Heavy rains pounding Nairobi have triggered widespread disruption of essential services, leaving several estates grappling with both water shortages and electricity outages after floods damaged key infrastructure across the city.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 7, the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) confirmed that flooding from the recent downpour washed away sections of major water pipelines, interrupting supply to multiple residential areas.
One of the hardest-hit installations is the Outering Road pipeline crossing the Nairobi River, which has cut off water supply to Buruburu Phases 1 and 2, Kariobangi South, Kariobangi North, Dandora and parts of Mathare.
The utility also reported damage to the Eastleigh–Kiambiu pipeline, affecting water distribution to Eastleigh Section 3, Kiambiu, Jerusalem, Uhuru, Jericho, Ofafa and Harambee estates.
Another pipeline linking Korogocho and Dandora has also been compromised, disrupting water supply to Korogocho, sections of Dandora Phase 1 and Kariobangi North.
Elsewhere, a damaged distribution line along Brookeside Drive between Lower Kabete and Matundu Close Junction has interfered with water supply to areas around Lower Kabete Lane, Lower Kabete Road and Brookeside Drive.
NCWSC said technical teams have already been deployed to assess the extent of the destruction and begin urgent repairs. The teams are working with specialised equipment including flushing units, cranes and mobile workshops to restore services.
“We urge our customers to remain patient as we work around the clock to restore the water supply. Our teams are committed to resolving these disruptions as swiftly as possible,” the company said in its statement.
The water utility added that patrol teams have also been sent to monitor river crossings and other vulnerable infrastructure points to prevent further damage as repairs continue.
At the same time, electricity supply in several parts of the capital has also been affected. In a separate alert, Kenya Power said flooding damaged a key electricity facility following the heavy rains that swept through the city on Friday night.
According to the company, the floods affected the South C substation after a section of its perimeter wall collapsed, allowing water to enter the installation and disrupt electricity distribution.
The outage has impacted several residential and commercial areas including South B, South C, Nairobi West, Madaraka Estate and Lang’ata.
Other affected locations include Wilson Airport, Kenyatta Market, Ngumo Estate, the Industrial Area, and Uhuru Gardens.
The twin disruption of water and electricity services has highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the city as heavy rains continue to pound parts of the capital.
