Mains water in much of Nairobi does not flow every day. The city’s water company rations supply by area, and some neighbourhoods get water only a few days a week. How your building stores and sources water matters as much as the rent.

Rationing

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company publishes rationing schedules by area, especially in dry seasons. Ask neighbours or the caretaker which days water flows. See Utilities in Nairobi.

Storage tanks

Most buildings store water in tanks on the roof or at ground level, filled when the supply runs:

  • Plastic tanks are the most common, in sizes from a few hundred to 10,000 litres or more.
  • A pump lifts water from a ground tank to the roof, or pressurises the supply - so power cuts can stop the water too.
  • Clean tanks at least once a year, and keep lids closed.

A family of four uses very roughly 400 to 600 litres a day, so size storage to cover the days without supply.

Water bowsers

During long shortages, water bowsers (tankers) deliver water to fill tanks. Use established suppliers: water from unknown sources may be unsafe. Prices rise sharply in droughts.

Boreholes

Many newer apartment blocks and houses in Karen, Runda and the outskirts have their own borehole.

  • Permits - drilling needs authorisation from the Water Resources Authority (WRA) and, where applicable, NEMA, then a water abstraction permit to use the water. Approval can take several months.
  • Cost - a hydrogeological survey, then drilling charged per metre, plus a pump, tank and piping. Nairobi’s volcanic rock makes it expensive; a complete borehole commonly costs well over a million shillings.
  • Quality - Nairobi groundwater can be high in fluoride, which stains teeth and can affect bones. Test the water and treat it if needed.

Drinking water

Don’t drink tap or borehole water untreated. Boil it, use a good filter, or buy bottled water or dispenser refills.

Before you rent

Ask:

  • How many days a week does mains water come?
  • How much storage does the building have?
  • Is there a borehole, and is the water treated?
  • Is the pump on backup power?

Harvesting rainwater

Houses can collect rainwater from the roof into tanks for gardens, washing and toilets - useful in the rainy seasons.

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