Understanding Borehole Equipping in Kenya

Borehole equipping in Kenya is the final stage in developing a borehole, turning a drilled well into a sustainable water source. A borehole equipping proposal includes the installation of:

•                 1. Pumps

•                 2. Control panels

•                 3. Submersible and underground cables

•                 4. Galvanized pipes

•                 5. A main to the tank

Once the actual drilling is done and the borehole depth determined, a Borehole Completion Record (BCR) is issued by the Water Resource Management Authority (WRA). This record outlines crucial details such as the tested yield and static and dynamic water levels, giving you insight into the performance of your borehole.

Components of Borehole Equipping

Drilling boreholes and equipping them requires a variety of components, including the consideration of existing pipe material. The most important of these components include:

•                    1. Pumps

•                    2. Drop pipes

•                    3. Drop cable

•                    4. Accessories

•                    5. Control panel

Each of these plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of your borehole. However, these are not the only components necessary for successful borehole equipping.

 You also need additional installation accessories like:

•                      a wellhead 

•                      a water meter

•                      a float switch

•                      airline pipes

•                      electrodes

The careful selection and installation of these components form the basis of a well-equipped borehole.

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Regulations

Navigating the regulatory landscape is a crucial aspect of borehole equipping in Kenya. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) requires the submission of a Hydrogeological Survey Report along with other requisites for regulatory compliance when equipping a borehole with a motorized pump. If you plan to modify an existing borehole, be it by replacement, deepening, or widening, you need to obtain authorization from the Water Resource Authority as per the Water Act.

NEMA also reserves the right to request data from permit holders, including abstraction information, water level, and quality data, to ensure the sustainable use and protection of groundwater resources.

Selecting the Most Suitable Equipment for Your Borehole

Selecting the appropriate equipment is crucial to the success of your borehole equipping project. Your choice of equipment should align with:

•                     The water yield

•                     The total dynamic head, which accounts for the vertical distance for water transport and system losses

•                     The variability of the pumping water level due to seasonal changes and drought periods

                    Considering these factors will help you choose the right equipment for your project.

The durability and performance of your borehole equipment can be significantly impacted by water salinity, making it a vital factor in the equipment selection process. Not sure which equipment to choose? Don’t worry. Professional advisory services are available from borehole equipping firms to assist in selecting the correct pumps considering factors like water quality, yield, and intended use.

Submersible Pumps

One of the most important considerations when equipping your borehole is the choice of pump. Submersible pumps are a popular choice, available in different models and capacities, and offered by leading brands like AICO. These pumps are designed to extract water from considerable depths, making them effective for both shallow and deep wells. The fact that they operate silently due to being submerged makes them ideal for scenarios where noise could be a concern.

Moreover, the predominance of electric submersible pumps in the Kenyan market aligns with the common availability of electric power sources for borehole equipment operation.

Power Solutions

A reliable power source is indispensable for borehole equipping. You can opt for:

• Mains electricity for its dependability, especially when solar energy may not be feasible

• Generators in areas without grid access

• Solar power, which is fast becoming a favored choice for powering boreholes in Kenya. This green technology utilizes solar panels, controllers, and efficient cables to provide sustainable and cost-effective power for your borehole, turning it into a power house.

While wind power provides an additional option, it is less commonly utilized compared to solar or mains electricity sources in Kenya.

Cables and Accessories

The success of your borehole project doesn’t just lie in the choice of the pump or power source. Proper selection and installation of cables and accessories are equally crucial. Determining the appropriate cable length, accounting for the horizontal distance from the wellhead to the powerhouse, is essential for efficient borehole operation. High-quality accessories, including watertight connectors and robust cable protection, are critical for the protection and optimal performance of submersible pumps.

Properly selected and installed cables and accessories can significantly reduce the risk of electrical hazards such as short circuits, contributing to the safe operation of borehole systems.

Borehole Equipping Services in Kenya

Now that you understand the components and considerations for borehole equipping, let’s delve into the services available in Kenya. Companies offer a range of borehole equipping services that include drilling, setup of electric and solar water pumps, and transforming a well into a fully operative water supply system. In addition to these primary equipping services, providers also offer water treatment to ensure purity, hydrogeological surveys to assess water potential, and various installations to support the water supply system.

They also provide specialized services like engineering and constructing customized water storage structures, designing tailored water distribution networks according to unique requirements, and establishing a water delivery point.

Installation and Commissioning

The installation of borehole equipment is a task best left to the professionals. It’s a nuanced process that needs to be overseen by licensed water sector professionals to ensure adherence to Kenyan regulations.

This ensures that your borehole is equipped according to the standards and regulations that govern water resource management.

