Major Water Shutdown Hits Nairobi This Week as Treatment Plant Undergoes Critical Maintenance
Nairobi, 18 February 2026
Thousands of Nairobi residents will face a 26-hour water blackout from 20-21 February as the city’s vital Sasumua Water Treatment Plant shuts down for essential upgrades. The disruption affects prestigious areas including Gigiri’s diplomatic quarter, Westlands business district, and densely populated Kibera slums. Water supply will halt completely from 6am Thursday to 8am Friday, forcing residents to rely on stored water and emergency bowsers across affected neighbourhoods.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Overhaul Targets Production Efficiency
The Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company Limited announced on Thursday, 18 February that the Sasumua Water Treatment Plant will undergo a complete shutdown from 6:00 am on Thursday, 20 February to 8:00 am on Friday, 21 February 2026 [1][2]. Acting Managing Director Martin Ngarilo confirmed the 26 hour maintenance window is designed to facilitate essential works aimed at improving production efficiency at the facility, which plays a significant role in supplying water to Kenya’s capital city [1][2]. The utility company emphasised that this temporary shutdown represents part of ongoing efforts to enhance the reliability of Nairobi’s water supply system, addressing the city’s growing infrastructure demands [1].
Widespread Impact Across Nairobi’s Economic and Residential Hubs
The shutdown will affect a comprehensive range of Nairobi’s most economically vital and densely populated areas, creating challenges across diverse socioeconomic zones [1][2]. In Westlands and Lavington, complete water supply halts will impact business districts including Riverside Drive, Chalbi Drive, Gitanga Road, and Riara Road, alongside residential areas such as Hedred, Mbaazi, Masanduku, and Leloghi Gardens [2]. Diplomatic quarters in Gigiri and Ngara will experience disruptions affecting UNEP, Village Market, and the US Embassy, whilst the University of Nairobi main campus area, including Mamlaka Line and Valley Road, faces reduced water availability [1][2]. The interruption extends to informal settlements, with Kibera residents in Makina, Karanja Road, Olympic, and parts of Gatwekera preparing for complete supply cuts [1][2].
Strategic Preparations and Emergency Measures
Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company has advised residents and institutions in affected areas to implement water conservation measures and establish adequate storage reserves ahead of the planned disruption [1]. The utility specifically recommended that businesses, schools, hospitals, and other institutions heavily dependent on water services put contingency measures in place to ensure operational continuity during the 26 hour shutdown period [1]. Areas including Kilimani estates around Argwings Kodhek Road, Hurlingham Shopping Centre, Rose Avenue, and Daystar University vicinity, alongside Dagoretti, Kawangware, and Waithaka neighbourhoods including Sunset Estate and Sohill City Estates, must prepare alternative water sources [1][2].
Long-term Infrastructure Development Context
The maintenance work reflects broader infrastructure challenges facing Nairobi, where periodic water shortages result from growing demand, aging infrastructure, and dependence on limited water sources [1]. Authorities have positioned essential maintenance of key infrastructure as crucial for ensuring sustainable water supply for the city’s expanding population, with the Sasumua facility representing a critical component of the capital’s water security framework [1]. Water supply is expected to resume progressively once maintenance works conclude and the treatment plant returns to full operation, with the company apologising for inconvenience whilst emphasising the necessity of these works for improved long-term service delivery [1]. Residents seeking additional information have been directed to contact the water company through official customer care channels as the city prepares for this significant infrastructure intervention [1].