The Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) has received approval from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to begin work on the Gigiri–Karura–Outer Ring Road Transmission Pipeline Project, a major infrastructure initiative expected to improve water supply for more than three million Nairobi residents.
KFS granted the agency a Special User License (SUL) allowing controlled access for the installation of an underground pipeline section within Karura Forest. The authorization requires strict compliance with environmental and forest conservation laws during implementation.
The project is financed jointly by the Government of Kenya and the French Development Agency (AFD). Once completed, the 8.4-kilometre bulk transmission pipeline will enable the delivery of an additional 211 million litres of water per day to eastern parts of Nairobi.
Officials say the project is designed to help meet a projected daily water demand of about 370 million litres in the targeted areas, supporting a rapidly growing population.
Addressing Nairobi’s Growing Water Demand
Nairobi’s rapid urban expansion has placed increasing pressure on existing water infrastructure, with current demand already surpassing available supply.
Strategic investments such as the Gigiri–Karura pipeline are part of a broader programme to modernise the city’s water network and ensure more reliable distribution across the capital.
The DN1400 transmission pipeline will run from Gigiri Reservoir to Karura Reservoir and continue toward Outer Ring Road.
A three-kilometre section between Gigiri and Karura will be installed underground within an existing cycle track corridor inside Karura Forest, stretching from Whispers Avenue to Kiambu Road at KFS Gate C.
Project planners say the design intentionally uses the already cleared corridor to minimise environmental disruption and avoid interference with undisturbed forest areas.
Construction activities within the forest will operate within a strictly controlled working corridor, with vegetation cleared only where necessary.
Any trees affected by the works will be replaced in accordance with KFS guidelines, followed by site-specific replanting in collaboration with KFS and the Friends of Karura Forest.
Installation work within the forest is expected to take about four months (120 days). After completion, affected areas will be restored in line with approved environmental management plans.
The project also underwent a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) conducted under the provisions of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA).
According to project officials, the assessment identified potential impacts on the forest ecosystem and outlined mitigation measures. Public participation was also carried out to gather views from residents, conservation groups, user groups and other stakeholders, with the feedback incorporated into the final project design.
Speaking after the approval, AWWDA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Joseph Kamau said the project is a crucial step toward strengthening Nairobi’s water supply system.
“This transmission upgrade is a strategic intervention to strengthen bulk water conveyance and ensure reliable supply to Eastern Nairobi as demand continues to grow,” Kamau said.
“We recognize the environmental significance of Karura Forest and have carefully designed the works to utilise existing corridors, minimise disturbance and ensure full restoration. Our commitment is to deliver sustainable infrastructure that safeguards both ecological assets and public service delivery.”
Implementation will proceed under close oversight by KFS, NEMA, AWWDA and conservation partners to ensure compliance with environmental safeguards throughout the construction period.
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