Major Pipeline Burst Leaves State House and Nearby Estates Without Water

Residents in several parts of Nairobi, including State House, are currently experiencing a water shortage following a major pipeline burst.

The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) confirmed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, March 20, 2026, at around 1:00 am. The damage affected the Kabete–Kilimani transmission pipeline, a key line supplying water to multiple estates across the city.

As a result, areas such as Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Ngumo, KEMRI, Highrise, Nairobi West, Upper Hill, Madaraka, and nearby neighborhoods have been left without a reliable water supply.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, NCWSC said its technical teams were deployed immediately and are currently working to repair the damaged pipeline.

According to the company, the restoration process is ongoing and is expected to be completed by Sunday, March 22, 2026, at around 6:00 pm.

Areas Affected by the Water Interruption

The water shortage has impacted both residential and commercial zones, including:

Kileleshwa
Kilimani
State House
Ngumo
KEMRI
Highrise
Nairobi West
Upper Hill
Madaraka

The utility company explained that the damaged pipeline is a high-capacity system, making the repair work complex and time-consuming.

Nairobi Water Issues Advisory to Residents

As repair works continue, Nairobi Water has urged residents to use available water sparingly. Households and businesses have been advised to prioritise essential needs such as drinking, cooking, and hygiene.

To help ease the situation, the company has made water bowser services available. Customers in urgent need can request water deliveries by dialing *260# and selecting option five.

NCWSC also assured residents that strict measures are being taken to maintain water safety and quality once supply is restored.

The company reiterated its commitment to improving response times and ensuring reliable water services across Nairobi.

Heavy Rains Disrupt Other Repair Works

In a related update, Nairobi Water revealed that ongoing repairs along a separate transmission pipeline on Outer Ring Road had been temporarily halted due to heavy rains.

The utility said most of the work had already been completed, but operations were suspended on March 15 after rising water levels made conditions unsafe, especially near river sections.

According to the company, the decision was necessary to protect workers and prevent further damage to infrastructure.

Repair work is expected to resume once weather conditions improve and the affected areas become safe to access.