Limuru Wastewater Plant Capacity Rises From 550 to 3,000 Cubic Metres

The Limuru Water Supply and Sewerage Project is improving wastewater management in Limuru Town, Kiambu County, through an expanded sewer network and upgraded treatment facilities. The project responds to growing pressure on ageing sanitation infrastructure that has struggled to meet the town’s changing needs.

Implemented by the Athi Water Works Development Agency, the project is funded by the National Government and the African Development Bank. It includes new sewer lines, household connections and improvements at the wastewater treatment plant to provide greater capacity for the growing urban population.

A 32-kilometre trunk and secondary sewer network has been constructed alongside 450 direct household sewer connections. These works are expected to increase sewer coverage in Limuru’s urban area from 9 percent to 25 percent, improving access to sanitation services for more residents.

The wastewater treatment plant has also received several upgrades. The existing oxidation ditch has been rehabilitated, while two new oxidation ditches, clarifiers, a pump chamber, sludge drying beds and boreholes have been constructed to support improved wastewater treatment and plant operations.

Supporting facilities include a control room and generator house, providing additional infrastructure for managing the upgraded plant. The works have increased treatment capacity from 550 cubic metres per day to 3,000 cubic metres per day, with 2,500 cubic metres allocated for Limuru Town.

The additional treatment capacity is expected to reduce pressure on the previous facility, which had been handling wastewater beyond its intended capacity. The expanded system also provides additional room for wastewater demand as Limuru’s population, businesses and built up areas continue to grow.

More than 35,000 residents are expected to benefit from improved sanitation services following the project. A solar power installation is also under development at the treatment plant and is expected to help reduce electricity costs once it becomes operational.

Civil works have been completed, and the project is awaiting final handover to the utility operator. The handover will allow the responsible utility to take over operation and maintenance of the upgraded sewerage and wastewater treatment infrastructure.

The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration has supported the project by coordinating national government agencies, strengthening cooperation between government institutions and maintaining a secure environment during implementation. With the completed works, Limuru now has additional infrastructure for managing wastewater as urban demand increases.