Are you a farmer looking for a reliable water source where rain-fed agriculture is failing? Or are you a household or business owner where there is no existing water piping system and want readily available water? You don’t need to search any further! As the best borehole drilling company in Kenya, Irrihydrosol Ltd. provides its services all around the country. We handle the entire drilling process, from the hydrogeological survey and licenses, to sinking the borehole, well development, and pump installation.
Borehole Drilling Cost in Kenya - Transparent Pricing
The cost of drilling a borehole is mainly dictated by the drilling method used, which is determined by the aquifer depth and soil composition. These techniques, which are divided into two groups, are:
| Drilling Method | Details | Price (KES/Meter) |
|---|---|---|
Air Drilling |
Hard rock formations and is the most common drilling method |
6,700 |
Mud Drilling |
Soft and loose soils, and mostly occurs in the coastal region |
12,800 |
NOTE: The entire drilling procedure is covered by these prices. This amount does not, however, include the hydrogeological survey or permits, which are charged separately.
Complete Borehole Drilling Process - 11 Professional Steps
Step 1: Hydrogeological Survey - Foundation of Success
Before the drilling begins, we conduct a hydrogeological survey to establish the drilling site and its water bearing characteristics. This is the most important step as it creates a foundation for all the following stages. This step normally takes a day, where the surveyor arrives on site with his equipment and carries out the procedure. The time taken depends on the location and size of the land. This process entails:
- Identifying the drilling location
- Determining the well depth
- Assessing rock and soil profile
- Estimating the water yield
Survey techniques include:
- Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)
- Transient Electro Magnetic (TEM)
- Resistivity Profiling
- Horizontal Electrical Profiling (HEP)
Cost Estimate: Starting from KES 100,000 (It includes permit application support)
Step 2: Legal Permits and Documentation
Once the report has been signed by a hydrogeologist and the estimated borehole cost has been calculated, we begin the permit application process.
- Water Resources Authority (WRA) permit. We submit the client’s:
- Title deed or land sale agreement
- National ID or company registration certificate
- KRA PIN certificate
- The required service fees
- National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) license by carrying out an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
- County Government permits.
The entire process normally takes about 7 business days.
Step 3: Project Quotation and Payment Terms
In this step, we perform a physical assessment of the drilling site to establish the distance, its accessibility, terrain, and logistics. Based on this visit, we prepare a breakdown of the cost and project timeline, and share it with the client.
The client then processes a 75% payment upfront and the drilling process commences.
Step 4: Equipment Mobilization and Site Preparation
This step involves transporting our drilling rig, equipment, and labor to the site. On the site, we then ensure that it is cleared and levelled, set up the rig platform, and position all the resources needed for the drilling process to begin.
Step 5: Precision Borehole Drilling
With the rig set up and everything in place, we drill the borehole as specified by the hydrogeological survey report. From the report we get the well depth, the expected yield, and soil profile. We also get to know the drilling technique to use, whether air or mud drilling. Throughout the process, we collect soil samples at different depths to form a geological log. The drilling diameter is normally 8mm, which is wide enough to house the 6 inches wide casing pipes.
Step 6: Professional Casing Installation
In this step, we case the borehole walls to prevent its collapse and the debris causing blockage. We use two types of pipes depending on the geological conditions: PVC casings, which are corrosion-resistant and can withstand saline conditions, and mild steel casings, which are more suitable for hard rock formations. Near the surface, the casings are 8 inches in diameter, which then reduces to 6 inches in the deeper stronger sections of the borehole. These casings, whether PVC or steel, fall into two categories as explained below:
- Plain Casings: For the non-water-bearing sections
- Slotted Casings: Installed at aquifer zones to allow water percolation into the well (1-2mm slot sizes)
Our typical ratio is 70% plain to 30% slotted casings.
