Residents of Nairobi’s informal settlements are grappling with a severe water shortage, a crisis that has exacerbated the challenges of daily life in the Kenyan capital. As the dry spell continues, locals in areas like Mathare have voiced their frustrations over the inconsistent supply of water, highlighting the struggles they face in securing this essential resource.
In conversations today, residents expressed their concerns about the growing severity of the water shortage. “We are forced to walk for kilometers to fetch water since we need clean water for use at home,” one resident lamented. The scarcity has not only made life more difficult but has also led to a significant increase in the cost of water, further straining the finances of Nairobi’s most vulnerable populations.
Michael Karanja, a resident of Mathare, pointed out the dramatic rise in the price of water, which has shot up from 5 shillings to a staggering 40 shillings for a 20-litre jerrycan. “The situation is becoming unbearable. What used to be a basic necessity is now turning into a luxury that many cannot afford,” Karanja said. The steep increase in prices has left many residents with limited access to clean water, forcing them to make difficult choices between water and other essential needs.
The ongoing water crisis in Nairobi is not a new phenomenon. For years, the city has struggled with the challenge of providing a consistent water supply to its rapidly growing population. The situation has been particularly dire in informal settlements, where infrastructure is often inadequate, and residents are left to fend for themselves. Despite repeated promises from authorities to address the issue, the problem persists, leaving many Nairobians in a constant state of uncertainty.
The Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) recently announced a disruption in water supply that has affected up to 70 estates as well as the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). According to the NCWSC, this disruption is necessary to allow for the interconnection of the Kigoro-Gigiri water pipeline at the Gigiri Pumping Station and Reservoirs. The project is part of a broader effort to improve water infrastructure in the city, but in the short term, it has added to the woes of residents already struggling with limited access to water.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has acknowledged the severity of the situation and has assured residents that his administration is working to resolve the issue. Speaking about the ongoing efforts, Governor Sakaja announced that Nairobi residents would receive an additional 140 million litres of water in the coming weeks. This increase is expected to come from the commissioning of the Northern Collector Tunnel, a major infrastructure project aimed at boosting water supply to the city.
“The Northern Collector Tunnel will be a game-changer for Nairobi. Once it is fully operational, we expect it to significantly alleviate the water shortages that have plagued our city for years,” Governor Sakaja said. He further outlined his administration’s commitment to finding long-term solutions to the city’s water challenges, including investments in new infrastructure and the rehabilitation of existing facilities.
Despite these assurances, many residents remain skeptical. The persistent water shortages have left a deep sense of distrust among Nairobians, who have grown weary of unfulfilled promises. For residents of informal settlements, where the impact of water scarcity is felt most acutely, the situation is particularly dire. As they wait for the promised improvements, they continue to navigate the daily challenges of securing enough water for their families.
The ongoing water crisis in Nairobi underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the city’s infrastructure challenges. While the efforts to increase water supply are commendable, they must be matched with a commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their location or economic status, have access to this vital resource. Until then, the struggle for water in Nairobi’s informal settlements is likely to continue, with residents bearing the brunt of a crisis that shows no signs of abating.
