Nairobi County authorities have arrested 128 individuals and dismantled 483 illegal water connections as part of a 2019 operation targeting unauthorized water access, according to Governor Mike Sonko.
The initiative, launched in December 2018, aims to address water shortages and revenue losses from illicit connections. Areas such as Huruma, Pangani, and Kasarani have seen improved water supply since the campaign began.
"Our water department officers are conducting continuous surveillance to eliminate illegal connections," Sonko stated. "The operation has also boosted billing revenues, which had previously suffered millions in losses due to theft."
The crackdown includes a Sh300,000 reward for information on water cartels and a Sh10,000 incentive for reporting corrupt officials. In January 2019, Sonko threatened staff reshuffles at the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to combat artificial shortages.
Neighborhoods like Lang’ata, Mathare, and Kibra have long faced water scarcity, prompting the county’s intensified efforts to secure legal supply channels.
