Kenyan President William Ruto has assured Nairobi residents that the government is set to launch the Northern Collector Tunnel in the coming weeks, a major infrastructure project aimed at alleviating the city’s persistent water shortage. Speaking during a public address, President Ruto acknowledged the pressing water problem in Nairobi and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to solving the crisis.
“I am aware we have a water problem in Nairobi. I want to give assurance to the people in Nairobi City that in the next week or two, we are going to launch the Northern Collector Tunnel that will provide 140 billion litres of water,” he stated.
A Long-Awaited Solution
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and economic hub, has struggled with water shortages for years, exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and aging infrastructure. The Northern Collector Tunnel, once operational, is expected to significantly boost the city’s water supply and provide relief to millions of residents who have faced erratic supply schedules and water rationing.
The project, which involves diverting water from rivers in the Aberdare Ranges to the Ndakaini Dam, has been in development for several years. Once fully implemented, it will increase Nairobi’s water supply capacity by approximately 140 billion litres annually, bridging the gap between demand and availability.
Government’s Commitment to Water Security
The launch of the Northern Collector Tunnel aligns with the Kenyan government’s broader agenda to enhance water security across the country. Nairobi’s growing demand for clean water has necessitated the expansion of supply sources, with the tunnel being one of the largest water infrastructure projects in Kenya’s history.
According to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, the project is part of a wider strategy that includes rehabilitating existing water infrastructure, improving water management systems, and investing in sustainable solutions such as rainwater harvesting and desalination.
Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring water security, stating that “this project will significantly reduce water rationing in Nairobi and its environs, ensuring a more stable and reliable supply to residents.”
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The unreliable water supply in Nairobi has not only affected households but also businesses, hospitals, and schools, forcing many to rely on expensive private water vendors. Experts believe that the Northern Collector Tunnel will help lower the cost of water and reduce the reliance on alternative sources, thereby improving the quality of life for millions.
“Access to clean and affordable water is a fundamental right. With this project, we expect fewer water shortages and a better quality of life for all Nairobi residents,” said an environmental expert.
However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of the project, particularly regarding water levels in the rivers supplying the tunnel. Conservation groups have urged the government to ensure sustainable water management practices to prevent negative ecological consequences.
Looking Ahead
The government has assured Kenyans that the project has undergone rigorous environmental assessments and that mitigation measures are in place to protect water sources. The tunnel’s commissioning in the coming weeks is expected to mark a major milestone in Nairobi’s water security strategy.
As Nairobi continues to expand, water demand will remain a key challenge. The successful implementation of projects like the Northern Collector Tunnel will set the stage for future investments in infrastructure and sustainable water management practices.
With the anticipated launch just weeks away, millions of Nairobi residents are hopeful that the government’s promise will translate into a tangible improvement in water supply, easing the burden they have faced for years.
