Borehole Drilling in Kenya is carried out to satisfy the ever growing demand for water, mainly for domestic use, irrigation, industrial and livestock needs. Borehole drilling in Kenya is mainly done efficiently using latest state of the art borehole drilling machines (known commercially as borehole drilling rigs). Manual borehole drilling is is also done using manual digging tools. Currently, K&H Contractors Limited is one of the largest borehole drilling companies in Kenya with years of experience in drilling and equipping.
Over the years, K&H has built a reputation as one of the best borehole drilling companies in Kenya and the entire East Africa. Being one of the leading well drilling companies in Kenya, we always strive to give our clients the best and prompt services. Our borehole drilling services in Kenya are top notch, always meeting customer needs.
Loose soils are generally more costly than rocky soils. This is technically referred to as wet and dry drilling respectively. All our drilling covers actual drilling, casing, test pumping and water analysis.
Requirements for drilling a borehole in Kenya
In order to drill a borehole in Kenya, the following are required:
1. Hydrogeological survey
This is done to determine the underground water potential. A hydrogeology survey report will give an estimate of the drilling depth, site location and the nature of rock and soil formation which will assist in determining casing materials and the cost of drilling. This survey must be done with an independent, qualified and registered hydrogeologist. The cost of hydrogeological survey in Kenya ranges between Kes. 50,000 to Kes. 110,000 depending on the location.
2. WRA (Water Resource Authority) Permit.
Water Resource Authority is state cooperation that regulates use of all water resources. They issue borehole drilling license and authorize drilling once the hydrogeologist report is ready. For you to be licensed by the WRMA, an application needs to be done online or physically visit their offices located across the country. WRA gives authorization licenses which is a green light to drill a borehole. They then issue a water permit that gives you permission to access the water resources as much as you want.
3. NEMA (National Environment Management Authority) Permit
This assesses the effect of drilling on the environment. The report gives both positive and negative impacts on the environment incase drilling is done. If the project will not have negative impacts that may be hazardous to the environment, then a green light permit is given by them
Once all the above are met, drilling will proceed.
Borehole Drilling Price In Kenya
| Drilling Method | What it entails | Price in KES Per Meter |
| 1. Air drilling | Drilling on stable ground that has a proper rock formation beneath | KES 6,700 |
| 2. Mud drilling | Drilling on loose ground that has no or minimal rock beneath | KES 13,050 |
Cost of Drilling A Borehole in Kenya
Details
| Process | Cost Per Meter- Air drilling method | Cost Per Meter- Mud drilling method | |
| 1 | Mobilisation | KES 420 | KES 420 |
| 2 | Drilling | KES 3,220 | KES 9,470 |
| 3 | Casing | KES 2,269 | KES 2,569 |
| 4 | Graveling | KES 280 | KES 180 |
| 5 | Well development | KES 70 | KES 70 |
| 6 | Test pumping | KES 420 | KES 320 |
| 7 | Water chemical analysis | KES 21 | KES 21 |
| Total | KES 6,700 | KES 13,050 |
Note that the mobilisation cost varies with the location. The cost of drilling a borehole in Nakuru will be different from the cost of drilling a borehole in Wajir
How to drill a borehole in Kenya; What the drilling cost entails
1.Mobilisation
This is the transfer to the well site of the rig, equipment, and labor. We cost mobilisation by distance. A borehole project 500 km away from our office will cost more for mobilisation than one that is 50 km away. Mobilisation costs allow for bush clearing and site preparation costs. This is to prepare the borehole drilling site for the drilling rig and all other heavy equipment
2. Borehole drilling.
This is the actual process of sinking a well in the ground in order to obtain water. The depth of sinking depends on the reading of the hydro-geological survey report. This report states the depth, amount of water expected, and the geological structure of the soil and rock underneath. The common size of the borehole well is 8 inches in diameter, but the surface section is 10 inches. Some wells are larger, going up to 14 inches in diameter
3. Casing
We line the walls of the borehole with mild steel or polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) casings. This is to keep the wall from collapsing throughout the lifetime of the borehole. We install 4mm–4.5mm thick steel casings where the well has boulders and where mud drilling is conducted. uPVC casings are installed in wells that lack boulders or that are rich in sand, and the water is highly saline. High salinity causes intense rusting on steel casings over time, hence the preference for uPVC casings in such wells
4. There are 2 types of casings
4.1. Continuous casings. They line the sections where the aquifer(s) is absent. They serve as water storage units because this is where the water is held. Surface casing are set from the mouth of the well downwards to the point where the walls are stronger. It could be as short as 3M, or as deep as 30M. Surface casings are 8″ in diameter
4.2. Slotted casings. They line the aquifer sections to allow water into the well. The slots are 1mm to 2mm in size
Our installation ratio of continuous and slotted casings is 70:30. This ensures maximum percolation of the water from the aquifer into the borehole
5. Graveling
It is the application of gravel sand between the borehole walls and the mild steel casings. Gravel filters soil and other impurities and keeps the casings firmly in position. Our gravel size is 2mm to 4mm, and well rounded
6. Flushing and capping
The well is cleaned of all chippings, a process referred to as flushing which is done after casing and also after graveling. Where casing is not carried out, flushing is done too. It is the process of pushing water within the well under intense pressure, then releasing it as a jet from the mouth of the well. Flushing allows optimal water flow from the aquifer to the well, and it precedes test pumping. In a high yielding borehole, the water within the well is used to clean it up. Where the well is low in yield, additional water is sourced for externally and added into the well.
