City car wash businesses shut down as drought bites

Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NAWASCO) has directed all car wash service vendors using treated water to cease operations immediately as city braces for shortage due to ongoing drought.

The firm’s Managing Director, Philip Gichuki, cited recent water distribution schedule and Kenya Meteorological Department’s reports on recent weather patterns for drastic action.

“This is aimed at water conservation as the vendors use treated water to wash vehicles which is prejudicial during these difficult times,” said Mr Gichuki.

Mr Gichuki also issued warning of stern measures to be taken against operators and Car Wash owners who flout the order.

The measure comes barely two weeks after the firm started rationing water in the city beginning January 1.

On Thursday, an inter-ministerial team released a drought update warning that more than 1.5 million Kenyans face starvation in several counties hit hard by the drought.

However, the Devolution Cabinet Secretary, Mwangi Kiunjuri, said the government plans to spend Ksh 16 billion in the next six months on drought mitigation program, including issuing cash transfers to households, livestock off-takes, and in conflict resolutions especially in areas accessed by grazers.