One of the most common questions visitors ask before arriving in Kenya is whether tap water in Nairobi is safe to drink. The short answer is that while Nairobi's municipal water is treated before reaching homes and businesses, most tourists are advised to drink bottled or properly filtered water during their stay to reduce the risk of stomach upsets.
Most hotels, restaurants and conference venues understand the needs of international visitors and provide safe drinking water. Taking a few simple precautions will help ensure you stay healthy throughout your trip.
Quick Answer
Tourists are generally advised to drink bottled, boiled or properly filtered water instead of tap water. While many Nairobi residents drink tap water daily, visitors may not be accustomed to the local water and could experience mild stomach discomfort.
Contents
- Is Nairobi tap water treated?
- Why tourists are advised to drink bottled water
- Can you brush your teeth with tap water?
- Is ice safe in restaurants?
- Where to buy bottled water
- Water safety tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nairobi Tap Water Treated?
Yes. Nairobi's public water supply undergoes treatment before distribution. However, water quality can vary depending on the condition of local plumbing, storage tanks and building infrastructure. For this reason, hotels and tour operators commonly recommend bottled or filtered drinking water for international visitors.
Most four-star and five-star hotels in Nairobi provide complimentary bottled drinking water in guest rooms, while many restaurants use purified water for drinking and food preparation.
Why Are Tourists Advised to Drink Bottled Water?
Even when water is treated, visitors from other countries may not be accustomed to the local microorganisms naturally present in a different water system. Drinking bottled water significantly reduces the chance of developing traveler's diarrhea or temporary stomach discomfort.
Avoid
- Drinking untreated tap water.
- Water from unknown sources.
- Refilling bottles from public taps.
Recommended
- Sealed bottled water.
- Boiled drinking water.
- Properly filtered water.
Can You Brush Your Teeth Using Tap Water?
Most travelers brush their teeth with tap water without experiencing problems. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or prefer extra caution, you may choose to use bottled water during your first few days in Nairobi.
Is Ice Safe in Hotels and Restaurants?
Ice served in reputable hotels, restaurants and cafés is generally made from treated or purified water and is considered safe. If you are eating at smaller roadside establishments and are unsure about hygiene standards, it may be wise to request drinks without ice.
Where Can You Buy Bottled Water?
Bottled water is widely available throughout Nairobi and is sold at supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol stations, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and airports. Popular local and international brands are easy to find.
Common Places to Buy Water
- JKIA Airport.
- Major supermarkets.
- Shopping malls.
- Hotels.
- Convenience stores.
- Petrol stations.
Water Safety Tips for Visitors
- Drink sealed bottled water whenever possible.
- Check that the bottle seal is intact before opening.
- Carry water during day trips and safaris.
- Stay hydrated, especially during warm weather.
- If using reusable bottles, refill them only with filtered or purified water.
- Wash fruits with clean drinking water when preparing food yourself.
Final Thoughts
Nairobi has a reliable municipal water supply, but most tourists choose bottled or filtered drinking water as an extra precaution. With safe drinking water readily available throughout the city, staying hydrated during your visit is simple and inexpensive.
