Kenya's Leading Borehole Drilling Contractor
Vajra Drill has been drilling boreholes across Kenya for over 20 years. Our fleet of modern DTH (Down-the-Hole) and rotary rigs is capable of reaching depths of up to 600 metres, covering all major geological formations found in Kenya — from the murram and volcanic soils of the Central Highlands to the basement complex of Eastern and Coast regions.
We are fully licenced by the Water Resources Authority (WRA) and comply with the Water Act 2016 requirements for all drilling, development, testing, and abstraction works. Every borehole we drill is handed over with a complete documentation package including borehole logs, pump test reports, and WRA abstraction permits.
Whether you need a domestic borehole for a home in Kiambu, a high-yield production well for a factory in Athi River, or a community water supply borehole in rural Makueni, Vajra Drill has the right rig, the right expertise, and the right track record.
Our Borehole Drilling Services
We offer a full spectrum of borehole drilling services — from standalone drilling to complete turnkey water system installations.
Domestic Borehole Drilling
Small-diameter boreholes (4"–6") for residential homes, apartments, and estates. Typical depths range from 60m to 200m depending on location. Designed to supply 0.5–3 m³/hour — sufficient for household use, irrigation of kitchen gardens, and livestock watering.
Commercial & Industrial Borehole Drilling
Large-diameter boreholes (8"–20") for factories, hotels, office parks, and industrial facilities requiring high yield. We conduct full aquifer testing (constant rate and step drawdown tests) to determine safe sustainable yield and design pump specifications to match.
Agricultural Borehole Drilling
High-capacity boreholes for irrigation schemes, greenhouses, tea farms, and livestock operations. We design borehole diameters and pump systems to deliver the volumes needed for drip, sprinkler, and flood irrigation — including solar-powered pump systems to reduce running costs.
Community & NGO Borehole Drilling
Rural water supply boreholes for schools, dispensaries, churches, and community water projects. We work with NGOs, county governments, and development agencies on community water projects, providing WRA-compliant documentation required for donor reporting and government handover.
Borehole Rehabilitation & Deepening
Restoration of low-yielding, silted, or casing-damaged boreholes. Services include airlifting, jetting, chemical treatment, screen replacement, and deepening into unexploited aquifer zones. We also redevelop abandoned boreholes for properties where previous drilling attempts failed.
Our Borehole Drilling Process
Every borehole we drill follows a structured, quality-controlled process from initial assessment through final handover.
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1Hydrogeological Survey
We conduct a geophysical survey using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) to identify the optimal drilling location, predict aquifer depth, and estimate expected yield. This step significantly reduces drilling risk.
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2WRA Licence Application
Before drilling begins, we obtain the necessary WRA exploratory drilling licence and ensure all statutory requirements are in place for a compliant borehole.
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3Rig Mobilisation & Drilling
Our DTH or rotary rig is mobilised to site. We drill to the target depth, collecting detailed geological logs throughout. Casing and screen installation is carried out as drilling progresses.
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4Borehole Development
After drilling, the borehole is developed by airlifting and surging to remove fine drill cuttings from the gravel pack and formation— maximising near-borehole permeability and long-term yield.
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5Pump Test & Water Quality Analysis
A step drawdown test and constant rate test are conducted to determine safe yield and aquifer parameters. Water samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for physical, chemical, and bacteriological analysis.
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6Pump Installation & Commissioning
We select, supply, and install the correct submersible pump, rising main, electrical panel, and control system. The system is commissioned and tested to confirm design flow rates are achieved.
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7Handover & Documentation
You receive a full handover package: borehole completion report, geological log, pump test report, water quality certificate, WRA abstraction permit, and operating manual.
What Affects Borehole Drilling Cost in Kenya?
Borehole costs in Kenya vary widely depending on several technical and logistical factors. We provide detailed itemised quotes — there are no hidden charges.
Drilling Depth
The deeper the borehole, the higher the cost. Depths in Kenya typically range from 60m (shallow Nairobi suburbs) to 400m+ (basement complex areas in Eastern Kenya).
Borehole Diameter
Larger diameter boreholes (for higher yield or larger pumps) require bigger drill bits, more casing, and more development effort — directly affecting cost.
Site Location & Access
Remote sites with poor road access increase mobilisation costs. Areas with known difficult geology (hard basement rock, loose formations) require more time and specialist consumables.
