The Ministry of Water has announced a five-day water shutdown affecting Nairobi and nearby areas from April 7 to 12. The interruption will allow critical upgrades to the NCT Bulk Water System.
Authorities urge residents and businesses to store adequate water and use it sparingly, saying the works will improve efficiency and long-term water security.
In a public notice on Friday, the ministry said the exercise will be carried out by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA), which is “scheduled to conduct a five-day shutdown of the NCT Bulk Water System to facilitate pipeline strengthening and other ancillary works along the Thika Dam–Kigoro–Gigiri bulk water pipeline.”
The shutdown is expected to begin on April 7, 2026 at 08:00 and run until April 12, 2026 at 08:00, temporarily disrupting water supply to thousands of households, businesses and institutions.
According to the ministry, the interruption will affect customers served by several utilities, including the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, Gatanga Water and Sanitation Company, Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company and Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company, as well as facilities under the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA).
The NCT Bulk Water System is a critical component of water distribution in Nairobi and its environs, supplying a significant share of the region’s daily water needs.
Any disruption to the system therefore has wide-reaching implications for both domestic and commercial users.
Officials said the planned shutdown is necessary to carry out essential upgrades aimed at improving the system’s resilience and efficiency.
The works will focus on strengthening key sections of the pipeline as well as completing additional supporting activities.
The ministry emphasised the importance of preparation ahead of the interruption, urging consumers to take precautionary measures.
“We encourage all stakeholders and consumers to prepare by storing adequate water and using it sparingly,” the notice said.
Residents in affected areas are expected to experience reduced or no water supply during the five-day period, with normal service anticipated to resume once the maintenance work is completed and the system is restored.
Such planned maintenance exercises are typically undertaken to prevent more severe disruptions in the future, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas where demand for water continues to rise.
The Ministry said the ongoing upgrades are part of broader efforts to ensure sustainable water supply in Nairobi and neighbouring regions, where population growth and urban expansion have placed increasing pressure on existing infrastructure.
“This exercise is crucial for improving system efficiency and long-term water security,” the ministry said, highlighting the expected long-term benefits of the temporary shutdown.
While the disruption may inconvenience residents and businesses, officials maintain that strengthening the bulk water system is necessary to support reliable service delivery in the future.
Consumers have been advised to prioritise essential use of stored water during the shutdown period, particularly for drinking, cooking and sanitation.
The announcement comes amid continued efforts by the government to modernise water infrastructure and reduce the frequency of unplanned outages caused by system failures.
For many residents, the notice serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness during planned service interruptions, especially in densely populated urban areas where alternative water sources may be limited.
Authorities have not indicated any changes to the schedule and have urged the public to adhere to the advisory as the works are carried out within the specified timeframe.
