Thousands of Nairobi residents and businesses are preparing for a possible water shortage after Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company announced a three-day interruption to supply in several parts of the capital.

The shutdown is scheduled to begin at 11.59 pm on Monday, October 26, and end at 11.59 pm on Thursday, October 29. It will allow the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) to carry out emergency repairs on the NCT–Kigoro–Gigiri–Kabete pipeline.

In a public notice issued on Monday, Nairobi City Water said the work would require the pipeline to be shut down for approximately three days.

The interruption is expected to affect residential estates, hospitals, businesses and public institutions across several neighbourhoods, including Westlands, Kilimani, Lang’ata, Karen and Upper Hill.

Areas affected by the water shutdown

. Kilimani, Lavington and surrounding areas

Affected locations include Riverside, Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Ngong Road, Kibera, Jamhuri, Muchai Drive, Joseph Kangethe Road, Woodley and Adams Arcade.

Other areas include City Mortuary, KEMRI flats, Forces Memorial Hospital, Mbagathi Way, Sunview and parts of Ngumo between City Mortuary and Muchai Drive.

. Upper Hill

The shutdown will affect parts of Upper Hill, including Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Hospital.

. Lang’ata

Affected estates and facilities include Uhuru Gardens, Civil Servants estates, Park 1 and Park 2, Southlands, Rubia, Masai, Onyonka, Jambo, Camp David, Akiba, KRA, Ngei, NHC, Jonathan Ngeno, Breeze, Chelsea Marina and Moi Lang’ata Barracks.

Sunvalley 1 and 2, Royal Park, Dog Unit, KMA and St Mary’s are also listed.

4. Nairobi West and neighbouring areas

The affected locations include Madaraka, Hima Gardens, Siwaka, Monali, Midland, NHC, Mai Mahiu Road, Quick Estate, Hamayun Estate, Heshima Gardens, Akila 1, Space Apartments, Wilson Airport, Lower Akiba United, Popo Road, KEBS and NEMA.

5. Karen and surrounding areas

Karen, Oloolaiser Water and Sanitation Company and their surrounding areas are also expected to experience the interruption.

6. Ngara, City Park and nearby neighbourhoods

The notice lists Park Road, City Park, Desai Road, Railway Quarters in Ngara, City Park Market, Jamhuri High School, Forest Road, Kipande Road and Limuru Road among the affected locations.

7. Parklands and Highridge

Affected areas include Parklands 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Parklands Road, Suswa Road, Presidential Escort, Highridge, Iregi Road, Kusi Lane, Mwambao Road, Mbatu Mbatu and Masari Road.

8. Westlands and surrounding estates

The shutdown will affect Westlands Road, Ring Road, Parklands Road, Muthithi Road, Chiromo Lane, Pio Gama Pinto Road, Ojijo Road, Tausi Lane, Forest Road, Mtama Road, Mpaka Road and Githuri Road.

Other affected locations include Lower Lantana Road, Sports Road, Westlands Avenue, David Osiele Road, areas around Rehema House and behind Consolata.

9. Brookside, General Mathenge and Peponi Road

The notice lists Upper Brookside, the stretch from Waiyaki Way to Brookside Junction, Muguga Green and Brookside Gardens.

Parts of Upper General Mathenge Road, between Peponi Road and Lower Kabete Road, Donyo Sabuk environs, Lower Kabete Lane, Peponi Road and Peponi Groove will also be affected.

10. Other affected locations

The shutdown will extend to Lower Kabarsiran, Kabarsiran Close, Manyani East and West, parts of James Gichuru Road, Waruku, Lower East Church Road, Lower Raphta Road, Upper Lantana Road and Lower General Mathenge Road.

The notice also names UNEP, the US Embassy, the International School environs, Kinanda Valley, Kihingo Estate and Magnolia among the affected locations.

Residents urged to store water

Nairobi City Water has asked customers in the affected areas to conserve their available water and make preparations before the shutdown begins.

The company apologised for the disruption and said the repairs were necessary to restore and maintain supply through the affected pipeline.

Residents, businesses and institutions that rely on the network have been advised to store sufficient water for essential activities during the interruption.

Water restoration is expected by 11.59 pm on Thursday, October 29, according to the announced schedule. Customers should allow for the possibility that supply may take additional time to return to normal in individual areas.

Residents are encouraged to follow further updates from Nairobi City Water as the repair work progresses.