Step 7: Gravel Packing for Filtration
For this step, the space between the borehole wall and the casing is filled with gravel. This gravel layer filters fine sand and sediments, preventing them from entering the borehole. It stabilizes the structure and reduces the risk of walls collapsing.
Step 8: Well Development and Cleaning
Water is pumped into the borehole with very high pressure to flush out all the debris from drilling. After flushing is done, the well is capped to ensure no foreign matter contaminates it.
Step 9: 24-Hour Test Pumping Analysis
We conduct a 24-hour test pumping to help determine:
- Borehole yield: The amount of water in cubic meters the borehole produces per hour (m3/hr).
- Recharge rate: The rate at which the aquifer replenishes the borehole during pumping.
- Static water level: The natural water level when the borehole is not being pumped.
- Dynamic water level: The water level during the pumping process.
With the above parameters determined, we are able to select the correct pipe diameter and a fitting submersible pump for the borehole.
Step 10: Laboratory Water Quality Testing
A water sample is collected from the borehole and analyzed in the lab for its physical and chemical characteristics. This in turn dictates the water’s suitability for the client’s intended use.
Step 11: Submersible Pump Installation
In this step, we choose and install a submersible pump for the borehole. The choice of the pump depends on the test pumping results, and the client’s preferences. At Irrihydrosol Ltd., we offer three types of submersible pumps:
- Solar Pump: Perfect for off-grid areas.
- Electric Pump: Ideal for locations with a stable electricity supply or AC generators.
- Hybrid Pump: A combination of both electric and solar power.
Additional Professional Services
- Borehole Servicing, Maintenance, and Repair
We rehabilitate old boreholes and also provide maintenance services. - Water Tower Construction
We design and construct steel water towers to suit your storage needs. - Solar Equipping for Water Systems
We offer a wide range of solar energy solutions ideal for domestic, industrial, and commercial applications. - Borehole Camera Inspection
With the use of inspection cameras, we conduct a visual assessment of the borehole. - Borehole Flushing Services
We flush boreholes to remove silt, debris, and settled sediments to restore the water percolation and improve pumping efficiency. - Custom Irrigation System Design
We design, supply, and irrigation systems which include drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and
Frequently Asked Questions About Borehole Drilling
How deep is a borehole in Kenya?
The depth of a borehole normally ranges between 50 meters to 300 meters and normally depends on the water table and geological conditions.
How much does it cost to drill a borehole in Kenya?
| Drilling Method | Details | Price (KES/Meter) |
|---|---|---|
Air Drilling |
Hard rock formations and is the most common drilling method |
6,700 |
Mud Drilling |
Soft and loose soils, and mostly occurs in the coastal region |
12,800 |
How long does it take to drill a borehole?
3 to 10 days, depending on depth, soil structure, and the equipment and labor quality.
Do I need a hydrogeological survey before drilling?
Yes. Before the drilling begins, we conduct a hydrogeological survey to establish the drilling site and its water bearing characteristics. This is the most important step as it creates a foundation for all the following stages. This process entails:
- Identifying the drilling location
- Determining the well depth
- Assessing rock and soil profile
- Estimating the water yield
Can a borehole be drilled anywhere?
No. A hydrogeological survey must confirm the presence of an aquifer before the borehole is sunk.
Do I need a license to drill a borehole in Kenya?
Yes. You’ll need the following permits and licences. They include:
- Water Resources Authority (WRA) permit.
- National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) license by carrying out an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
- County Government permits.
How long will the borehole last?
A professionally constructed borehole can last 30+ years with proper maintenance.
Can borehole water run dry?
Yes, especially if the water is regularly overdrawn or it is poorly located. Regular yield checks and proper aquifer management are therefore essential.
Where can I get professional borehole drilling services in Kenya?
Irrihydrosol Ltd is the leading borehole drilling company in Kenya. We offer end-to-end services including hydrogeological surveys, permit processing, borehole sinking, pump installation, and more: all handled by our experienced team across the country.
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