This archive report was first published on 27 May 2020.
Nairobi residents are grappling with a severe water shortage, but there is hope on the horizon. On May 27, 2020, the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company board announced the appointment of Nahashon Muguna as the substantive Managing Director of the Company.
Muguna had been acting in the position since 2017, and the board said it was impressed by his vast experience during that time. He scored the highest marks against three other applicants, and the board felt he was the best fit for the job.
"I am equal to the task and I will work hand in hand with the board so as to improve the water services in the city," said Muguna. He is committed to stabilizing water supply in all parts of the city, and has promised to restore normalcy by June 7.
However, Muguna's appointment comes at a challenging time. The company has shut down water supply from Sasumwa Dam following a landslide in Karemenu River at the Aberdare Ranges. The landslide damaged the water transmission pipeline, affecting water production at the dam which accounts for 11.6 per cent of Nairobi’s water supply.
But Muguna is optimistic. He said that repairs are at 50 per cent, and he is confident that the work will be completed by June 31. Until then, the company is rationing water in the affected areas.
The areas affected by the water shortage include Waiyaki Way, Naivasha Road, Parklands, Kangemi, Westlands, Mbagathi and Ngong road, Kileleshwa, Lavington, M.P Shah Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital. Estates around Kibera, Lang’ata, Madaraka Estate, Dagoretti corner, Jamhuri and Kawangware are also experiencing water shortages.
Kenya's capital city is in dire need of a reliable water supply, and Muguna's appointment is a step in the right direction. With his experience and commitment, there is hope that the water shortage will be a thing of the past soon.
