Nairobi residents face longer water shortages as Ndakaini Dam levels drop

For many Nairobi residents, turning on a tap and finding no water is already a familiar frustration. But the situation could become even more difficult as falling water levels at Ndakaini Dam force authorities to extend water rationing across the capital and neighbouring areas.

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company has announced a 35 per cent reduction in water production at the Ngethu and Kigoro treatment plants, effective immediately from November 9, 2026.

The company warned that residents should expect longer periods without a regular water supply.

The move follows a significant drop in water levels at Thika's Ndakaini Dam, which is one of the main sources of water for Nairobi and its surrounding areas.

The company also said that below-average rainfall in the dam's catchment area has reduced the amount of water flowing into the reservoir.

The dam plays a crucial role in keeping Nairobi running. It supplies water to millions of people who depend on it for drinking, cooking, cleaning and other daily activities. When its reserves fall, the amount of water available for treatment and distribution also reduces.

For ordinary households, this shortage means more than an inconvenience. Families may have to wake up early to fill containers whenever water becomes available, while others could spend extra money buying water from vendors.

In homes with children, elderly people or large families, managing limited supplies could become particularly challenging.

The impact may also extend to schools, hospitals, restaurants and small businesses, many of which rely on a steady water supply to operate.

For businesses such as salons, laundries and food outlets, longer interruptions could mean additional expenses and reduced working hours.

The affected water providers include Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, as well as utilities serving parts of Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado counties.
Nairobi Water has urged consumers to use available water carefully and avoid unnecessary wastage. It says production levels will be reviewed depending on rainfall and the recovery of the dam.

Nevertheless, the company has not provided a specific timeline for when normal water production will resume.

As residents prepare for longer dry spells at their taps, the situation is a reminder of how closely everyday life depends on reliable water supplies.

Until the rains improve and dam levels recover, many households may have to rethink how they store, share and use every drop.