Frequently Asked Questions

Borehole drilling costs in Kenya typically range from KSh 350,000 to KSh 1,500,000 or more depending on depth, geology, location, and the scope of work. A basic domestic borehole to 60–80m depth in a favourable area may cost from KSh 350,000–550,000, while a deep commercial borehole at 150–200m can exceed KSh 1,000,000. The total project cost includes: geological survey, drilling, casing & screening, test pumping, pump supply & installation, storage tank, and permits. We provide detailed, itemised quotations with no hidden charges. Contact us for a site-specific estimate.

Our comprehensive quotes typically include: hydrogeological or geophysical site survey, mobilisation of drilling rig, drilling to aquifer depth, casing and screen installation, borehole development and flushing, test pumping and water sampling, completion report, WRMA permit application assistance, submersible pump supply and installation, rising main and control panel, storage tank installation, and final commissioning. We can also quote each component separately if you only need part of the service.

Yes. We understand that borehole projects are a significant investment. We typically work on a phased payment structure — an initial deposit upon signing the contract, a progress payment when drilling reaches aquifer depth, and a final payment on commissioning and handover. For large institutional and commercial projects, we can discuss tailored payment arrangements. Please discuss your specific requirements during the quotation stage.

A geophysical survey is strongly recommended and dramatically increases your chances of drilling a productive borehole. Without a survey, there is a significant risk of drilling a dry or low-yield borehole — wasting your entire investment. Our ERT/VES surveys have raised our drilling success rate to over 95%. The survey cost is a small fraction of the total project cost and is always worth it. For small domestic sites where regional geology is very well understood, we may sometimes recommend a simpler hydrogeological assessment instead.

Borehole yield varies significantly with geology and location. In Trans Nzoia and the Rift Valley, yields typically range from 1–15 m³/hour. Most domestic boreholes yield 1–3 m³/hour, which is more than sufficient for a household or small farm. Schools and institutions typically need 3–8 m³/hour. Industrial and large farm boreholes may need 10+ m³/hour. Our hydrogeological survey gives a yield prediction before drilling, and the test pump confirms the actual sustainable yield.

Solar pumps offer several major advantages: zero electricity running costs (solar energy is free), suitability for off-grid and remote locations, low maintenance requirements (fewer moving parts than diesel pumps), environmental sustainability, and a typical payback period of 2–4 years through electricity savings. After payback, you essentially get free water for 15–25 years. Modern solar pump controllers also offer remote monitoring and smart protection features. The main limitation is that output depends on sunlight hours, which can be mitigated with a battery backup or adequate water storage.

We supply and install globally recognised brands including Grundfos (Denmark), Pedrollo (Italy), Lorentz (Germany/solar specialist), Franklin Electric (USA), and Davis & Shirtliff branded pumps. For solar systems, we primarily recommend Lorentz PS2 and Grundfos SQFlex series, which are purpose-built for solar applications and carry excellent warranties. We match the pump model to your specific borehole depth, yield, and water demand requirements.

The actual drilling phase typically takes 3–7 days for a standard domestic or light commercial borehole (60–120m depth in moderate geology). Deep or hard-rock boreholes can take 10–14 days. The complete project from initial survey to final commissioning — including permitting, drilling, test pumping, and equipping — typically takes 4–8 weeks. Timeline depends on geology, permit processing speed, and equipment availability. We provide project timelines in our quotation documents.

Borehole depth depends entirely on local geology and the depth of productive aquifers in your area. In the Rift Valley and western Kenya, productive aquifers are often found between 40–120 metres. In harder basement rock areas (central and eastern Kenya), depths of 120–250+ metres may be required. Our hydrogeological survey determines the target depth before drilling begins. We never drill deeper than necessary — the goal is to reach the most productive aquifer at the shallowest possible depth.

Test pumping is the process of pumping water from a newly drilled borehole at controlled rates for a defined period (typically 24–72 hours) to determine the safe sustainable yield, aquifer hydraulic properties, and water quality. It is required by the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) as part of the abstraction permit application process. Test pumping data also determines the correct size of submersible pump to install and predicts long-term borehole performance. We conduct all required step-drawdown and constant-rate tests and produce a full report.

In Kenya, borehole drilling requires: (1) a Drilling Permit from the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) before drilling begins, and (2) an Abstraction Permit from WRMA after test pumping is completed. You may also need county government approval and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for large commercial projects. HH Water Drops handles all permit applications on your behalf as part of our full-service offering. Annual permit renewal is also required. We advise against any drilling without proper permits as this is illegal under the Water Act 2016.

While our pre-drilling surveys significantly reduce this risk, no geological prediction is 100% certain. If a borehole produces insufficient water, we will first discuss options with you: borehole deepening to reach a deeper aquifer, relocating and drilling a second hole (at a reduced mobilisation cost since our rig is already on site), or borehole rehabilitation techniques to improve yield. Our quotations clearly state our liability and re-drill policy. We are committed to ensuring you end up with a productive water source.

Borehole water quality varies by location and geology. Most borehole water in Kenya is of good quality, but some areas have elevated iron, fluoride, salinity, or biological contamination. We conduct water quality tests as part of our test pumping service and advise on any required treatment. In most western Kenya areas we serve, the water is clean and may only require basic disinfection. Where treatment is needed, we supply and install appropriate systems (iron filters, UV sterilisers, reverse osmosis) to bring water to WHO and Kenya Bureau of Standards drinking water quality.

We recommend a comprehensive pump and system inspection every 12 months. This includes checking pump performance, electrical connections, rising main integrity, wellhead condition, and water level. A minor service — checking control panel, cleaning strainers, and testing performance — can be done every 6 months. Well-maintained pumps last 10–15 years. We offer affordable annual maintenance contracts that include priority emergency response if your system fails outside of scheduled visits.

Yes — borehole water is excellent for irrigation, and this is one of the most popular uses for boreholes on farms in Kenya. The consistent, reliable supply (independent of rainfall) is ideal for year-round crop production. We recommend a simple water quality test to check for any parameters that might affect soil or crop health (such as sodium, chloride, or pH). For drip irrigation, we advise fitting appropriate filtration at the pump outlet to prevent emitter blockages. We design and install complete farm irrigation systems to maximise your borehole's agricultural value.