Borehole Drilling Services by Bestcare Borehole Drilling
Getting a borehole right takes more than a rig and a crew willing to dig. It takes proper groundwater science, the right permits, correct casing and construction, and equipment sized to what the ground can actually sustain. Bestcare Borehole Drilling covers every stage of that process under one roof, from the first geophysical survey through to long-term maintenance, so clients aren’t stitching together five different contractors to get a working water system.
Below is a full breakdown of the borehole drilling services we provide, what each one involves, and what it typically costs.
Our Services at a Glance
| # | Service | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hydrogeological / Geophysical Surveys | Groundwater mapping and site suitability assessment |
| 2 | Borehole Site Investigations | Preliminary studies before drilling begins |
| 3 | EIA and Environmental Audit | Regulatory environmental compliance |
| 4 | WRA/NEMA Permit Support | Water permit and licensing assistance |
| 5 | Borehole Drilling | Rotary, DTH, and percussion drilling methods |
| 6 | Casing, Grouting, Gravel Packing | Structural borehole construction |
| 7 | Borehole Development | Well completion and cleaning after drilling |
| 8 | Test Pumping and Yield Evaluation | Confirming sustainable water output |
| 9 | Water Quality Testing | Lab analysis of drawn water |
| 10 | Borehole Equipping | Pump selection and sizing |
| 11 | Submersible Pump Installation | Electric and solar-powered pump fitting |
| 12 | Solar Water Pumping Systems | Off-grid power solutions for pumping |
| 13 | Plumbing and Distribution Network | Piping from source to point of use |
| 14 | Water Storage Solutions | Tanks, towers, and reservoirs |
| 15 | Irrigation System Design | Farm and estate irrigation setup |
| 16 | Dam Construction | Earth dams, check dams, sand dams |
| 17 | Lined Water Pond Installation | Geo-membrane reservoir construction |
| 18 | Borehole Maintenance and Rehabilitation | Servicing existing boreholes |
| 19 | Borehole Cleaning and Airlifting | Jetting and desilting |
| 20 | Borehole Renovation and Deepening | Screen replacement and depth extension |
| 21 | Pump Testing, Repair, Replacement | Fixing underperforming pump systems |
| 22 | GIS Consultancy and Groundwater Modeling | Data-driven site planning |
| 23 | Drilling Equipment Hire and Sales | Rig and tool access for other operators |
| 24 | Consultancy and Technical Supervision | Independent oversight of borehole projects |
Service Breakdown
1. Hydrogeological / Geophysical Surveys
This is where every serious borehole project starts. Using resistivity meters and geophysical survey techniques, our team maps subsurface layers to identify likely aquifer zones, estimate depth to water, and flag any geological risks before a rig ever touches the site. Skipping this step is the single biggest reason boreholes come up dry or underperform, so we treat it as non-negotiable rather than optional.
2. Borehole Site Investigations and Preliminary Studies
Beyond the geophysical reading, we assess the physical site itself: access for drilling equipment, proximity to septic systems or contamination sources, plot boundaries, and any restrictions that could affect siting. This preliminary study protects clients from committing to a location that later causes permit issues or water quality problems.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Audit (EA)
Borehole projects above a certain scale require an EIA, and existing water sources may need periodic Environmental Audits. We prepare and submit these reports in line with NEMA requirements, covering everything from projected water abstraction volumes to environmental safeguards, so the project stays compliant from day one.
4. WRA/NEMA Permit and Licensing Support
Drilling without a valid Water Resources Authority permit is both illegal and risky, since unlicensed boreholes can be capped later. We manage the entire permitting process on the client’s behalf, including application documentation, liaising with WRA and NEMA offices, and following up until authorization is granted.
5. Borehole Drilling (Rotary, DTH, and Other Methods)
We operate rotary and Down-The-Hole (DTH) hammer drilling rigs, selecting the method based on the geology encountered at each site. Soft formations are typically drilled with rotary methods, while hard rock zones call for DTH percussion drilling. Matching the right technique to the right ground is what keeps drilling efficient and prevents borehole collapse during construction.
6. Well Casing, Grouting, and Gravel Packing
Once the hole is drilled, casing is installed to prevent collapse and seal off unwanted formations. We use uPVC or steel casing sized to the bore diameter, grout the annular space to block surface contamination, and install gravel packing around the screen sections to filter sediment while maximizing water flow into the well.
