By Lydia Gichuki

Some farmers are securing boreholes at barely one-fifth of the drilling cost of their peers, as borehole drillers charge anywhere from Sh6,000 to Sh15,000 a metre, according to data gathered by FarmBizAfrica. Our list of borehole drillers for farmers to check and find the best option gives the prices for most of them, as well as details of the terrain and process that can add extra costs.

Requirements and the process of drilling

To have a borehole drilled, a hydro geological survey must be carried out by a geologist for Sh50,000 to Sh100,000, depending on the region and access. The geologist prepares three reports giving details on the depth, water salinity, expected yield and rock formation. These findings determine the method of drilling, which also affect the cost. The method can either be air drilling or mud drilling, which is more expensive.

Once the geologist has confirmed the groundwater has the potential to yield water, the drilling company seeks authorisation to drill from the Water Resource Management Authority (WRMA) at a cost of Sh25,000.

After WRMA has permitted drilling, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is done by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to determine the project’s possible effects on the environment. If it is found that the drilling will not damage the environment, a license is issued at a cost of Sh30,000. In some cases, the drilling company will also need a license from the municipal council and a no-objection letter from local water suppliers.

Getting the report and permits can take up to a month. After that, the company do a 24-hour drilling test to see how much water the borehole yields so it can recommend the best pump.

The process of drilling a borehole in its entirety is then likely to cost between Sh1.2m and Sh3m.

Related News:How much it costs to drill a borehole

Factors that determine the cost of drilling

1. Company’s pricing policy

Some companies charge per cubic meter, while others charge for the process as a whole.

2. The physical distance of the drilling company from the site

When a company is situated a long way from the site, the cost of drilling is likely to be higher because of the extra logistic costs.

3. The depth and width of the borehole

The width and depth of the hole will dictate how much material will be used and the pump to be used leading to lesser or greater costs.

4. The pump used

Depending on the size of the borehole, the cost of the pump varies. The company must carry out a 24-hour drilling test so as to recommend the right size of pump.

5. Geological characteristic of the site

If the site proves difficult to drill, the cost will be higher as more power will be needed to get through the ground. This will depend on the rock types and formation.

6. Drilling price

The prices per metre from drilling contractors can vary a lot, but check for differences in their equipment and other factors. 

Drilling contractors, as at June 2020