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The Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) hosted an evaluation workshop to review the progress of the Northern Collector Tunnel Projects. Funded by the Government of Kenya, Agence Franรงaise de Dรฉveloppement (AFD), World Bank, and German Development Bank (KfW), the workshop focused on the projects’ impact, lessons learned, and future directions.
Kenya, characterized by its diverse and largely arid landscapes, faces significant water management challenges. Efficient allocation, utilization, and management of water resources are crucial for sustainable development. The Northern Collector Tunnel Projects are a major effort to address these challenges and are aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
A Water Masterplan was developed up to the year 2035, outlining a phased approach to developing new water sources. Phase I focused on groundwater exploration, while Phase II shifted to the Northern Water Collector Tunnel projects. This phase included constructing the 4th Nairobi Water Supply, involving the Northern Water Collector Tunnel that diverts floodwater from the Maragua, Gikigie, and Irati Rivers through an 11.8 km tunnel to the Thika Dam Reservoir.
The Kigoro Water Treatment Plant, with a capacity of 140,000 mยณ/day, was also completed and commissioned, alongside the construction of 55 km of raw and treated water pipelines, enhancing the infrastructure to transport water from Thika Dam to Nairobiโs Gigiri reservoirs.
Downstream efforts included the construction of the Eastern Transmission Pipeline from Kiambu to Embakasi and the Western Transmission Pipeline from Kabete to Uthiru. These works featured storage tanks and upgraded pumping systems, significantly improving water access and sanitation in peri-urban and informal settlements such as Ngando, Korogocho, Kawangware, and Kangemi.
Phase III involves constructing the Maragua IV Dam to further reduce the water deficit, though this phase has faced delays due to insufficient financing. Phase IV, scheduled from 2022 to 2026, focuses on the Northern Collector Phase II transfer to Thika Dam, aiming to meet water demand up to 2030. The final phase, Phase V, includes the Ndarugu I Dam, intended to secure water supply beyond 2035.
The workshop was attended by stakeholders from AFD, World Bank, KfW, African Development Bank (AfDB), National Treasury, Water Service Providers, National Land Commission (NLC), Law Society of Kenya (LSK), consultants, and contractors.
