability but also reducing system losses and ensuring every drop reaches the people who need it most,” Eng. Kamau emphasized.
Once complete, the project will boost water flow capacity, correct pressure imbalances, and ensure equitable distribution across connected zones.
The environmentally sensitive construction approach also aligns with Kenya’s sustainability and urban resilience goals.
“AWWDA continues to collaborate with partners such as AFD to implement innovative and sustainable water solutions,” Eng. Kamau said.
