Nairobi residents are set to benefit from an increased water supply following the launch of a major transmission pipeline project designed to improve water distribution to the city’s eastern areas. The Gigiri–Karura–Outer Ring Road Transmission Pipeline Project, led by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA), will enhance water transmission capacity and help meet rising demand driven by Nairobi’s rapid urban growth.
Project Approvals and Environmental Compliance
The project recently received a Special User License from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), authorising controlled access to undertake a section of the works within Karura Forest, while complying with environmental and forest conservation regulations. The 8.4-kilometre bulk transmission pipeline, financed in part by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is expected to deliver an additional 211 million litres of water per day to eastern Nairobi once completed. The system is designed to support projected water demand of about 370 million litres per day, benefiting an estimated three million residents.
Pipeline Route and Environmental Safeguards
The DN1400 transmission pipeline will run from Gigiri Reservoir to Karura Reservoir before extending to Outer Ring Road. A three-kilometre section between Gigiri and Karura will be installed underground within an existing cycle track corridor, stretching from Whispers Avenue to Kiambu Road (KFS Gate C). Project planners emphasised that the design intentionally utilises existing cleared corridors to minimise environmental disturbance and avoid intrusion into undisturbed forest areas. Working space will be limited to the areas strictly necessary, with selective vegetation clearance and mandatory tree replacement for any affected trees, in line with KFS guidelines.
Replanting and ecological restoration efforts will be carried out in collaboration with conservation stakeholders, including Friends of Karura Forest. Construction works within the forest are expected to take approximately four months (120 days), after which the affected areas will be restored according to approved environmental management plans.
Environmental Approval and Oversight
The project underwent a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) as required under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act. The process involved extensive public participation, including input from neighbouring residents, forest user groups, conservation organisations, and other stakeholders. Following the review, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) granted environmental approval for the project, which will proceed under the joint oversight of KFS, NEMA, Friends of Karura Forest, and AWWDA. Speaking after the approval, AWWDA Chief Executive Officer Joseph Kamau described the project as a key step toward strengthening Nairobi’s long-term water resilience.
