Borehole drilling is done in Kenya to meet the ever-increasing demand for water, primarily for domestic usage, irrigation, industrial, and livestock demands.
Borehole drilling in Kenya is mostly accomplished through the use of cutting-edge borehole drilling machines (also known commercially as borehole drilling rigs). Manual borehole drilling is also performed with manual digging tools.
Cost of Drilling Borehole in Kenya (Per meter per County)
| County | Cost (Min) | Cost (Max) |
| Nairobi | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Kajiado | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Machakos | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Kitui | KES 6,600 | KES 9,500 |
| Makueni | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Kiambu | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Nakuru | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Kisumu | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Turkana | KES 8,000 | KES 9,500 |
| Bungoma | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Busia | KES 7,700 | KES 9,500 |
| Narok | KES 6,800 | KES 9,500 |
| Mombasa | KES 7,000 | KES 9,500 |
| Kilifi | KES 7,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Kwale | KES 7,600 | KES 9,500 |
| Baringo | KES 6,900 | KES 9,500 |
| Siaya | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Homabay | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Uasin Gishu | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
| Budalangi | KES 6,500 | KES. 12,000 |
Requirements for drilling a borehole in Kenya
The following items are required to dig a borehole in Kenya:
1. Hydrogeological Survey
This is done to estimate the potential for subsurface water. A hydrogeology survey report will estimate the drilling depth, site location, and the nature of rock and soil formation, which will help determine casing materials and drilling costs. This survey must be conducted by a qualified, impartial, and certified hydrogeologist. In Kenya, the cost of a hydrogeological survey ranges from Kes. 95,000 to Kes. 110,000, depending on location.
2. Permit from the WRA (Water Resource Authority).
The Water Resource Authority is a state-led organization that regulates the usage of all water resources. Once the hydrogeologist report is complete, they will issue a borehole drilling license and permit drilling.
To get licensed by the WRMA, you must fill out an application online or visit one of their offices situated across the country. WRA issues authorization licenses, which give the go-ahead to drill a borehole. They then offer you a water permit, which allows you to use the water resources as much as you wish.
3. Permit from NEMA (National Environment Management Authority)
This examines the environmental impact of drilling. The report details both the positive and bad environmental effects of drilling. They grant a green light permit if the project will not have negative environmental repercussions.
4. Environmenta Impact Assesment
This involves looking at how a project could affect the environment, detecting both good and bad consequences on the sorrouding area and community. This ensures apprpriate environmental management.
Drilling will begin once all of the above conditions are met.
Read also, List of Salty Water Lakes in Kenya