Legal Guide • Kenya

Borehole Permits in Kenya: WRA, NEMA & Legal Requirements Explained

Drilling a borehole in Kenya isn’t just a technical project — it’s a regulated legal process. Whether it’s for a home, school, farm, or apartments, you must follow the correct WRA and environmental approval process before drilling begins.

🗓️ Feb 2026 ⏱️ 7–10 min read ⚖️ Legal guide
On this page
  1. Why permits exist
  2. WRA permit explained
  3. NEMA & EIA approvals
  4. Documents required
  5. Timeline & costs
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ

1) Why borehole permits exist

In Kenya, groundwater is treated as a shared national resource regulated under the Water Act. Authorities control abstraction to prevent aquifer depletion, pollution, and conflicts between users. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Important: Even boreholes on private land must be licensed — water is not privately owned underground. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

2) WRA permit explained (core approval)

The Water Resources Authority (WRA) is the main regulator of groundwater use in Kenya. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} A WRA permit allows you to:

  • ✓
    Drill legally
  • ✓
    Construct abstraction works
  • ✓
    Extract groundwater

Typical process: survey → application → review → drilling authorization → abstraction permit. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

WRA permits are usually renewable every 5 years and may include annual water use charges. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

3) NEMA & Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Most motorized boreholes require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), especially for commercial or high-volume use. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

  • ✓
    EIA report by licensed expert
  • ✓
    Submission to NEMA
  • ✓
    Environmental license issued
NEMA approval confirms that the project will not cause major environmental harm. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

4) Documents required for borehole permits

  • 1
    Hydrogeological survey report
  • 2
    Land ownership or lease documents
  • 3
    WRA application forms
  • 4
    EIA report (where applicable)
  • 5
    Company registration (if institutional)

Authorities may also request stakeholder consultations or site inspections. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

5) Timeline & typical costs

  • ⏱️
    Permit processing: ~4–8 weeks depending on completeness. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  • 💰
    Application fees vary by category and usage scale. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  • 📄
    Permits may include renewal and annual abstraction charges.
Incomplete documentation is the biggest cause of delays.

6) Common permit mistakes

  • ⚠️
    Drilling before WRA authorization
  • ⚠️
    Using unlicensed contractors
  • ⚠️
    Skipping EIA for commercial projects
  • ⚠️
    Ignoring completion reports
Illegal boreholes can be sealed or fined heavily by regulators. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

FAQ

Can I drill a borehole on private land without permits?

No. Boreholes require WRA approval even on private property. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Is NEMA approval always required?

Most motorized or commercial boreholes require environmental screening or EIA approval.

Who issues borehole permits in Kenya?

The Water Resources Authority regulates groundwater abstraction under national water laws. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

HD
Hydrodrill Solutions Permits • Hydrogeology • Borehole systems