Africa-Press – Kenya. Contractors Pan Nan, Liao Huihuang Athi Water Works Development Agency CEO Joseph Kamau and Corporation Secretary Joyce Mukururi during the signing of the deal.
Two Chinese firms will jointly undertake a Sh3billion upgrade of Nairobi western corridor water and sewerage system.
The project by Zhongmei Engineering Group and Hunan Construction Investment, targets to benefit over 300,000 Nairobi residents and will take two years to complete.
According to the Athi Water Works Development Agency the, project includes the construction of a 19.7-kilometre high-capacity transmission pipeline from Kabete to Olesereni.
A 5,500 cubic metre reinforced concrete storage tank will also be constructed in Karen to stabilise pressure and enhance water distribution across the western corridor.
In addition to the water supply component, the project will deliver 63 kilometres of sewer reticulation network to improve sanitation services for approximately 250,000 residents.
Speaking during the contract signing, the Chief Executive Officer of Athi Water Works Development Agency, engineer Joseph Kamau, said the upgraded sewer system is expected to reduce public health risks, protect the environment and significantly improve the overall quality of life in the targeted areas.
“The project builds on the gains made by the Northern Collector Tunnel to optimise storage infrastructure and strengthen bulk transmission capacity within Nairobi Metropolis,” said Kamau.
He said expanding transmission lines, increasing storage and extending sewer networks will improve network stability and meet growing demand
“Our priority is disciplined implementation, adherence to technical standards and delivery within the 24-month timeline.”
Funded in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) to a tune of Sh3 billion, the project seeks to address long-standing infrastructure gaps in some of the city’s fastest-growing areas while strengthening Nairobi’s urban water security.
The Western Nairobi Water and Sewerage Project will serve residents in Kangemi, Kawangware, Dagoretti and Riruta and will extend to the growing areas of Uthiru, Kinoo and Karen Plains, as well as Kabiria, Ngando and Kirigu.
These areas have experienced rapid urban growth, placing increased pressure on existing water and sewerage infrastructure.
Nairobi County projects that Water and sewerage system upgrades alone needs over Sh20 billion to replace old pipes and install new ones.
Kamau said the regions are set to benefit from improved access to clean, safe and reliable water supply and enhanced sanitation services following the signing of the Western Nairobi Water and Sewerage Project contract at the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA).
In 2024, Athi Water Works launched a similar Sh1.4 billion project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
In its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, the agency had an ambitious plan to invest Sh241.2 billion in water and sewerage infrastructure in five years.
The investment targets Nairobi, Kiambu and Murang’a counties, aiming to expand access to clean water and improve wastewater management for the region’s rapidly growing population.
The funds will support the construction of new water dams, expansion of water transmission and distribution networks, rehabilitation of aging systems, and increased sewerage coverage.
The plan also outlines major investments in wastewater treatment capacity to address rising demand and environmental concerns.
The agency in the plan was to mobilize the funds through government allocations, development partners, public-private partnerships and internally generated revenue streams.
