Water Testing Kits in Kenya: What to Buy and What They Can Tell You
Quick answer: For everyday checks, a TDS meter (KSh 6,500) shows dissolved salts and whether an RO membrane is working, and a pH meter (KSh 4,500) shows acidity. A chlorine or pool test kit (KSh 5,000) checks disinfectant levels. None of them detect bacteria or most chemicals; for a borehole or a water business, get a laboratory test.
Key facts
- TDS meter = dissolved salts
- pH meter = acidity
- Chlorine kit = disinfectant level
- Bacteria need a lab test
On this page
What Each Test Tells You
| Tool | Measures | Cannot tell you |
|---|---|---|
| TDS meter | Total dissolved solids (salts) in ppm | Germs, fluoride, specific chemicals |
| pH meter | Acidity or alkalinity | Germs, salts |
| Chlorine / pool test kit | Free chlorine, pH (pool kits) | Bacteria count, salts |
| Laboratory test | Bacteria, fluoride, iron, hardness, chemicals | (Most complete) |
TDS Handheld MeterKSh 6,500
pH Handheld MeterKSh 4,500
SWIMMING POOL TEST KITKSh 5,000
Flow Meters panel mountedKSh 2,900| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| TDS Handheld Meter | KSh 6,500 |
| pH Handheld Meter | KSh 4,500 |
| SWIMMING POOL TEST KIT | KSh 5,000 |
| Flow Meters panel mounted | KSh 2,900 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 7 October 2026).
How to Use a TDS Meter
- Remove the cap and dip the probe in a clean glass of water.
- Wait for the reading to settle and note it.
- For an RO system, test the raw water and the product water; a working membrane cuts TDS sharply.
What the numbers mean: what TDS is safe.
When You Need a Laboratory Test
- A new borehole.
- Before designing a treatment plant or starting a water business.
- Any illness linked to water, smells or colour changes.
Read the report with how to read a water test report.
Milk Testing Too
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Lactometer | KSh 500 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 7 October 2026).
See how to test milk with a lactometer.
Watch: RO purifiers and water ATMs
Frequently asked questions
How much is a water testing kit in Kenya?
A TDS meter is about KSh 6,500, a pH meter about KSh 4,500 and a pool test kit about KSh 5,000 on H-TECH’s listings.
Can a TDS meter tell if water is safe?
No. It measures dissolved salts, not germs or most chemicals.
What TDS is good for drinking water?
Lower TDS generally tastes better; see our TDS guide for ranges.
How do I test for bacteria in water?
Use an accredited laboratory test.
How do I check if my RO is working?
Compare TDS before and after the RO; it should drop sharply.