New Pipeline Project Set to Boost Water Supply for Over 3 Million Nairobi Residents

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Residents of Nairobi are set to benefit from an increased water supply following the launch of a major transmission pipeline project aimed at improving water distribution to the city’s eastern areas

The Gigiri–Karura–Outer Ring Road Transmission Pipeline Project, being implemented by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA), is expected to significantly enhance water transmission capacity and help address growing demand caused by Nairobi’s rapid urban expansion

The project recently received a Special User License from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), allowing controlled access to carry out part of the construction within Karura Forest while ensuring compliance with environmental and forest conservation regulations

Financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the 8.4-kilometre bulk transmission pipeline will deliver an additional 211 million litres of water per day to eastern Nairobi once completed. The system is designed to support a projected demand of about 370 million litres daily, benefiting an estimated three million residents

The DN1400 transmission pipeline will run from the Gigiri Reservoir to the Karura Reservoir, before extending toward Outer Ring Road. A three-kilometre section between Gigiri and Karura will be installed underground along an existing cycle track corridor inside Karura Forest, stretching from Whispers Avenue to Kiambu Road (KFS Gate C)

Project planners say the design intentionally uses an existing cleared corridor to reduce environmental disturbance and avoid encroachment into undisturbed forest areas. Construction activities will be limited to the space strictly required, with selective vegetation clearance and mandatory tree replacement for any trees affected, in line with KFS regulations

Replanting and ecological restoration will be conducted in partnership with conservation stakeholders, including the Friends of Karura Forest

Construction work within the forest is expected to take about four months (120 days), after which the affected areas will be rehabilitated according to approved environmental management plans

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Before approval, the project underwent a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act. The assessment process included public participation involving nearby residents, forest user groups, conservation organisations, and other stakeholders

Following the review, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) granted environmental approval for the project. Implementation will proceed under the oversight of KFS, NEMA, Friends of Karura Forest, and AWWDA

Speaking after the approval, AWWDA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Joseph Kamau said the project will play a crucial role in strengthening Nairobi’s long-term water supply resilience

“This transmission upgrade is a strategic intervention to strengthen bulk water conveyance and ensure reliable supply to eastern Nairobi as demand continues to grow,” he said

“We recognise the environmental significance of Karura Forest and have carefully designed the works to utilise existing corridors, minimise disturbance, and ensure full restoration. Our commitment is to deliver sustainable infrastructure that safeguards both ecological assets and public service delivery”