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Your borehole cost estimate
Full cost component breakdown
| Cost component | Indicative range | Basis / notes |
|---|
This is a planning estimate, not a quotation. Published drilling rates are KSh 6,000–10,000/m; survey, test pumping, casing design, storage and civil works require site assessment. Final pricing depends on borehole yield, approved depth, pump specifications and groundwater quality.
Borehole cost breakdown by component
Every complete borehole project involves these six cost centres. Understanding each helps you plan your budget and evaluate quotations.
Hydrogeological Survey
A hydrogeological survey identifies the best borehole siting location, predicts aquifer depth and yield potential, and produces the regulatory siting report required before drilling commences.
| Survey type | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Desk study only (existing data) | KSh 20,000 – 40,000 |
| VES (Vertical Electrical Sounding) | KSh 35,000 – 80,000 |
| Full geophysical survey (ERT / TEM) | KSh 80,000 – 200,000 |
| Siting report for WARMA submission | Included in survey package |
Borehole Drilling
Drilling cost is charged per metre drilled (not per metre cased). The rate depends on the formation — soft alluvial ground costs less per metre than hard basement rock which requires more time, fuel and bit wear.
| Formation | Rate per metre | Example: 150 m |
|---|---|---|
| Soft / alluvial / clay | KSh 6,000 – 8,500 | KSh 900K – 1.28M |
| Hard rock / basement / volcanic | KSh 8,000 – 10,000 | KSh 1.2M – 1.5M |
| Mixed / unknown (blended) | KSh 6,000 – 10,000 | KSh 900K – 1.5M |
| Mobilisation factor | Typical addition |
|---|---|
| Within 100 km of Nairobi | KSh 40,000 – 80,000 |
| 100–250 km (county town) | KSh 80,000 – 150,000 |
| Remote / ASAL counties | KSh 150,000 – 300,000+ |
Test Pumping
After drilling, a test pump is used to measure the aquifer's safe yield (litres per hour), static and dynamic water levels, and water quality parameters. The results determine the permanent pump sizing and inform the NEMA licence application.
| Test type | Duration | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic air-lift yield test | 2–4 hours | KSh 20,000 – 40,000 |
| Step-drawdown test | 4–8 hours | KSh 40,000 – 80,000 |
| Constant-rate pump test (standard) | 24 hours | KSh 80,000 – 150,000 |
| Extended pump test (commercial) | 72+ hours | KSh 150,000 – 300,000 |
| Water quality analysis (lab) | 5–10 days | KSh 15,000 – 60,000 |
Pump Supply & Installation
The permanent submersible pump is sized from the test pump results. Key factors are the borehole yield (m³/hr), total dynamic head (depth + friction losses), and daily demand. Oversizing wastes money; undersizing causes pump failure.
| Pump type & capacity | Indicative supply cost | Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Light-duty electric (domestic, ≤1 m³/hr) | KSh 45,000 – 90,000 | KSh 20,000–40,000 |
| Mid-range electric (farm, 1–3 m³/hr) | KSh 90,000 – 180,000 | KSh 30,000–60,000 |
| High-capacity electric (commercial, 3–10 m³/hr) | KSh 180,000 – 350,000 | KSh 60,000–100,000 |
| Rising main pipe (per metre) | KSh 600 – 1,200/m | — |
Solar Pumping System
Solar pumping eliminates electricity bills and is ideal for areas without reliable grid access. The system includes PV panels, an MPPT/VFD controller, mounting structure, wiring and a solar-rated submersible pump.
| System size | Typical use | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (0.37–0.75 kW, 6–8 panels) | Domestic / small farm | KSh 180,000 – 320,000 |
| Medium (1.1–2.2 kW, 10–16 panels) | Farm / institution | KSh 320,000 – 550,000 |
| Large (3–5 kW, 20–30+ panels) | Commercial / irrigation | KSh 550,000 – 1,100,000 |
| Factor | Solar | Electric / grid |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Running cost | Near-zero | KSh 5,000–40,000/month |
| Payback period | 3–6 years | N/A (ongoing) |
| Off-grid suitability | Excellent | Poor |
Water Storage & Distribution
Storage tanks buffer against pump downtime, solar irradiation gaps and peak demand. Elevated tanks provide gravity distribution; ground-level tanks require a pressure pump. Civil works include slab, fencing and pipework.
| Tank type & capacity | Supply cost | Civil works |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic (polyethylene) 1,000–5,000 L | KSh 8,000 – 35,000 | KSh 5,000–15,000 |
| Plastic 5,000–10,000 L | KSh 35,000 – 65,000 | KSh 15,000–30,000 |
| GRP / fibreglass 10,000–50,000 L | KSh 65,000 – 250,000 | KSh 30,000–80,000 |
| Galvanised steel / concrete (custom) | Site-specific | Site-specific |
| Elevated tower structure (5–10 m) | KSh 80,000 – 200,000 | KSh 50,000–120,000 |
Typical total project cost ranges by use type (2026)
| Project type | Depth range | Low estimate | Mid estimate | High estimate | Key variables |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic (household) | 80–150 m | KSh 600,000 | KSh 1,000,000 | KSh 1,600,000 | Depth, ground type, pump size |
| Farm / irrigation | 100–200 m | KSh 1,000,000 | KSh 1,800,000 | KSh 3,000,000 | Yield demand, solar vs. electric, storage |
| Commercial / institution | 120–250 m | KSh 1,500,000 | KSh 2,500,000 | KSh 5,000,000+ | Yield, treatment, elevated storage, licencing |
| ASAL / remote county | 80–200 m | KSh 1,200,000 | KSh 2,200,000 | KSh 4,000,000+ | Mobilisation, solar requirement, logistics |
These ranges are indicative planning figures based on 2026 published rates. All figures are exclusive of VAT, NEMA/WARMA licensing fees, and land/access costs. Request a site-specific quotation for a binding price.
Typical borehole depths by Kenya county
These depth ranges are indicative based on regional hydrogeology. A site-specific geophysical survey will refine the target depth for your plot.
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Our engineers will assess your site, confirm the depth and yield, and provide a binding itemised price — at no obligation.