Utawala, Mihang'o residents given 21-day ultimatum over illegal water connections

Residents of Utawala and Mihang'o in Nairobi’s Upper Embakasi region have been given a 21-day ultimatum to regularise illegal and unmetered water and sewer connections or face penalties, disconnections, and other enforcement measures as Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) intensifies a crackdown on unlawful connections.

In a customer notice dated May 7, 2026, the utility firm announced that it is carrying out a compliance and metering exercise in the two rapidly growing estates aimed at streamlining water supply management and improving service delivery. The exercise targets customers who are connected to the water and sewer network but are not properly metered or registered under official records.

According to the notice, affected residents have until the close of business on May 28, 2026, to regularise their connections.

"Nairobi Water is undertaking a compliance and metering exercise in the Utawala & Mihang'o areas. All customers with unmetered connections are granted a 21-day grace period ending Close of Business, May 28, 2026, to regularise their water and/or sewer connections," reads the notice.

Failure to comply within the deadline will attract strict penalties and enforcement measures. Domestic customers found with illegal connections will be fined up to Sh30,000, while commercial users will face penalties of up to Sh100,000. In addition, affected customers will be required to pay estimated water consumption charges dating back to October 2024.

The utility further warned that non-compliant customers risk disconnection from the main water supply lines without further notice. Those disconnected will be required to pay a reconnection fee of Sh5,000, along with double deposit charges, before services are restored.

Sewer connections may also be disconnected where irregularities are detected, with affected customers required to pay Sh15,000 in addition to other applicable charges before reconnection.

“Failure to comply within the grace period will attract enforcement action without further notice,” Nairobi Water said.

NCWSC said the exercise is part of broader efforts to reduce water losses, improve billing accuracy, and ensure fair and efficient distribution of services in fast-growing residential areas. The utility said residents requiring assistance during the regularisation process can seek support at its Shujaa Mall offices along Kayole Spine Road or contact customer care offices in Upper Embakasi.