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How to Equip a Borehole in Kenya After Drilling: Pump, Power, Storage and Treatment

Herritech engineering teamUpdated 2 October 20263 min read

How to Equip a Borehole in Kenya After Drilling: Pump, Power, Storage and Treatment
Pictured: borehole submersible pump with float switch, a solar pump system and a 5,000-litre storage tank.
Quick answer: After drilling and test pumping, a borehole needs: a submersible pump sized to the borehole's depth and yield, a power source (mains, generator or solar), controls (pump controller or float switch so it never runs dry), a storage tank, and treatment if the water test shows salt, fluoride, iron or bacteria. Borehole water use is regulated by the Water Resources Authority (WRA).
Key facts
  • Size the pump from the test-pump yield and the depth
  • Protect the pump from running dry (controller or float switch)
  • Solar is common on farms; size panels to the pump
  • Test the water before choosing treatment
On this page
  1. Step 1: Survey, Permit and Test Pumping
  2. Step 2: Choose the Borehole Pump
  3. Step 3: Power: Mains, Generator or Solar
  4. Step 4: Controls and Protection
  5. Step 5: Storage Tank
  6. Step 6: Water Treatment
  7. Frequently asked questions

Step 1: Survey, Permit and Test Pumping

A hydrogeological survey comes before drilling, and borehole water use needs the required authorisation from the Water Resources Authority (WRA). After drilling, a test pump gives the safe yield (litres per hour) and the water level, the two numbers you need to choose the pump.

Step 2: Choose the Borehole Pump

Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 2 October 2026).

Choose a pump whose flow is within the borehole's safe yield, with enough head (lift) for the water level depth plus the height to the tank. See pump types explained.

Step 3: Power: Mains, Generator or Solar

Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 2 October 2026).

Solar suits farms and sites without reliable power: pump into a tank during the day. See solar water pumps and backup generators.

Step 4: Controls and Protection

Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 2 October 2026).

A float switch in the tank stops the pump when it is full; dry-run protection stops it if the borehole water level drops too low.

Step 5: Storage Tank

Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 2 October 2026).

Step 6: Water Treatment

Most Kenyan borehole water needs treatment before drinking or selling: RO for salt and fluoride, iron filters for iron, UV for bacteria. See borehole water treatment, or turn the borehole into a business with a refill station.

Watch: RO purifiers and water ATMs

Water ATM, bottle rinser and RO water purifierVideo · 1:16 · Herritech Ventures on YouTube
H-TECH 500 LPH 3-in-1 RO vending machineVideo · 0:23 · Herritech Ventures on YouTube

Frequently asked questions

What equipment does a borehole need after drilling?

A submersible pump, a power source (mains, generator or solar), controls and dry-run protection, a storage tank, and treatment if the water test shows problems.

How do I choose a borehole pump?

From the test-pump yield and water level: the pump flow must be within the safe yield and its head must cover the lift plus the height to the tank.

How does a solar borehole pump work?

Solar panels power the pump through its controller during daylight; water is stored in a tank for use at any time.

Do I need a permit for a borehole in Kenya?

Yes, borehole water use is regulated by the Water Resources Authority (WRA).

How much does it cost to drill a borehole?

Drilling cost depends on depth and geology; ask a licensed driller after the survey. We supply the pump, power, storage and treatment.

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