Eastleigh residents call for increased water supply as Christmas shopping rush strains reserves

Residents and business operators in Eastleigh have raised concerns over the water supply as the number of people visiting the area to shop for Christmas increases, with many saying the shortage is affecting daily life and business operations across the neighbourhood.

Eastleigh is receiving a high number of shoppers travelling from different parts of Nairobi and other towns ahead of the Christmas period, but the increased human traffic has come at a time when water supply remains limited, leaving shopping malls and residential buildings without a steady flow of water.

The shortage has raised concerns among residents and traders who say the situation is affecting sanitation practices in public spaces that record large daily visits.

Mall operators say the lack of water has disrupted basic operations, including cleaning of premises and washroom use, which has become a challenge during peak shopping hours.

Residential buildings located near major shopping centres are also affected, with households reporting that water taps remain dry for several days, forcing families to adjust daily routines.

Residents say the water shortage is also affecting religious practices, as Muslims require water for ablution before the five daily prayers, which are observed throughout the day. With mosques and prayer areas receiving large numbers of worshippers, the lack of water has added pressure on available supplies, forcing some facilities to rely on water purchased from private vendors.

The areas reported to be most affected include Athumani Kipanga Street and Yusuf Haji Avenue, where most shopping malls in Eastleigh are located and where foot traffic remains high throughout the day.

Traders operating along these streets say water shortages have been a long-standing issue that has not been addressed despite repeated appeals to the authorities.

Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice, Mohamed Ismail, the deputy chairman of the Mall Managers Association, said the situation has persisted for a long time and continues to affect businesses and residents.

“We have a problem with water,” Ismail said, noting that engagements with the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company have not resulted in improvement.

He said the company had previously informed them that Eastleigh would receive water for four days each week, but the plan has not been implemented as communicated.

Mohamed said that even on days when water is available, the pressure remains low, resulting in a limited supply that does not meet demand.

“We do not get water as we should, because when the four days come, the pressure decreases and we end up getting less water,” he said.

He added that mall managers believe the situation is being worsened by groups operating along the distribution network.

According to him, there are claims that individuals working with some officials from the water company interfere with water pipes and demand payment in order to restore the supply.

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“These cartels sometimes block pipes and ask for payment or bribes so that they can release the water,” he said.

He called on the leadership of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to investigate the claims and take action against those involved.

“We are calling on the top leadership of Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to investigate these cartels and help us get water,” he said.

As a result of the shortage, residents and business owners say they are forced to buy water from water bowsers daily, which has increased household and operational costs. Traders say the added expense is being felt at a time when demand for services is high due to the festive season.

Mohamed said other parts of Nairobi receive water regularly and questioned why Eastleigh continues to experience shortages despite its population and economic activity.

Last week, Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan announced that the Athi Water Works Development Agency had agreed to replace asbestos-cement water mains that have served the area for decades. He said the agency plans to install high-density polyethene pipes as part of the upgrade.

The MP said the first phase of the project will cover Eastleigh North, the Airbase area and California, where 15 kilometres of new pipes are expected to be laid. According to Yusuf, the work is scheduled to begin in January 2026.