The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) has begun a widespread water disconnection exercise affecting homes, businesses, and government institutions in one of its most aggressive debt recovery campaigns in recent years.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 15, the utility company confirmed that technicians had embarked on cutting off water supply to all defaulters regardless of status, marking a firm stance against chronic non-payment.
“In a decisive effort to address chronic non-payment and ensure financial sustainability, the Nairobi Water Company, Central Region team carried out a targeted mass water disconnection exercise at defaulters’ premises,” read the statement.
The company aims to recover over Ksh 43.7 million in overdue arrears, emphasizing its commitment to accountability and sustainable service delivery. The move follows a public notice issued on Tuesday warning consumers that water services would be disconnected if outstanding bills remained unsettled.
While disconnections at residential and commercial premises are common, the inclusion of ministries, county offices, and other government institutions marks a significant shift in NCWSC’s enforcement strategy.
As of October 2025, a substantial number of accounts across the city were still in default despite repeated reminders and engagement efforts.
Nairobi’s growing population and rapid urban expansion continue to strain the city’s water infrastructure. The utility company has faced mounting pressure to improve supply systems and billing efficiency.
In July, Governor Johnson Sakaja told the Senate County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee that the county was struggling to access some residential meters, leading to inaccurate billing.
“In some estates, our teams are denied access to meters. This interferes with accurate billing and planning,” Sakaja noted.
To improve long-term efficiency, the county plans to introduce smart water meters capable of remote reading and better billing accuracy. The new technology is expected to help the city curb losses and improve service delivery to its residents.