Borehole Permits & Legal Compliance in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide

Drilling a borehole in Kenya is a smart investment for homes, farms, institutions, and businesses seeking reliable water access. However, to ensure your project is compliant with national regulations, it's crucial to follow the legal permit process set by the Water Resources Authority (WRA).

At Aquaflow Logistics Ltd, we help clients navigate this process smoothly. Here's a simplified step-by-step guide to getting started legally and confidently:

✅ Step 1: Conduct a Hydrogeological Survey

Before any drilling can begin, a licensed hydrogeologist must carry out a survey to assess groundwater availability and sustainability. This report is a mandatory document in the permit application process.

Required Output: Hydrogeological survey report signed by a licensed geologist.

✅ Step 2: Apply for a Water Use Permit from WRA

With your hydrogeological report, you must submit an application to the Water Resources Authority (WRA). This process ensures your borehole won’t interfere with community or environmental water needs.

Documents Required:

• Hydrogeological survey report
• Land ownership or lease documents
• Map showing proposed borehole site
• Filled application forms (available on WRA portal or office)
• Payment of WRA application fees

✅ Step 3: Obtain Drilling Authorization

Once the permit application is reviewed, WRA will issue an authorization to drill. This is not yet the full abstraction license, but it allows drilling to commence.

✅ Step 4: Drilling, Test Pumping & Water Quality Analysis

With authorization, you can now proceed with actual drilling. Once complete:

• Conduct test pumping to determine the yield.

• Conduct water quality analysis to ensure it's safe for the intended use.

Both steps must be done by certified professionals, and the reports submitted to WRA.

✅ Step 5: Apply for a Water Abstraction Permit

If the borehole is successful and water meets required standards, you can apply for a Water Abstraction Permit to legally extract and use the water.

This permit outlines:

• The maximum volume allowed per day

• Usage purpose (domestic, agricultural, commercial, etc.)

• Period of validity (usually 5 years)

✅ Step 6: Compliance Monitoring and Renewal

WRA may inspect your borehole periodically and requires that permits be renewed upon expiry. Maintaining proper documentation and usage logs is essential for continued compliance.

🔍 Why Legal Compliance Matters

• Avoids penalties and closure of illegal boreholes

• Ensures sustainable use of groundwater resources

• Protects your investment from legal disputes

• Builds community and regulatory trust

💼 How Aquaflow Logistics Ltd Supports You

• We coordinate licensed hydrogeological surveys

• We handle all WRA application documentation

• We offer professional borehole drilling, test pumping, and water analysis

• We help clients stay compliant post-installation