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The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Julius Korir, today led an inspection of the ongoing testing and flushing of the Kigoro to Gigiri Bulk Water Transmission Pipeline, a vital component of the Northern Collector Tunnel Bulk Water System. This infrastructure project is poised to significantly improve the water supply to the Nairobi Metropolitan area, addressing the region’s chronic water shortages.
The Northern Collector Tunnel (NCT) System, of which this pipeline is a crucial part, includes several key elements: the Northern Collector Tunnel itself, the Kigoro Water Treatment Plant, raw and treated water pipelines, and the Eastern and Western Water Transmission Pipelines. Collectively, these components are designed to deliver an additional 140 million liters of treated water per day to Nairobi, helping to bridge the city’s water supply deficit.
During his visit, PS Korir also inspected the Irati Intake, a critical offtake point where excess water from the River Irati is diverted into the Northern Collector Tunnel. This water is channeled to the Githika River, eventually flowing into the Ndakaini/Thika Dam, which supplies over 85% of Nairobi’s water.
“The progress on this project is commendable,” remarked PS Korir. “Once the Kigoro Water Treatment Plant is fully operational, it will treat 140 million liters of water daily, which will be essential in reducing water shortages and the need for rationing in Nairobi.”
The PS also observed the ongoing testing and flushing operations of the 55-kilometer Kigoro to Gigiri Bulk Water Pipeline, which is set to play a pivotal role in transporting treated water to Nairobi. He emphasized the importance of the project in alleviating the capital’s water challenges, noting that its successful completion would significantly enhance the quality of life for residents by reducing the frequency and severity of water rationing.
PS Korir was accompanied by several key stakeholders, including the Water Secretary, Eng. SAO Alima, AWWDA Board Chairperson Charles Karondo, and AWWDA CEO Eng. Joseph Kamau. Their presence at the inspection highlighted the collaborative effort between various government agencies and stakeholders in ensuring the project’s success.
This inspection underscores the government’s commitment to improving water infrastructure in Nairobi and the surrounding regions, with the Northern Collector Tunnel Bulk Water System expected to be a game-changer in the battle against the city’s long-standing water issues.
As the project nears completion, residents of the Nairobi Metropolitan area can look forward to a more reliable and consistent water supply, marking a significant step forward in the region’s development and quality of life.
