The Complete Guide to Borehole Drilling in Kenya: What to Expect from Survey to First Water Flow

Planning a borehole but not sure where to start? Whether you're a homeowner in Nairobi's suburbs, a farmer in the Rift Valley, or managing a commercial facility in Mombasa, this comprehensive guide walks you through every single stage of the borehole drilling process in Kenya — from the first site visit to the moment clean water flows from your tap.

Why Drill a Borehole in Kenya?

Kenya's water infrastructure, while improving, still leaves millions of households and businesses dependent on unreliable supply lines, expensive water trucking, or distant boreholes. Drilling your own borehole provides a private, independent water source that pays for itself within a few years through savings on water bills alone.

Beyond cost savings, a borehole delivers peace of mind: no more water rationing, no dependence on municipal schedules, and a consistent supply for irrigation, livestock, construction, or household use.

Step 1: The Hydrogeological Survey

Before a single meter of drilling begins, a thorough hydrogeological survey is essential. This scientific assessment of underground water resources uses geophysical techniques to locate water-bearing rock formations and estimate depth and yield — dramatically reducing the risk of drilling a dry or low-yield borehole.

What Methods Are Used?

At Teko Engineering, our hydrogeological teams employ several proven techniques during site assessment:

• Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES): Electrical current is passed through the ground at different electrode spacings to build a picture of subsurface resistivity and identify aquifer zones.
• Geological mapping: Our geologists study rock outcrops, fracture patterns, valleys, and vegetation to infer groundwater accumulation zones.
• Satellite and GIS analysis: We use remote sensing data to identify lineaments — linear features associated with faults and fractures that often carry significant groundwater.
• Hydrochemical sampling: Where nearby boreholes or wells exist, water quality analysis helps characterise the aquifer system.

A proper hydrogeological survey is not a luxury — it is the single most important investment you can make before drilling. It separates a successful, high-yield borehole from a costly dry hole.

— James Kamau, Lead Hydrogeologist, Teko Engineering Ltd

Step 2: Permits & Licensing

All boreholes in Kenya require regulatory approval before drilling commences. Skipping this step is not only illegal — it can result in the borehole being decommissioned and heavy fines under the Water Act 2016.

WRMA Water Abstraction Permit

The Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) issues water abstraction permits that authorise you to drill and abstract water from a specific borehole at a defined rate. The permit application requires a site survey report, proof of land ownership, and a water use justification.

NEMA Environmental Clearance

For larger projects, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) requires an environmental impact assessment or screening to ensure drilling does not negatively affect local ecosystems or water resources.

Step 3: The Drilling Process

With permits secured and the site surveyed, the drilling rig is mobilised to your property. Here is what to expect during the actual drilling phase.

DTH Down-The-Hole Technology

Teko Engineering uses modern DTH (Down-The-Hole) hammer drilling — the most efficient method for Kenya's varied geology, from soft sedimentary formations in the coast to hard basement rock in the central highlands. DTH hammers deliver percussive energy directly at the drill bit, allowing fast penetration through even the hardest rock.

Well Casing & Development

After the target aquifer is reached and the borehole is drilled to the required depth, the hole is cased with steel or PVC pipe to prevent collapse and protect the aquifer from surface contamination. The borehole is then developed — flushed and surged to remove drilling debris — and pump tested to confirm yield.

Step 4: Pump Installation

A borehole without a pump is just a hole in the ground. Choosing and installing the right pump system is critical to long-term reliability and running costs. The main options are:

• Submersible electric pumps: The most common choice for domestic and commercial applications. Installed inside the borehole, they pump water to surface tanks or directly into a distribution system.
• Solar-powered submersible pumps: Ideal for off-grid locations or properties with high electricity costs. A solar array powers the pump, eliminating monthly electricity bills.
• Manual hand pumps (Afridev, Bush Pump, India Mark II): Suitable for community water points, schools, and emergency access. Simple, durable, and locally maintainable.

Step 5: Water Quality Testing

Before your borehole water is used for drinking or food preparation, it should be tested. Borehole water quality varies significantly by geology and land use. Common parameters tested include pH, total dissolved solids, nitrates, fluoride, E. coli, and total coliform bacteria.

Cost & Timeline Summary

Total borehole project costs in Kenya depend on depth, geology, pump type, and location. Below is a representative cost guide for 2025:

With Teko Engineering's Lipa Pole Pole plan, you begin with just 50% of the project cost. The balance is paid in instalments after your borehole is already operational — water works for you from day one.

— Teko Engineering, Malipo Pole Pole Financing Programme

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

A borehole is a long-term asset. With proper care, it will serve you for 25–50 years. Key maintenance practices include:

• Annual pump inspection and lubrication of rising main joints
• Bi-annual yield testing to detect any decline in production
• Keeping the borehole headworks clean and sealed against insects and surface water ingress
• Annual water quality testing, especially for E. coli and nitrates
• Prompt response to changes in water colour, taste, or smell