Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (Nairobi Water) has announced an emergency shutdown of a key pipeline that will cut supply to dozens of estates, including Kilimani, Lavington, Kileleshwa, Parklands and parts of Kibera, for about 24 hours. The notice, issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, does not give an exact start or end time, so residents in the listed areas should store water now.
By the 254.ke Newsroom.
Why is Nairobi Water shutting off supply?
The Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) is shutting down the NCT-Kigoro-Gigiri-Kabete pipeline to carry out emergency repair works. Nairobi Water said the shutdown was needed to “facilitate emergency repair works along the said line”, according to Kenyans.co.ke. KBC Digital and Capital FM also report that the interruption will last approximately 24 hours.
The utility did not say when the water would go off. Kenyans.co.ke noted that disruptions could begin as early as Tuesday, October 13, and none of the three outlets reviewed give a restoration time.
Which Nairobi areas will be without water?
Nairobi Water’s notice lists more than 40 neighbourhoods and institutions. The areas named in the reports are grouped below.
| Zone | Areas named in the notice |
|---|---|
| Westlands, Kilimani, Kileleshwa | Riverside, Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani and environs |
| Ngong Road corridor | Parts of Ngong Road, Forces Memorial, Mbagathi Way, Adams Arcade, Woodley, Ngumo estates, Golf Course estates, Kirichwa Lane, Mbagathi Ridge |
| Kibera and Ayany | Lindi, Kambi Muru, Silanga, Gatwekera, Kibera Plaza, Makini, Olympic, Kianda, Ayany, Karanja Road, Mwembeni, Makongeni, Jamhuri II, parts of Southlands |
| Nairobi West and surrounds | Nairobi West, Quick Estate, Hamayun Estate, Heshima Gardens, Akila 1, Space Apartments, Wilson Airport, Popo Road, KEBS, NEMA |
| Ngara, Parklands, city centre fringe | Park Road, City Park, Desai Road, Railway Quarters Ngara, Forest Road, Kipande Road, Limuru Road, Parklands roads one to five, Suswa Road, Highridge, Iregi Road, Kusi Lane, Mwambao Road, Masari Road |
| Other named locations | Areas around UNEP, the US Embassy and the International School; Kinanda Valley, Kihingo Estate, Magnolia |
Capital FM’s version of the notice adds Westlands, Brookside, Waiyaki Way, Lantana Road, Ring Road, Sports Road, General Mathenge Road, Peponi Road and Lower Kabete Road. Lists differ slightly between outlets, so check the original Nairobi Water notice if your street is not named.
What should residents do?
Nairobi Water urged customers to “use the available water sparingly” and to store enough for essential household needs during the repair. In practice that means:
- Fill drums, buckets and tanks before supply drops, and keep drinking water separate and covered.
- Prioritise water for drinking, cooking and sanitation over laundry and cleaning.
- Expect low pressure and discoloured water for several hours after supply returns; let taps run until the water clears before drinking.
- Follow Nairobi Water’s official channels at nairobiwater.co.ke for any change to the timeline.
How long will the Nairobi water shutdown last?
All three reports say about 24 hours. No outlet gives a start time or a confirmed restoration time, and shutdown periods for emergency repairs often overrun. Areas at the end of the network, particularly higher-lying estates, typically wait longer for supply to return after a line is reopened.
Is this the first shutdown this year?
No. Nairobi Water announced a separate 26-hour shutdown of the Sasumua Water Treatment Plant for pipeline repairs in September, covering parts of Westlands, Kileleshwa, Upper Hill, the CBD and Eastlands, according to Capital FM. The capital’s supply also faces pressure from weather: see our guide to when the El Niño short rains start by region and the 227 mapped Nairobi flood hotspots. On household bills, see October’s electricity charges.
Frequently asked questions
Which pipeline is being repaired?
The NCT-Kigoro-Gigiri-Kabete pipeline, which AWWDA is shutting down for emergency repairs.
Is Kibera affected by the Nairobi water shutdown?
Yes. Lindi, Kambi Muru, Silanga, Gatwekera, Kianda, Ayany, Mwembeni and Makongeni are among the Kibera areas named in the notice.
When will water be restored?
Nairobi Water has not given a restoration time. It has only said the interruption will last approximately 24 hours.
Where can I get official updates?
From Nairobi Water’s own notices and customer channels, including its website at nairobiwater.co.ke.
Sources: Kenyans.co.ke (October 13, 2026), Capital FM (October 13, 2026), KBC Digital (October 14, 2026). Last checked October 14, 2026.
