Thousands of residents in Nairobi’s informal settlements including Mukuru, Kibera, Mathare, and Kawangware are set to gain access to clean and reliable water following the launch of a simplified sewer and water network by Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration.
The initiative, implemented through the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC), is part of Sakaja’s broader plan to enhance hygiene, dignity, and living conditions in low-income neighbourhoods.
“Through our water company, we have constructed a three-kilometer simplified sewer line in Mukuru Kwa Reuben, connecting close to 10,000 households translating to about 80,000 residents. These are people who never had the opportunity to access clean water before,” Sakaja said during the project’s unveiling.
For decades, residents in these areas have depended on illegal and unsafe water connections, often resulting in contamination and inconsistent supply. The new system aims to ensure consistent service delivery while cutting losses caused by illegal tapping.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Athi Water Works Development Agency and the African Water Facility under the Nairobi Sanitation Programme, which focuses on providing affordable and sustainable sanitation solutions in underserved urban areas.
According to Nairobi Water Chief Officer Oscar Omoke, the simplified sewer technology marks a turning point for urban sanitation in informal settlements.
“The simplified sewer system is cheaper, faster to install, and more adaptable to the dense layout of informal settlements than traditional systems,” Omoke said.
Sakaja added that the new network will significantly reduce waterborne diseases and improve environmental hygiene. “We are addressing the challenge of poor sanitation in informal areas by selling water affordably and expanding our network using locally available technology,” he noted.
The project aligns with Sakaja’s vision to create a cleaner, healthier, and more dignified Nairobi for all residents, regardless of their economic background.
