(L-R) Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) CEO Eng. Joseph Kamau, the CS for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Muuga and AFD Regional Task Team Leader for Water and Sanitation in East Africa, Melanie Grignon, during the launch of AWWDA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027 in August.
By Peace Muthoka.
Nairobi, October 28, 2025 — More than 200,000 residents and business owners across Nairobi’s Central Business District and surrounding areas are set to enjoy a steady and reliable water supply, following the launch of a KES 1.6 billion water network rehabilitation project by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA).
Implemented in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), the project seeks to reduce water losses, modernize Nairobi’s ageing distribution system, and boost efficiency in high-demand zones such as the CBD, Industrial Area, Pumwani, Starehe, Jogoo Road, and Ngara.
The initiative is part of the larger Nairobi Water and Sanitation Project, which aims to expand and rehabilitate the city’s water and sanitation systems to improve access to clean water and overall living conditions for residents.
Marking a major milestone for Kenya’s water infrastructure, the project will be the first in the country to use trenchless technology specifically Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to install water pipelines underground. This modern method allows construction to proceed with minimal disruption to surface activities such as traffic, business operations, and essential services.
The rehabilitation works will cover about 97.5 kilometres of pipelines and connect 2,930 households to clean and safe water by November 2027.
Speaking during the launch, AWWDA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Joseph Kamau described the project as a game-changer for Nairobi’s water supply system and a sign of Kenya’s readiness to embrace modern infrastructure solutions.
“The Central Nairobi Area Water Network Project represents a major leap forward in addressing the challenges of water distribution within our capital city. By deploying trenchless technology for the first time in Kenya, we are ensuring that critical works can proceed with minimal disruption to residents and businesses within the CBD,” said Eng. Kamau.
He added that the project builds on earlier achievements, including the Northern Water Collector Tunnel, which supplies 140,000 cubic metres of water daily to Nairobi and five neighbouring counties.
“This rehabilitation complements our broader strategy to maximize the efficiency of water transmission from our major dams to end users. It clearly demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life for all Kenyans,” he noted.
For years, Nairobi’s central region has faced challenges from old and failing water infrastructure with some pipelines dating back decades. Frequent leaks, bursts, and illegal connections have caused heavy water losses and service interruptions.
Eng. Kamau said the new project will address these long-standing issues while preparing the city for future growth.
“This project is part of a long-term vision to modernize Nairobi’s infrastructure. By strengthening the water distribution network, we are enhancing supply reliability, reducing losses, and ensuring that every drop reaches the people who need it most,” he said.
The works will increase water flow capacity, balance pressure within the network, and ensure fair distribution across all connected zones. The use of environmentally sensitive construction methods also aligns with Kenya’s sustainability and urban resilience goals.
“AWWDA continues to work closely with development partners like AFD to implement innovative and sustainable water solutions,” Eng. Kamau concluded.