7. Borehole Development and Well Completion
After casing, the borehole needs development to remove drilling mud, fine particles, and loose sediment left behind in the formation. We use surging, airlifting, and jetting techniques to clear the well, which improves yield and prevents the borehole from producing turbid water once it’s in regular use.
8. Test Pumping and Yield Evaluation
Before handing over any borehole, we run a proper test pump to determine sustainable yield, drawdown behavior, and recovery rate. This data tells the client exactly how much water the borehole can reliably supply, which then informs pump sizing and whether the source can support the intended use, whether domestic, agricultural, or commercial.
9. Water Quality Testing and Analysis
Groundwater composition varies significantly by location, and some zones carry elevated fluoride, iron, or salinity levels. We test drawn water for key physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters, then advise on any treatment needed, from basic filtration to more involved water treatment systems, so what comes out of the tap is actually safe to use.
10. Borehole Equipping (Pump Selection and Sizing)
Pump selection is based directly on test pump data rather than generic sizing charts. We calculate the right pump capacity, head, and power rating for the specific depth and yield of each borehole, avoiding the common mistakes of an undersized pump that struggles or an oversized one that draws the well down too fast.
11. Submersible Pump Installation (Electric and Solar)
We install both electric and solar-powered submersible pumps, complete with rising mains, control panels, float switches, and cabling. Installation is matched to the client’s power situation, whether that’s a grid connection, a generator backup, or a fully solar setup for off-grid properties.
12. Solar Water Pumping Systems and Power Solutions
For clients looking to cut electricity costs or operate in areas without reliable grid power, we design and install solar pumping systems sized to the borehole’s depth and daily water demand. This includes solar panel arrays, pump controllers, and battery backup where needed for consistent output even on cloudy days.
13. Plumbing, Piping, and Distribution Network Installation
Getting water from the borehole to where it’s actually needed requires a properly designed piping network. We install distribution lines connecting the borehole to storage tanks, household points, or irrigation zones, sized correctly to avoid pressure loss and built to handle the intended flow rates.
14. Water Storage Solutions (Tanks, Towers, Reservoirs)
Storage capacity smooths out supply and lets a borehole meet peak demand without running the pump continuously. We install plastic and steel tanks, elevated tank towers for gravity-fed pressure, and larger reservoir systems for institutions or farms with higher storage requirements.
15. Irrigation System Design and Installation
For agricultural clients, we design irrigation systems, drip, sprinkler, or a combination, that draw directly from the borehole supply. Systems are sized against the confirmed borehole yield so irrigation demand doesn’t outpace what the source can sustainably provide.
16. Earth Dam, Check Dam, and Sand Dam Construction
Where surface water harvesting complements or replaces groundwater abstraction, we construct earth dams, check dams, and sand dams designed to capture seasonal runoff for later use. These structures are particularly useful for farms and communities needing supplementary water storage beyond what a single borehole can provide.
17. Lined Water Pond / Geo-membrane Reservoir Installation
For large-scale storage needs, we install geo-membrane lined ponds that hold significant water volumes with minimal seepage loss. These reservoirs work well alongside borehole supply for irrigation-heavy operations or properties needing a substantial water buffer.
18. Borehole Maintenance, Servicing, and Rehabilitation
Boreholes need periodic attention to keep performing well. We offer scheduled maintenance covering pump checks, electrical system inspection, and yield monitoring, along with rehabilitation services for older boreholes that have degraded over time, including several that were poorly constructed by other contractors originally.
19. Borehole Cleaning, Airlifting, and Jetting
Sediment buildup, biofouling, and mineral scaling reduce borehole yield over time. We clean affected boreholes using airlifting and high-pressure jetting to clear screens and casing, restoring flow without the cost of drilling a new well.
20. Borehole Renovation, Deepening, and Screen Replacement
When an existing borehole’s yield drops permanently, or the water table has shifted, we assess whether deepening the well or replacing damaged screens can restore performance. This is often a far more cost-effective fix than starting over with a new borehole elsewhere on the property.
21. Pump Testing, Repair, and Replacement
Pump failures are one of the most common borehole issues we’re called out for. We diagnose faults, whether electrical, mechanical, or related to incorrect sizing in the first place, and carry out repairs or full replacement using pumps matched correctly to the borehole’s actual capacity.
