Thika Moves to Tackle Water Shortages as Demand Outpaces Supply

Residents of Thika and its environs have continued to grapple with water rationing as demand for the essential resource surpasses current supply, prompting urgent interventions by the Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO).

According to THIWASCO Managing Director Eng. Dr. Moses Kinya, the growing population within the company’s service areas, including parts of Witeithie in Juja Sub-County and sections of Murang’a, has placed significant pressure on the existing water infrastructure.

“The rationing we are experiencing is mainly because demand has exceeded supply. The population we serve is now over 400,000 people, with demand standing at more than 60,000 cubic metres per day, while our current production is about 43,000 cubic metres daily,” said Dr. Kinya.

To address the shortfall, the utility has outlined a series of major projects aimed at boosting water production and ensuring a more reliable supply in the future.

Among the flagship initiatives is a partnership with DANIDA through the Impact Fund of Denmark, which will see the construction of a 14.6 million cubic metre dam along the Thika River.

The project will also include a 70,000 cubic metre water treatment plant and a 14,000 cubic metre per day wastewater treatment facility at Pilot.

Dr. Kinya noted that the project is at an advanced stage.

“The design is complete and tender documents are ready. We expect the project to be advertised anytime, with construction likely to begin by the end of this year or early next year,” he said.

In addition, THIWASCO is working on the Karimenu Dam project, which is expected to supply an additional 20,000 cubic metres of water per day once complete. The water will be delivered to the MaryHill reservoir tanks before being integrated into the existing distribution network.

Internally, the company has also initiated upgrades to its current treatment works to increase output. The first phase of the upgrade has already been completed, with the next phase set to introduce inclined settlers at the clarifiers, an improvement expected to boost capacity by an additional 15,000 cubic metres per day by the end of next year.

“These measures are aimed at ensuring we have adequate water supply and eventually eliminate the need for rationing,” Dr. Kinya explained.

Efforts are also underway to expand access to previously underserved areas such as Ngoliba and Magogoni, where residents are now being supplied through borehole systems following recent infrastructure developments.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kinya expressed confidence in the company’s preparedness to support Thika’s anticipated elevation to city status.

“We are very excited that Thika is in the process of being conferred city status. As THIWASCO, we are ready with plans to support a smart city and ensure reliable water services for residents,” he added.

Local leaders have also acknowledged both the challenges and ongoing efforts to improve water supply.

Chania Ward MCA Joseph Mwangi Kibuu noted that the high population in Thika has made water management increasingly difficult, necessitating rationing. However, he expressed optimism that ongoing projects will bring lasting solutions.

“Hii kampuni yetu ya maji ya Thika imejaribu sana. Ukiangalia population ya Thika ni kubwa sana lakini maji yanayopatikana ni kidogo, hivyo ku-manage ni kazi ngumu na inabidi wafanye rationing,” he said.

He added that the completion of the Karimenu Dam project will be a game-changer for the region.

“Wakipata ile offtake kutoka Karimenu Dam, itasaidia sana Thika kupata maji ya kutosha bila rationing,” he stated.

The MCA further revealed that the Kiambu County Government has been actively supporting water companies to improve their financial stability.

“Kama serikali ya Kaunti ya Kiambu, tumesaidia kampuni nyingi za maji ambazo zilikuwa na madeni kulipa madeni yao na kureview tariff zao ili ziweze kujisimamia. Nyingi zimeweza kutoka kwa madeni na sasa zinajiendesha,” he said.

With multiple projects in the pipeline and support from both development partners and the county government, residents are hopeful that Thika’s persistent water shortages will soon be a thing of the past.