How to Choose a Water Pump in Kenya: Head, Flow, Pump Types and Prices
Quick answer: Choose a water pump by three things: where the water is (tank, shallow well or borehole), how high it must go (total head in metres) and how much you need (flow in litres per minute or m³/h). Booster pumps raise pressure in houses; surface pumps lift from tanks and shallow wells; submersible pumps work inside boreholes.
Key facts
- Total head = vertical lift + pipe friction losses
- Surface pumps can only suck water up about 7 m; deeper water needs a submersible
- Booster pumps with a pressure controller give steady taps and showers
- Protect pumps from dry running with a float switch or controller
Pump types and where they fit
| Pump type | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Booster pump | Raising water pressure from a tank to taps, showers and geysers |
| Surface (centrifugal) pump | Moving water from a ground tank or shallow well to a raised tank |
| Multistage pump | High pressure: tall buildings, RO plants, long pipelines |
| Submersible pump | Inside a borehole or deep well |
| Solar pump | Farms and sites without reliable grid power |
How to work out head and flow
- Vertical lift: height from the water level to the highest outlet or tank.
- Friction: add about 10–20% for pipes, bends and valves over a long run.
- Flow: how many litres per minute you need at the busiest time.
Match these to the pump's curve. A pump sized too small never fills the tank; one far too big wastes power and wears out.
Pump prices (selection)
DAYLIFF DDV60KSh 6,500
DAYLIFF DDW 750VKSh 9,000
DAYLIFF DDW 750SKSh 9,000
PEDROLLO EASY SMALLKSh 9,200
DAYLIFF PRESS CONTROL 1.5KWKSh 15,750
DAYLIFF DDA1000PKSh 16,500| Model | Size / capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| DAYLIFF DDV60 | – | KSh 6,500 |
| DAYLIFF DDW 750V | – | KSh 9,000 |
| DAYLIFF DDW 750S | – | KSh 9,000 |
| PEDROLLO EASY SMALL | – | KSh 9,200 |
| DAYLIFF PRESS CONTROL 1.5KW | – | KSh 15,750 |
| DAYLIFF DDA1000P | – | KSh 16,500 |
| DAYLIFF DC80P 3" | – | KSh 20,200 |
| DAYLIFF DDA1200C | – | KSh 21,000 |
| DAYLIFF DDJ1100 | – | KSh 22,500 |
| PEDROLLO JSW1A | – | KSh 23,500 |
| PEDROLLO EASY PRESS PUMP CONTROLLER | – | KSh 24,000 |
| DAYLIFF DDJ750 | – | KSh 25,710 |
| DAYLIFF DC50P | – | KSh 26,830 |
| DAYLIFF DSD3/18 COMPLETE WITH FLOATSWITCH | – | KSh 31,000 |
| PEDROLLO TOP MULTI | – | KSh 37,500 |
| PEDROLLO TOP2 | – | KSh 38,300 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 29 September 2026). Full range: Water pumps price list.
Protect your pump
- Fit a float switch or pressure controller so the pump never runs dry.
- Use the correct cable size and a starter with overload protection.
- Keep a foot valve and strainer on suction lines.
Frequently asked questions
Which pump do I need for a borehole?
A submersible pump sized for the water depth, the lift to your tank and the borehole yield.
Why is my water pressure low?
Often the tank is too low or the pipes too long. A booster pump with a pressure controller fixes most house pressure problems.
Can a surface pump draw from a deep well?
No. Surface pumps can only lift water about 7 m by suction; deeper water needs a submersible pump.
Do you install pumps?
Yes. Delivery and installation are confirmed on your quotation.