Nairobi launches major pipeline to deliver 211 million litres of water daily

Athi Water Works Development Agency, AWWDA, has formally initiated the Gigiri to Karura to Outer Ring Road Transmission Pipeline project, a strategic infrastructure development designed to alleviate chronic water deficits in the eastern reaches of the capital. The 8.4-kilometre bulk transmission line is engineered to deliver an additional 211 million litres of water per day, once the system is fully commissioned.

The project addresses a critical gap in the city's utility network, where rapid urbanisation has consistently outpaced the existing distribution capacity. By targeting the eastern districts, the new DN1400 diameter pipeline will support a projected total demand of approximately 370 million litres per day, serving an estimated three million residents who have long endured inconsistent supply.

A significant portion of the works involves a three-kilometre section that must traverse Karura Forest. To facilitate this, the Kenya Forest Service, KFS, has granted a Special User License, allowing the contractor controlled access to the site. This approval follows a rigorous review process involving the National Environment Management Authority, NEMA, to ensure the project adheres to strict environmental and conservation standards.

To mitigate ecological impact, engineers have aligned the underground pipeline within an existing cycle track corridor between Whispers Avenue and Kiambu Road. This design choice avoids the need for extensive clearing of undisturbed forest areas. The agreement with KFS includes a commitment to replace any vegetation cleared during construction, with oversight provided by the Friends of Karura Forest.

Financing for the project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Kenya and the French Development Agency, AFD. The infrastructure is a vital component of a broader regional strategy to strengthen bulk water conveyance. By linking the Gigiri Reservoir to the Karura Reservoir and extending the reach to the Outer Ring Road, the agency intends to stabilise pressure across the city's water grid.

Eng. Joseph Kamau, the Chief Executive Officer of AWWDA, noted that the transmission upgrade is a necessary intervention to ensure a reliable supply as demand continues to climb. The project joins other ongoing initiatives, such as the Northern Collector Tunnel, which are designed to harness new water sources and transport them to the city's main storage and treatment hubs.

Environmental compliance remains a central pillar of the implementation phase. Project planners have confirmed that the works will be conducted under the joint supervision of NEMA and KFS to maintain the integrity of the Karura ecosystem. This high-capacity line is expected to provide the necessary hydraulic link to move massive volumes of treated water from the northern catchments into the heart of the city's most populated residential areas.