From the first survey to the first litre — one contract.
We handle everything: hydrogeological survey, WRA drilling permit, drilling, casing, test pumping, water quality testing, pump installation, storage tanks and piping. Handed over ready to run.
The full process
Every step, handled.
- 01
Hydrogeological survey & siting
We survey the site to identify the most productive aquifer zone and recommend the optimal drill location before a metre of ground is broken.
- 02
WRA drilling permit & NEMA advice
We prepare and follow up the Water Resources Authority drilling permit application. Where NEMA requirements apply, we advise accordingly. Permit fees are paid by the client; we handle the paperwork.
- 03
Drilling
Rotary or down-the-hole drilling to the required depth. Progress is logged in real time. We work in Nairobi and countrywide.
- 04
Casing & gravel packing
The borehole is cased to prevent collapse and fitted with a screen at the aquifer zone. Gravel packing stabilises the formation around the screen.
- 05
Borehole flushing & development
The borehole is developed to remove drilling residue and maximise yield before pumping begins.
- 06
Test pumping & yield analysis
Step and constant-rate pumping tests determine the safe yield and sustainable pumping rate. This data drives the pump selection.
- 07
Water quality testing
Water samples are submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Results inform any treatment (chlorination, filtration) needed before use.
- 08
Pump, tank & distribution installation
Submersible pump or solar pump, rising main, wellhead, storage tank (ground or elevated), piping and distribution — all installed, commissioned and documented.
Who we drill for
Water for any site, any size.
- Farms & irrigation schemes
- Schools & colleges
- Health facilities
- Hotels & lodges
- Residential estates
- Churches & mosques
- NGOs & county programmes
- Industrial sites
We also install solar-powered pumping systems alongside boreholes — one contract, no grid electricity required.
Pump options
| Type | Power source | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible electric pump | KPLC / generator | Grid-connected sites, high daily volumes |
| Solar submersible pump | Solar array | Remote sites, farms, low running cost |
| Hand pump (Bush pump) | Manual | Low-yield rural boreholes, emergency backup |
Pump selection is driven by borehole yield, daily water demand, and available power. We recommend based on test-pump data.
Cost drivers
What affects your borehole quote.
Drilling depth
The main cost variable. Depth to water varies widely by geology and location — a few areas reach water at 30 m; others require 150 m or more. The survey narrows this before drilling.
Aquifer yield
A high-yielding borehole can support a large pump and storage. A low-yield borehole requires careful sizing to avoid overpumping — affecting pump selection and storage sizing.
Pump size & type
Electric submersible pumps are sized in kW. Solar pumps add the cost of a solar array and controller. Hand pumps are low-cost but only suit low-yield applications.
Storage capacity
Ground-level plastic or steel tanks are low-cost. Elevated steel or concrete tanks for gravity distribution are more expensive but eliminate ongoing pump operation costs.
Site distance & access
Sites beyond Nairobi incur travel and logistics costs for the drilling rig. Sites with difficult access (steep terrain, mud roads) affect mobilisation.
Water treatment
If laboratory results indicate the need for chlorination, iron removal, or other treatment, this adds to the scope and cost. We quote based on actual test results.
Timeline
From enquiry to water.
- 01Site survey & report1–2 days on site. Report in 2–5 working days.
- 02Quote & permit applicationQuote within 5 working days of survey. WRA permit takes 2–4 weeks (we apply; client pays fee).
- 03Drilling & development2–7 days depending on depth and geology.
- 04Test pumping & water quality1–3 days on site; lab results in 3–5 working days.
- 05Equipping & commissioning2–5 days for pump, tank, piping and handover.
Permits & compliance
We handle the paperwork.
WRA drilling permit: Required by law before any borehole is drilled in Kenya. We prepare the application, submit it and follow up with WRA. The permit fee is paid by the client; we manage the process end to end.
NEMA: An Environmental Impact Assessment may be required for large-scale water abstraction (e.g. irrigation schemes or high-volume commercial use). We advise on whether EIA is required for your project.
WRA abstraction licence: After drilling, an abstraction permit is required for ongoing water use. We guide you through this application.
Warranty & aftercare
- Borehole drilling — 1-year workmanship warranty on casing and screen installation
- Submersible pump — 1–2 year manufacturer warranty depending on brand
- Piping & tank installation — 1-year Chimtech installation warranty
- Maintenance contracts — scheduled pump service and water quality retesting available
Common questions
Borehole FAQs.
Borehole cost depends on drilling depth, aquifer conditions, pump size, storage capacity, treatment requirements and site distance. We provide a detailed, itemised quote after a site survey. The hydrogeological survey gives you the best available estimate of depth before any drilling begins — removing most of the guesswork.
Most land in Kenya has groundwater at some depth. The hydrogeological survey uses surface geophysics (resistivity or seismic methods) to map the subsurface and identify the most likely water-bearing zones before drilling. It doesn't guarantee water, but it significantly increases the probability of a productive borehole and avoids wasting money on the wrong spot.
Yes. We prepare the WRA drilling permit application and follow it up. The permit fee itself is paid by the client (fees are set by WRA). We also assist with the abstraction permit application after drilling is complete. No borehole should be drilled legally without a valid WRA permit.
Drilling itself typically takes 2–7 days depending on depth and rock type. The full process from survey to handover — including the WRA permit (2–4 weeks), test pumping and equipping — takes 4–8 weeks on average. We confirm the timeline in your quote.
A dry borehole is uncommon when preceded by a proper hydrogeological survey — we use the survey to maximise the probability of a productive result. In the event of a dry hole, drilling costs to that point are still incurred; this is the nature of the work and is stated clearly in our contract. We discuss this honestly with every client before work begins.
Ready to put water on your land?
Free site survey and an itemised quote — no obligation.