7. Test pumping
We draw out borehole water for 24 hours. This shows the yield of the well, recharge rate and water level. It is with this report that we determine the right solar or electric submersible water pump. Before the test pumping process, we determine the most suitable test pumping water pump and the right pipe diameter to use based on the estimated volume of water in the well. Our test pumping pipe diameter sizes are installed as;
| Estimated Borehole Yield | Test Pumping Pipe Diameter |
| 0.5 – 10 cubic litres per hour | 1″ |
| 11 – 25 cubic litres per hour | 1-1/2″ |
| > 25 cubic litres per hour | 2″ |
Having the right test pumping pump and pipe diameter size is key in achieving the right yield of the well
8. Water chemical analysis
Laboratory analysis of the chemical composition of the borehole water
Borehole Drilling Procedure in Kenya
1. Hydrogeological survey
This is to establish the soil formation, depth and location of where the actual drilling will be done. It also assists in getting the required government approvals such as NEMA and WARMA certificates.
2. Actual Drilling
Actual drilling involves machine (drilling rig) mobilization and drilling. Drilling begins from above ground upto the recommended depth by the hydrogeologist. During drilling, casing is also done using steel or plastic casings. Borehole casing helps in preventing the borehole from collapsing and prevents impurities from contaminating the borehole water.
3. Test Pumping
Once drilling is complete, test pumping is done to determine the borehole yield or capacity in m3 per hour (m3/hr) This is done by continuously pumping water out of the borehole for 24 hours. Test pumping also helps in selecting the right pump for the borehole.
4. Water Chemical Analysis.
This is done to determine the suitability of the borehole water for drinking, irrigation or any other use. Some boreholes produce pure neutral water while others may produce salty water which may require treatment before use.
5. Borehole Equipping.
This entails the installation of PVC plastic casings and pumps. Electric submersibles, solar submersibles, or diesel pumps may be installed, depending on expert advice. Pipes immersed into the borehole may be uPVC pipes or HDPE pipes, depending on the depth.
6. Auxiliary Services
Includes optional extra services such as installation of pipes, plumbing, irrigation, tank tower construction, tank installation, etc. There is a separate quote for these additions.
Borehole drilling timelines
| Activity | Appox No of Days |
| Hydrogeological survey & report writing | 7 days |
| WRMA/NEMA Permits | 15-30 days |
| Actual Drilling | 4- 10 days |
| Equipping (Pump Installation) | 1-2 days |
Borehole Drilling Questions
FAQs to Borehole Drilling Services in Kenya
How much is drilling a borehole in Kenya?
As the best borehole drilling company in Kenya, we tailor our price according to the hydro-geological survey result finding
How many meters is a borehole?
From 50M and below, a well qualifies as a borehole
What is the average depth of a borehole in Kenya?
None. This is by location only because the variances are large.
How do you know where to drill a borehole?
Through a hydro-geological survey by an independent hydro-geologist. It determines; water availability at which point, how much water, and at what depth
How long does a borehole last?
It lasts in as much as the water table or aquifer remains
What is a good borehole yield?
It depends on water usage. For domestic use, a yield of 2 cubic meters per day is sufficient for a homestead. For farming, a higher yield is better
Can a borehole be drilled anywhere?
No. Only where there is a water aquifer. This is why a hydro-geological survey is conducted to show exactly where the water source is
Can borehole water run out?
Yes it does when the water aquifer dries up
Do I need permission to drill a borehole?
Yes, permission must be sought. 3 certificates and permits are needed in order of priority listed below
- Water Resource Management Authority (WARMA) certificate
- National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
- County government permit (in counties that demand this)
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