Borehole drilling rig operating in rural Kenya

Borehole Rehabilitation

Borehole rehabilitation restores failing water wells to optimal performance, addressing common issues like reduced yield and contamination. Teko Engineering Ltd (Teko.co.ke) leads this service across Kenya, offering cost-effective solutions for homes, farms, and businesses.

Why Boreholes Fail

Boreholes typically last 15-25 years but degrade due to silt buildup, pump wear, and bacterial growth. In Kenya's arid regions, over-pumping and climate variability accelerate these problems, cutting water output by up to 70%. Rehabilitation revives 80-90% of original yield at 60% less cost than new drilling.

Regular maintenance prevents total failure. Urbanization in Nairobi and rural ASAL areas strains groundwater, making timely rehab essential for water security. Teko Engineering identifies issues early through expert assessments.

The Rehabilitation Process

Teko Engineering follows a step-by-step approach starting with borehole assessment. Teams test water quality, yield, and casing integrity using downhole cameras and pumps. This diagnosis pinpoints siltation, corrosion, or fractures.

Cleaning removes sediments via high-pressure jetting, air surging, and brushing. Specialized tools dislodge mineral deposits without damaging aquifers. Pump systems get overhauled or replaced for efficiency.

Development follows, surging water to clear fines and stabilize flow. Final testing ensures standards compliance before handover with maintenance logs. The full process takes 3-7 days.

Teko's Specialized Services

Assessment and Diagnostics
Costs KES 15,000-25,000. Includes yield tests, CCTV surveys, and lab analysis for contaminants like iron or E. coli.​

Mechanical Cleaning
KES 30,000-50,000. Surge blocks and bailers extract debris; brushing restores casing diameter.​

Chemical Treatment
For biofouling, acids dissolve scales safely. Followed by disinfection to kill bacteria.

Casing Repairs
Re-lines cracked PVC or steel casings; installs gravel packs for filtration.​

Pump Installation
Upgrades to solar or submersible pumps with 10-year warranties.​

Water Quality Certification
Post-rehab testing meets WRMA and NEMA standards.​

Cost Breakdown

Service Description Cost (KES) Duration
Assessment Full diagnostic survey 15,000-25,000 1-2 days ​
Cleaning Sediment/scale removal 30,000-50,000 2-3 days ​
Chemical Rehab Biofilm and hardness treatment 20,000-40,000 1 day ​
Casing Repair Structural fixes 50,000-100,000 2-4 days ​
Pump Overhaul System replacement 40,000-80,000 1-2 days ​
Full Rehab Package Complete restoration 100,000-250,000 3-7 days 

Prices vary by depth (50-200m) and location. Teko offers 30-50% savings via owned rigs and no middlemen.​

Benefits of Choosing Teko

Rehab extends borehole life by 15-20 years, slashing costs versus new drills (KES 500,000+). Yields rise 90%, reducing reliance on costly tankers.

Environmentally, it preserves aquifers by avoiding fresh drilling. Teko's 92% success rate beats industry 75%, backed by NEMA certification.​

Nationwide coverage spans 24 counties, from Nairobi to Mandera. Flexible "Malipo Pole Pole" payments suit budgets.​

Common Issues Addressed

  • Siltation: Sediment clogs screens; cleaned via surging.

  • Incrustation: Minerals coat casings; acids dissolve them.

  • Biofouling: Bacteria slime walls; shocked with chlorine.

  • Pump Failure: Worn impellers replaced efficiently.

  • Casing Collapse: Reinforced without redrilling.

Early signs include low pressure or cloudy water—call Teko promptly.

Kenya's Water Challenges

70% of Kenyans lack reliable water; boreholes serve rural 40%. Aging infrastructure and droughts demand rehab over expansion. Government projects like Bungoma's Chesabit highlight scale.

Private firms like Teko fill gaps, supporting farms amid climate shifts. Solar integration cuts pumping costs 50%.

Maintenance Tips

  • Test yield quarterly.

  • Shock chlorinate yearly (KES 5,000).

  • Monitor pumps monthly.

  • Avoid over-extraction.
    Teko provides schedules post-rehab.​

Success Stories

A Machakos farm saw yield double post-rehab, boosting income 40%. Nairobi school restored supply for 500 pupils, saving KES 100,000/year on deliveries. Mandera borehole revived after drought, serving 200 households.

Teko's 2,500+ projects yield 4.9/5 Google stars.

Why Teko Engineering Ltd?

As Kenya's affordable water experts since 2018, Teko.co.ke owns rigs, employs geologists, and guarantees results. No deposits; nationwide 24/7 support. WRMA-compliant reports speed permits.​

Visit Teko.co.ke or dial for quotes. Restore your borehole today—secure water tomorrow.

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Comments 12

FM
Faith Mutua March 16, 2025

Very informative article! We're looking at drilling a borehole on our farm in Machakos and this has given us a clear picture of what to expect. The cost table is especially useful — do prices vary much between counties?

TK
Teko Engineering Author March 17, 2025

Hi Faith! Yes, costs do vary by county — mainly due to geological depth and transport of equipment and materials. Machakos typically falls in the 60–120m depth range (basement complex). We'd be happy to provide a free site assessment and quote. Please reach out via our contact page!

PO
Peter Otieno March 20, 2025

Is the Lipa Pole Pole plan available for commercial properties, not just residential? We run a small hotel in Nakuru and our water bills have become unsustainable.

AN
Agnes Njoroge April 2, 2025

The section on water quality testing is something most guides skip over. Thank you for mentioning fluoride specifically — it's a real concern in parts of the Rift Valley. How long does it take to get water quality results back?

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