Project Overview
Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya, has experienced rapid urbanization over the past decade, placing immense pressure on its aging water supply infrastructure. The existing pipeline network, much of which was installed in the 1980s, was struggling to meet the demands of a growing population exceeding 5 million residents. Frequent pipe bursts, water loss through leaks, and intermittent supply had become daily challenges for both households and businesses.
The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company initiated a major water supply upgrade project to replace deteriorating pipelines and expand coverage to underserved areas. The project aimed to reduce water loss from the current estimated 40% to below 15%, while improving supply pressure and water quality compliance with WHO standards.
WorldLink was selected as a key supplier for HDPE piping materials after a competitive tender process, based on product quality and successful reference projects elsewhere in East Africa.
Challenge
The project required replacing over 45km of pipeline through densely populated urban areas, busy commercial districts, and along existing road corridors with limited working space. Minimizing disruption to residents, businesses, and traffic was a critical constraint. The new system had to handle higher pressure requirements while accommodating future demand growth.
Additionally, the pipeline route crossed several seasonal rivers and areas with unstable soil conditions, requiring a pipe material with sufficient flexibility to withstand ground movement without joint failure. The installed system also needed to be resistant to aggressive soil conditions and groundwater chemistry prevalent in parts of Nairobi.
Solution
A comprehensive HDPE piping system was designed using PE100 grade pipes ranging from DN 110mm to DN 315mm, with pressure ratings of PN 10 to PN 16 depending on the section requirements. Butt fusion welding was employed as the primary jointing method, creating leak-free monolithic joints that eliminate the risk of joint leakage common in traditional systems.
For crossings under roads and rivers, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) was used with flexible HDPE pipes, avoiding open trench excavation and minimizing surface disruption. Electrofusion couplers were utilized for tie-in connections and repair works in confined spaces.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | HDPE Pipe Systems |
| Size Range | DN 110mm – DN 315mm |
| Grade | PE100 |
| Pressure Rating | PN 10 – PN 16 |
| Total Length | 45 km |
| Application | Municipal water supply |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Year | 2024 |