Is Nairobi Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Nairobi, Kenya is generally treated and supplied by the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company. It meets national standards but occasional contamination occurs.
Water quality can vary due to aging infrastructure and intermittent supply, leading to possible microbial contamination. Boiling or filtration is recommended before drinking.
Bottled or boiled water is preferred by many residents for safety. Regular testing and improvements are ongoing to enhance tap water safety in Nairobi.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
Kenya is ranked as number 154 globally with a score of 21.2% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi's tap water primarily comes from surface water sources, including rivers and reservoirs in the Aberdare Ranges.
Key reservoirs include Ndakaini, Sasumua, and Thika dams, which store and regulate water supply for the city.
Groundwater also supplements supply but is less significant compared to surface water due to limited aquifer capacity in the region.
Nairobi Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Nairobi may not always meet strict safety standards due to maintenance and water quality variability.
Contamination risks from microbial pathogens or poor sanitation around fountains exist, so caution is advised before use.
Using bottled water or personal filtration methods is often recommended to ensure safe drinking water in public settings.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Nairobi. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.