22. GIS Consultancy and Groundwater Modeling
For larger projects or multi-site clients, we provide GIS-based mapping and groundwater modeling to guide siting decisions across a wider area. This is especially useful for institutions, agricultural operations, or developers planning multiple boreholes across a property.
23. Drilling Equipment Hire and Sales
We supply drilling rigs, casing, and related equipment for hire or purchase to other contractors and organizations running their own borehole projects, backed by our own technical guidance on equipment selection for specific geological conditions.
24. Consultancy and Technical Supervision for Borehole Projects
For clients working with another drilling contractor but wanting an independent check on the work, we offer technical supervision and consultancy, reviewing drilling logs, casing specifications, and test pump data to confirm the project meets proper construction standards.
Estimated Cost of Services
| Service | Estimated Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| Hydrogeological Survey | 15,000 – 40,000 |
| EIA / Environmental Audit | 80,000 – 250,000 |
| WRA Permit Processing | 20,000 – 50,000 |
| Borehole Drilling (per metre) | 2,500 – 4,500 |
| Casing and Grouting (per metre) | 2,000 – 3,500 |
| Test Pumping | 25,000 – 60,000 |
| Water Quality Testing | 8,000 – 20,000 |
| Submersible Pump Installation | 150,000 – 450,000 |
| Solar Pumping System | 250,000 – 800,000 |
| Water Storage Tank (10,000L) | 80,000 – 150,000 |
| Borehole Cleaning/Rehabilitation | 40,000 – 120,000 |
| Irrigation System Setup | 100,000 – 500,000+ |
Costs vary depending on depth, geology, site accessibility, and equipment specification. A site survey is required for an accurate quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How deep does a borehole need to be in Kenya? Depth varies widely by location and geology, ranging anywhere from 40 metres to over 200 metres. A hydrogeological survey gives a realistic estimate before drilling starts.
2. How long does it take to drill and equip a borehole? Most projects take between one and three weeks from drilling to full equipping, depending on depth, casing requirements, and pump installation complexity.
3. Do I need a permit to drill a borehole? Yes. A Water Resources Authority permit is required before drilling, and Bestcare Borehole Drilling handles this process for clients.
4. How much water can a borehole produce? Yield depends on the aquifer and is only confirmed through test pumping after drilling. Some boreholes produce a few hundred litres per hour, others several thousand.
5. Is borehole water safe to drink? It depends on the water quality test results. Some boreholes need simple filtration, while others require more involved treatment for fluoride, iron, or salinity before the water is safe for domestic use.
6. What happens if a borehole comes up dry? This is rare with a proper hydrogeological survey beforehand, which is why that step matters so much. If yield is lower than expected, deepening or relocating the borehole may be considered.
7. Can an old, underperforming borehole be fixed instead of drilling a new one? Often, yes. Cleaning, deepening, or screen replacement can restore yield on an existing borehole at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
8. What’s the difference between electric and solar pumps? Electric pumps rely on grid power or a generator, while solar pumps run off panels and are better suited to off-grid sites or clients looking to cut ongoing power costs.
9. How often does a borehole need maintenance? Annual servicing is generally recommended, though boreholes under heavy use may need more frequent pump and system checks.
10. Does Bestcare Borehole Drilling work outside Nairobi? Yes, projects are handled across the wider Central and Rift Valley regions in addition to Nairobi and its surrounding areas.
Why Choose Bestcare Borehole Drilling
1. Survey-First Approach. Every project starts with a proper hydrogeological survey, not a guess, which significantly reduces the risk of a dry or low-yield borehole.
2. Full-Service Delivery. From permits to pump installation, clients work with one accountable team instead of coordinating separate contractors for each stage.
3. Transparent Yield Data. Test pump and water quality results are shared directly with clients, not summarized as a vague “it’s working fine.”
4. Rehabilitation Expertise. A significant share of our work involves fixing boreholes other contractors got wrong, giving us a clear view of what not to do.
5. Long-Term Support. Maintenance, servicing, and rehabilitation are available well after commissioning, so clients aren’t left on their own once the borehole is running.
Property owners weighing a new borehole, or dealing with one that isn’t performing, can start with a site visit and survey to get a realistic picture of depth, yield, and cost before committing to the project.