Casing & Screen Type
uPVC casing suits most domestic boreholes. Steel casing is required in fractured or unstable formations. Slotted screen specifications affect how well the aquifer is exploited.
Pump Type & Power Source
Submersible electric pumps, solar-powered submersibles, and surface pumps vary considerably in cost. Solar pump systems have a higher upfront investment but eliminate electricity bills.
Storage & Treatment Add-ons
Adding a water storage tank, elevated tower, water treatment system, or reticulation piping to the scope increases total project cost but delivers a fully functional water system.
Clients We Serve
We drill boreholes for a wide range of clients across Kenya's private and public sectors.
Residential Homes
Private borehole water supply for Nairobi homes and estates — free from NCWSC shortages
Commercial Buildings
Boreholes for offices, shopping centres, and apartment blocks reducing water utility costs
Farms & Ranches
High-yield agricultural boreholes serving irrigation, livestock, and agro-processing operations
Factories & Warehouses
Industrial boreholes providing process water and fire suppression supply independent of the grid
Schools & Colleges
Dedicated borehole water for boarding institutions — reliable supply for ablutions and kitchens
Hospitals & Clinics
Uninterrupted borehole water supply critical for healthcare operations around the clock
NGOs & Aid Agencies
Community water projects and WASH programmes — WRA-compliant drilling with full documentation
Hospitality & Tourism
Boreholes for hotels, lodges, and resorts — consistent supply meeting high guest water demand
Why Choose Vajra Drill for Your Borehole?
WRA Licensed & Compliant
We hold all required Water Resources Authority drilling licences. Every borehole comes with a WRA-endorsed abstract ion permit — essential for legal water use.
20+ Years Experience
Our drill teams have worked in every major geological zone in Kenya. We know where water is — and where it isn't — reducing your risk of a failed borehole.
Modern Drilling Fleet
Our rigs use modern DTH hammers and tri-cone bits that penetrate hard basement rock efficiently. We don't use outdated cable tool equipment that slows projects and increases cost.
Full Turnkey Capability
We don't just drill the hole. We install the pump, build the storage tank, fit the treatment system, and lay the reticulation pipes — delivering a complete working water system from one contractor.
Transparent Documentation
Every project is fully documented. You receive geological logs, pump test data, water quality results, and WRA permits — so you have a complete technical and legal record of your borehole.
Nationwide Coverage
We operate across all 47 counties. Our rigs are currently active in Nairobi, Central Kenya, Eastern, Rift Valley, Coast, and Western regions — with rapid mobilisation to most sites within Kenya.
Borehole Drilling FAQs
Borehole depths vary significantly by location. In parts of Nairobi (Karen, Kiambu, Ruiru), productive aquifers are typically found at 60–150m. In coastal and basement complex areas (Machakos, Kitui, Kajiado), depths of 150–400m are common. A hydrogeological survey helps predict the likely depth before drilling begins.
DTH (Down-the-Hole) drilling uses a pneumatic hammer at the drill bit to break hard rock formations efficiently. It is faster and more suitable for Kenya's basement complex geology. Rotary drilling uses a rotating bit with drilling fluid and is better for softer, unconsolidated formations. We select the appropriate method based on your site's geology.
A typical domestic borehole (100–150m depth) takes 3–5 days to drill and develop. Deeper commercial boreholes (200–400m) may take 7–14 days. Pump installation, water testing, and WRA permit processing add further time. A complete turnkey project typically takes 3–6 weeks from mobilisation to handover.
Yes. Under the Water Act 2016, all boreholes in Kenya require a Water Permit (abstraction licence) from the Water Resources Authority (WRA). Drilling without a permit is illegal and can result in the borehole being sealed. We handle the full WRA permit application process as part of our service.
A dry borehole is a risk in any drilling programme, though a thorough hydrogeological survey significantly reduces this possibility. We always conduct a pre-drilling survey to identify the most promising location. If a borehole yields insufficient water, we will assess options including deepening into a lower aquifer, relocating to a better site, or borehole rehabilitation.
A basic domestic borehole (drilling only, no pump) in Nairobi typically costs KSh 300,000–600,000 depending on depth and geology. A fully equipped turnkey system including pump, storage tank, and reticulation ranges from KSh 600,000 to KSh 2,000,000+. We provide detailed itemised quotations — contact us for a free site assessment and quote.