Test Pumping and Analysis

Test pumping and analysis are essential parts of the borehole equipping process. In Kenya, this requires a continuous pumping period of at least 24 hours followed by a recovery period of 20 hours. This process helps ascertain the borehole’s sustainable yield. It is essential for evaluating the borehole’s output, determining the suitability of the pump size, and designing the appropriate system for the borehole.

Along with performance analysis, water chemical analysis is conducted to define the chemical composition of the borehole water, ensuring that your borehole meets the necessary water yield and quality requirements.

Maintenance and Repair

To ensure the longevity and efficiency of your borehole, regular maintenance is key. This involves:

• Servicing to remove mud and debris accumulation

• Checking the pump and motor for any issues

• Testing the water quality regularly

• Monitoring the water level in the borehole

• Inspecting the wellhead and casing for any damage or leaks

By taking care of your borehole and keeping it clean, you can ensure that your water source remains reliable and sustainable for a long time.

Cost Considerations for Borehole Equipping in Kenya

Once you’ve decided to equip a borehole, one of the most important considerations is cost. The average drilling cost for a borehole in Kenya ranges from KES 4,000 to KES 6,500 per meter. However, this can vary based on the depth and geological conditions of your borehole. This cost is only for drilling, though. Additional costs for equipment and installation also need to be factored in.

Equipment Costs

The cost of the equipment required for borehole equipping depends on several factors. For instance, the price of submersible pumps varies depending on their power, performance, and the supplier. Direct suppliers like Honda, AICO, and Tiger provide quality pumps, but this can affect the purchasing cost.

More advanced and efficient pumps may have a higher initial price, but they can lead to potential long-term savings on the overall cost of borehole drilling.

Installation and Service Fees

In addition to the cost of equipment, you also need to consider the fees for installation and services. These fees can vary based on the complexity of the project and the expertise of the provider.

The installation of borehole equipment, for instance, needs to be overseen by licensed water sector professionals. This professional service comes with a fee that needs to be factored into the overall cost of borehole equipping.

Government Incentives and Support

While borehole equipping can be a significant investment, there is support available to ease the financial burden. In line with the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which deems access to clean water a fundamental right, the government has created supportive programs for borehole development. The Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation collaborates with county governments and the Constituent Development Fund to finance borehole projects through a competitive application process.

Several private sector companies also partake in borehole financing and offer borehole drilling, providing financial backing, technical expertise, and operations services, often under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

Case Study: Borehole Equipping Project in Kitui County

To illustrate the impact of borehole equipping, let’s look at the Kyalamoko Water project in Kitui County. Launched in 2017, this project included:

• Constructing a 201-meter deep borehole

• Pump house

• 2-kilometer pipeline

• 50-cubic-meter elevated steel water tank

• Water trough

• Three water kiosks

The completion of this borehole project aimed to serve around 21 villages and nine primary schools within the region. As a result, significant improvements in the quality of life, particularly for girls like Muli Mboya, have been observed with better focus on education and enhanced hygiene through reliable access to clean water.

Overall, the project is expected to:

• Reach around 7,500 people

• Enhance the availability and quality of water resources

• Make a long-lasting impact on the local community’s health and well-being.

Summary

In conclusion, borehole equipping in Kenya is a complex but rewarding process. Proper understanding of the components, regulations, equipment, and services involved is key to achieving a successful project. It’s important to select suitable equipment, follow NEMA regulations, and engage professional borehole equipping services. Consideration of costs, including equipment, installation, and service fees, is crucial, with government incentives and support available to aid in financing. The case of the Kyalamoko Water project in Kitui County showcases the transformative power of borehole equipping, providing clean water access to thousands of people and significantly improving their quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the equipment used for borehole drilling?

The main equipment used for borehole drilling is a drill rig. Depending on the terrain of the job site, different types of drill rigs are available, such as rotary drilling rigs, down-the-hole drilling rigs, percussion drilling rigs, and top hammer drilling rigs.

What are the requirements for drilling a borehole in Kenya?

Before drilling a borehole in Kenya, you will need permits from NEMA and WRMA, as well as a hydrogeological survey and water chemical analysis. These are necessary requirements to adhere to environmental and water resource regulations.

How much does it cost to equip a borehole?

It costs approximately 40,000 for a hydrogeological survey, 50,000 for permits, and 5,500 – 6,500 per meter for drilling the borehole. These are the primary costs to consider when equipping a borehole.

What is borehole equipping?

Borehole equipping involves installing pumps and accessories to convert a drilled well into a functional water supply system.

How do I select the most suitable equipment for my borehole?

When selecting equipment for your borehole, consider factors such as water yield, dynamic head, seasonal changes, and water salinity to ensure suitability and efficiency.