This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
As of the 2019 national population census, Nairobi is home to 4.4 million people, almost twice the number since a similar exercise 10 years ago.
Despite this steep spike, the capital city still relies heavily on water sourced from Ndakaini and three other smaller dams.
With dilapidated water and sewerage infrastructure built decades ago to cater for a fraction of the current population, exacerbated by an unpredictable climatic regimen, the challenges can only get worse.
Against this bleak backdrop, it is not surprising that the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) recently announced that water rationing in the city will continue despite the heavy rains.
Even with the dams at full capacity, the NWSC said, there is still a daily water supply deficit of over 263,500 cubic meters.
One potential solution to Nairobi's water crisis is the Northern Collector Tunnel Water Project, which will provide an additional 140,000 cubic meters of water once completed.
However, this will still not plug the 263,500 cubic meter deficit, and the situation is compounded by the fact that the population continues to grow even as new sources of water are sought.
Fast-tracking additional dams, such as Karemenu, Maragwa 4, and Ruiru II, will certainly be of significant help in increasing the volume of water for Nairobi.
Additionally, the city should consider desalination as a possible sustainable water source, as Mombasa is on the verge of setting up its Sh16 billion water desalination plant at Shimo la Tewa.
Desalination is a pricey option, but it should remain on the table as a possible solution to Nairobi's water crisis.
The city's overburdened water and sewerage infrastructure is in dire need of an overhaul, with leaks common and leading to wastage of water and revenue.
The Sh362 million set aside in the 2019/2020 budget for the management of water and sewerage services should mostly go towards revamping the city's ailing water infrastructure.
Regular repairs and maintenance from a designated fund sourced from both the public and private sectors are also necessary.
The infrastructure is vital not just in channelling water to household or industrial taps but also wastewater to treatment plants.
That is precisely why the Ruai and Kariobangi Sewage Treatment plants must be drastically revamped and expanded.
Israel is a good example, where 90 per cent of wastewater is treated for reuse.
Because the journey of the water consumed in Nairobi starts from the water towers like the Aberdares, we must triple our conservation efforts of these catchment areas.
Without them, there will be no water to flow into dams and, ultimately, our homes.
Lastly, even the best water supply and most excellent water distribution infrastructure will still be sabotaged if corruption persists.
For instance, word has it that as many as 40 per cent of private water distributors in the city sell diverted NCWSC water in tankers at exorbitant prices.
That must stop with immediate effect and the culprits prosecuted.
