For years, residents of Kiamaiko Ward have lived with a problem that should be basic for any urban settlement a functioning sewerage system.
In the densely populated neighbourhood, blocked sewer lines, overflowing wastewater and poor drainage have become a familiar part of life.
Complaints over sanitation have persisted for years, raising questions about the reliability of sewerage services in one of Nairobi’s low-income communities.
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A Problem That Has Persisted for Years
The latest concerns over sewerage came into focus after Kiamaiko MCA Joseph Karanja Ndung’u, popularly known as Ndoch, stormed the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) CPA offices along Thika Road to demand action over a blocked sewer affecting his ward.
Ndung’u was arrested and taken to Ruaraka Police Station following the incident. He was later reportedly being processed at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices ahead of possible arraignment. But the confrontation is only one episode in a much older problem.
Residents have for years raised concerns about blocked sewer lines and poor drainage, with the consequences felt most sharply in a densely populated area where homes, businesses and walkways are often close to sewer infrastructure.
Residents Say Complaints Have Gone Unanswered
Ndung’u says he had repeatedly contacted Nairobi Water officials over the blocked sewer including sending videos showing the situation in Kiamaiko, but claims his calls and messages went unanswered.
“We have been calling the NCWSC offices every day. We sent them videos of blocked sewers in Kiamaiko Ward but they ignored our calls and messages,” Ndung’u said.
He said his decision to confront the water company was driven by frustration over what he described as prolonged inaction.
“I have decided to take action so that they can feel what the residents have been feeling with the blocked sewer,” he said.
More Than an Inconvenience
For people living in Kiamaiko, the problem goes beyond the unpleasant smell or inconvenience caused by overflowing wastewater, when sewer lines remain blocked, sewage can spill into areas where people live, work and walk.
In a densely populated neighbourhood, this can increase residents’ exposure to contaminated water and unsanitary conditions.
The public health risks are also a concern, Poor sanitation can contribute to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery and leptospirosis.
For families living in affected areas, keeping children away from contaminated water or navigating paths affected by sewage can become part of everyday life.
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Where Does the Responsibility Lie?
The situation raises broader questions about how Nairobi provides essential services in low-income settlements.
If sewer blockages are repeatedly reported but remain unresolved, what is causing the delays?
Is it inadequate maintenance, ageing infrastructure, a shortage of equipment and personnel, or delays in responding to residents’ complaints?
And perhaps most importantly, how does Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company track complaints from residents and ensure that reported problems are resolved?
These are questions that require answers beyond the latest confrontation at the water company’s offices.
Nairobi Water Asked to Respond
The media contacted Nairobi City Water Managing Director Martin Nang’ole for a right of reply. Nang’ole referred the matter to the company’s corporate communications manager, but the official did not respond to calls by the time of publication.
For residents, the issue is not simply about an MCA being arrested after storming Nairobi Water offices.
It is about a basic public service that has remained a struggle for years.
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