Borehole drilling is a major investment in Kenya, whether you are a homeowner, a farmer, a business owner, or a real estate developer. Choosing the right drilling company can make the difference between a successful, long-lasting borehole and a costly disappointment. Unfortunately, many clients rush into hiring the first contractor who promises quick drilling or a cheap quote only to discover hidden costs, poor workmanship, or dry wells.
To help you avoid such issues, this guide explains how to compare borehole drilling companies in Kenya before hiring one. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for, the red flags to avoid, and how to make an informed decision.
1. Check Whether the Company Is Licensed and Compliant
The first step when comparing drilling companies is to confirm their registration and licensing. In Kenya, borehole drilling is regulated to ensure safety, environmental protection, and proper groundwater management. A legitimate company should comply with:
Water Resources Authority (WRA) regulations
National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) requirements
County Government permits
National Construction Authority (NCA) categories related to drilling
Ask the company to show copies of these licenses and permits. Companies that operate without them are risky because:
They may violate environmental laws.
You could face fines or borehole closure.
The borehole might not meet national standards.
A professional company will also partner with licensed hydrogeologists to conduct the mandatory water survey before drilling.
2. Examine Their Experience and Track Record
Experience matters significantly in borehole drilling. Kenya’s geology varies greatly across regions—rocky grounds, clay soils, volcanic formations, and sedimentary zones. A contractor who understands different terrains is more likely to deliver successful results.
When comparing companies, ask:
How many boreholes have they drilled?
In what areas have they worked?
Do they have case studies or examples of successful projects?
Can they share contacts of past clients?
A drilling company with 10+ years of experience and a strong portfolio is generally more reliable. New or unknown contractors may lack the equipment, skills, or knowledge needed for challenging terrains.
3. Review Their Equipment and Technology
Borehole drilling requires specialized machinery. A professional company should have:
Modern and well-maintained drilling rigs
Compressors
Support trucks
Casing installation tools
Water testing equipment
Outdated or poorly serviced machines can slow down the project or break down midway, causing delays and extra costs.
Check whether the company owns the equipment or rents it. Companies that depend heavily on rentals may struggle to maintain timelines or control project costs.
4. Compare the Quotes Carefully Cheapest Isn’t Always Best
When you ask for quotes from different companies, you’ll notice the prices vary widely. A proper comparison goes deeper than choosing the lowest figure.
A good quote should clearly include:
Cost of mobilization and demobilization
Drilling cost per meter
Casing cost and type (PVC or steel)
Gravel packing
Borehole development
Wellhead construction
Test pumping
Water quality analysis
Final cleaning
Any optional services like pump installation
Be cautious of companies that:
Give a single lump-sum quotation without details
Offer extremely cheap prices (often a sign of cutting corners)
Add hidden charges during drilling
Do not include water testing or development costs
A transparent quote helps you determine the real value and avoid unexpected expenses later.
5. Ask About Staff Expertise and Professionalism
Behind every successful borehole project is a skilled team. When comparing companies, evaluate the qualifications and professionalism of their staff.
Key professionals you should look for include:
Experienced drillers
Licensed hydrogeologists
Groundwater engineers
Water quality specialists
Pump technicians
Also observe:
How well the company responds to inquiries
Whether they explain the process clearly
Their communication professionalism
Good companies are patient, informative, and transparent. Poor communicators often provide poor services.
6. Assess Their Turnaround Time
Time is an important factor in borehole drilling. A reliable company should provide a realistic project timeline that includes:
Hydrogeological survey
Mobilization
Drilling duration
Development and testing
Borehole completion report
Ask each contractor how long the drilling process will take and compare. Avoid companies that promise unusually short timelines—they may rush the job or skip important steps.
7. Check Their Warranty and After-Service Support
A borehole is not just about drilling it requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring. Reputable drilling companies offer:
Borehole performance warranties
Pump installation guarantees
Free or discounted after-service visits
Support for future repairs or deepening
Companies that do not provide after-sales support may leave you stranded if problems arise later.
8. Look for Reviews, Ratings, and Local Reputation
Before hiring a borehole drilling contractor, search online for:
Google reviews
Social media feedback
Client testimonials
Community recommendations
Companies with consistently positive feedback are more trustworthy. On the other hand, too many complaints about delays, dry wells, or hidden charges are major red flags.
You can also check whether the company belongs to professional associations such as:
Kenya Water Industry Association (KWIA)
Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya
Membership in professional bodies shows credibility and commitment to quality.
9. Evaluate Their Safety Standards
A drilling site involves heavy machines, deep shafts, and pressure pipes. Safety is crucial. Good drilling companies follow strict safety protocols, such as:
Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
Securing the drilling area
Ensuring proper waste management
Protecting nearby structures
Preventing water contamination
Choose a company that prioritizes safety for both workers and your property.
10. Beware of Red Flags
When comparing companies, watch out for warning signs such as:
No physical office or traceable address
No portfolio or client references
Extremely cheap quotes
Vague or incomplete contracts
Pressure to pay large deposits upfront
Lack of permits or refusal to show documents
These red flags usually indicate unprofessional contractors who may abandon the project midway or deliver poor results.
Comparing borehole drilling companies in Kenya requires patience, research, and careful analysis. The best contractor is not always the cheapest, but the one who offers transparency, experience, proper licensing, modern equipment, and solid after-service support.
A well-drilled borehole can serve you for decades, but only if the job is done professionally. Take time to analyze your options and ask the right questions before committing.
