Thika residents have been urged to prepare for water rationing following a sharp decline in river levels within the Thika Water and Sewerage Company (Thiwasco) catchment area.
Thiwasco attributed the move to the ongoing dry spell that has significantly reduced raw water availability from Thika and Chania rivers, which are nearing critical levels. The reduced inflows have strained the company’s production capacity, forcing a revision of the water distribution schedule across its supply zone.
Speaking during a media briefing at his office in Thika town, Managing Director Engineer Moses Kinya said the dry conditions have directly affected water production. He noted that the situation is worsened by rising demand from households, institutions, and businesses.
“The dry spell has led to a noticeable decline in river levels, which has directly impacted our water production capacity. At the same time, demand within our supply zone continues to rise, further straining the system,” said Kinya.
He explained that treated water supplied by Thiwasco remains the primary source of water for the majority of residents in Thika and surrounding areas, making prudent management of the limited resource essential. The company, he added, is closely monitoring river flows and adjusting supply schedules to maintain service continuity despite prevailing shortages.
“We are doing everything possible to stabilise supply and minimise disruptions, but consumers must also play their part by conserving water,” he said.
Thiwasco has formally written to the Water Resources Authority (WRA), seeking tighter regulation of upstream water abstraction, particularly for irrigation. According to Kinya, uncontrolled abstraction upstream risks worsening shortages downstream, especially during prolonged dry periods.
He warned that non-essential water use, including excessive washing, car cleaning, and unnecessary outdoor consumption, could aggravate the crisis. Residents have been encouraged to prioritise essential needs and adopt water-saving practices such as recycling water for gardening and installing rainwater harvesting systems to enhance household resilience.
“The current situation highlights the growing need for sustainable water-use habits. Conservation and innovation will be key in managing future climate-related challenges,” Kinya added.
Currently, Thiwasco’s production capacity stands at 39,000 cubic metres per day against a demand exceeding 60,000 cubic metres, revealing a substantial supply deficit. The available output serves more than 300,000 residents within the company’s supply zone.
The company has expressed optimism about receiving approval to utilise part of Kariminu II Dam in Gatundu North Sub-County to help bridge the shortfall. The dam presently supplies water to Ruiru, Juja, and Nairobi. However, the anticipated allocation has yet to materialise, leaving Thiwasco to manage the growing shortage through rationing and conservation measures.
By Muoki Charles
