Households and businesses across Nairobi are set to experience temporary water shortages following a major pipeline leak in Kiambu County.
The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company said the disruption has been caused by a major leakage on the NCT Fresh Water Pipeline at Riabai near Kirigiti, prompting emergency repair works.
In a notice issued Friday evening, the utility company said the repair works have necessitated the temporary shutdown of the Kigoro-Gigiri pipeline.
It said the interruption will affect several residential and commercial areas within Nairobi County, with consumers expected to experience either low water pressure or complete dry taps until the repairs are completed.
"We wish to notify our customers of a temporary water supply interruption affecting several residential and commercial areas within Nairobi City County. The interruption is due to a major leakage detected on the NCT Fresh Water Pipeline at Riabai, near Kirigiti, in Kiambu County," the notice states.
Areas expected to bear the brunt of the interruption include Westlands, Lavington, Kilimani, Upperhill, Ngong Road, Madaraka, Lang'ata, Karen, Uthiru, Kawangware, Kangemi, Kibera, Ruai, Ngundu and Kamulu.
The disruption will also affect customers served by MAVWASCO and Oloolaiser Water Company, whose supply depends on the affected water transmission system.
The company explained that shutting down the Kigoro-Gigiri pipeline was necessary to facilitate urgent repair works and restore normal water distribution as quickly as possible.
"To enable urgent repair works, the Kigoro-Gigiri pipeline has been temporarily shut down and water supply is expected to resume progressively as soon as the repairs are completed," the notice adds.
The interruption is likely to inconvenience thousands of residents as well as institutions, businesses, hotels, restaurants and other commercial establishments that rely on a steady supply of water for their daily operations.
Water supply interruptions of this nature can also affect healthcare facilities, schools and manufacturing industries, making early preparation essential to minimise disruptions to essential services.
The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company has advised all customers in the affected areas to store adequate water for both domestic and commercial use ahead of the shutdown period.
Repairs are expected to be completed by Saturday, June 27, at 10 am, according to the notice.
It therefore calls for the usage of available reserves sparingly and for affected consumers to exercise patience amid the temporary inconvenience.
Customers seeking updates or requiring further clarification have been advised to contact the company's toll-free customer care line 0800 724 366.
