1) Typical hydrogeological survey cost in Kenya
- ✓Budget / basic surveys
Often used for straightforward sites with good access and standard deliverables. - ✓Standard surveys
Common for homes, rentals, and small farms—includes siting + report you can use for quoting. - ✓Advanced surveys
Used when geology is complex or the project is high-stakes; may include deeper investigation and more detailed interpretation.
For regulatory reference, Kenya’s published schedule includes a groundwater investigation line item for hydrogeological assessment / borehole siting at KSh 40,000 per site (plus staff days and mileage; lab costs excluded). See the published schedule.
2) What changes the survey price?
- 1Location & access
Long travel time, difficult terrain, or security constraints increase cost. - 2Method used (basic vs advanced)
Advanced geophysics and more interpretation time raises budget. - 3Number of proposed points
Single recommended point vs multiple alternatives or larger parcels. - 4Deliverables & reporting
A proper written report with clear recommendations is worth paying for. - 5Permit support
If the hydrogeologist supports your WRA permit process, that’s time + admin work.
3) What a good hydrogeological survey should include
- ✓Site assessment + desk study
Topography, local hydrogeology indicators, nearby borehole behavior (when available). - ✓Geophysical siting
Measurements used to propose the best drilling point(s). - ✓Estimated depth range + formation notes
Not an exact depth—an informed range to help you budget realistically. - ✓Expected yield (as an estimate)
Helps size pump and storage strategy after test pumping confirms performance. - ✓Written report (shareable)
You should be able to send it to multiple drillers for comparable quotes.
Want a survey quote that includes a clear report?
Tell us your location (nearest town), your land access (easy/medium/remote), and your intended use (home, rentals, farming). We’ll advise the right survey scope.
4) Mini estimator (instant budget)
This is a quick planning tool. It estimates a range for budgeting only (final quotes vary by site and scope).
Tip: If your project is for drinking water, budget separately for water quality testing and any treatment recommended by lab results.
5) How to avoid overpaying (and avoid cheap mistakes)
- ✓Ask for a sample report
If a provider can’t show report quality, that’s a red flag. - ✓Confirm deliverables clearly
Siting point(s), depth range, method used, and report timeline. - ✓Don’t bundle blindly
If “survey + permits” is bundled, ensure you understand what fees are included vs excluded. - ✓Use the report to compare drilling quotes
Multiple quotes are only comparable when they reference the same scope.
6) FAQ
How much does a hydrogeological survey cost in Kenya?
Many projects fall in the KSh 40,000–110,000+ range depending on access, scope, and whether permit support is included.
What is included in a hydrogeological survey for a borehole?
Typically: site assessment, geophysical siting, recommended drilling point(s), estimated depth range, formation notes, and a written report.
Can I skip the survey and just drill?
Not recommended. Skipping the survey increases risk of low yield, wrong siting, or hidden water chemistry issues that are expensive to treat.
Does a survey guarantee water?
No survey can guarantee a specific yield, but a proper one reduces risk and improves decision quality. Test pumping after drilling is what confirms actual yield.