A borehole is one of the best investments you can make in Kenya. A properly built one lasts 30 to 50 years. But most families, farms and small businesses do not have the full amount in the bank on day one.
The good news: you do not need it. This guide explains how to pay for a borehole in Kenya, from our own staged payment plan to SACCO loans, chamas and building in phases. Pick the route that fits your pocket.
Five Ways to Pay for a Borehole
- Our staged payment plan: save into our account, we drill at 75%.
- A SACCO loan: borrow against your savings.
- A chama or group: pool money with family, neighbours or members.
- A bank loan or asset finance: faster, but check the total cost.
- Build in phases: survey now, drill next, equip later.
Option 1: The Bonvic Staged Payment Plan
If your finances are not stable right now, we advise paying in stages. It is simple, and you do not need a bank loan.
How it works
- Survey and quote. We do your hydrogeological survey for KES 50,000 and give you a written quote based on the results.
- We share our bank account. You get our official company account details in writing.
- You deposit at your own pace. Weekly, monthly or whenever you can. Keep every receipt.
- At 75%, we start. Once you have paid three quarters of the project cost, we mobilise the rig and drill.
- Pay the balance over time. The remaining 25% is paid at the same rate you saved, over an agreed period, while you already enjoy the water.
A simple example
Say you deposit the same amount every month and it takes you 9 months to reach 75%. The balance is 25%, which is one third of what you have already paid. At the same pace it takes about 3 more months. So you get water from month 10, and you finish paying in month 12.
Why clients like it
- No loan forms, guarantors or CRB checks.
- You save toward a real goal with a clear finish line.
- Water starts flowing before you finish paying.
- Everything is agreed in writing before you start.
Only deposit into the official Bonvic Drilling company account that we share with you in writing, and confirm any change by calling 0727 666 444 first.
Option 2: A SACCO Loan
SACCOs are a popular way to fund land, housing and water projects. In 2025, regulated SACCOs lent Ksh948.67 billion, and land and housing took the biggest share at Ksh157.20 billion, according to SASRA figures reported by The Kenya Times.
- Many SACCOs lend 3 to 5 times your deposits.
- You usually need 3 to 6 months of steady saving first.
- Guarantors or security such as a title deed may be needed.
These figures come from this SACCO loan guide. Check that your SACCO is licensed on the SASRA website before you borrow.
Tip: a SACCO loan works well with our staged plan. Use the loan to reach the 75% mark sooner.
Option 3: A Chama or Group
Chamas are made for goals like this. Members contribute every month, and the group drills one borehole for everyone, or takes turns funding each member’s borehole.
Estates, churches and schools can do the same. Our guide to shared boreholes for estates shows how to set up a water committee and split the cost fairly.
Option 4: A Bank Loan or Asset Finance
A bank loan is fast if you qualify. But it carries interest and fees, so look at the total amount you will repay, not just the monthly figure. You can follow the latest lending rates on the Central Bank of Kenya website.
Avoid expensive short term digital loans for a borehole. The repayment period is too short for a project of this size.
Option 5: Build in Phases
You do not have to do everything at once. Many clients split the project into clear phases:
| Phase | What happens | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Survey | Find the right point and depth | Small first step; needed for the permit |
| 2. Drill and case | Drill, case, develop and test pump | The borehole is secured |
| 3. Equip | Pump, tank and pipes | Water starts flowing |
| 4. Upgrade | Add a solar system, a tower or treatment | Lower running costs later |
Check what depth to plan for in your area with our borehole depth by county guide.
Compare Your Options
| Option | Speed | Extra cost | Paperwork | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonvic staged plan | Steady | None from a lender | Low | Anyone saving over time |
| SACCO loan | Medium | Loan interest | Medium | SACCO members with savings |
| Chama or group | Steady | None | Low | Families, estates, churches |
| Bank loan | Fast | Interest and fees | High | Those who qualify and need speed |
| Phased build | Flexible | None | Low | Tight budgets |
Is a Borehole Worth It?
Piped water keeps getting dearer. In August 2026 WASREB approved new tariffs in several towns. Residential water in Kitui starts at KSh 198 per cubic metre and Sibo in Nairobi starts at KSh 162, as Kenyans.co.ke reported.
At those rates, a home using 1 cubic metre a day pays about KSh 4,900 to 6,000 a month for water alone. A borehole mostly costs power and upkeep after it is built. See the numbers in our borehole vs county water comparison, or work out your own payback with our borehole savings calculator.
Mistakes to Avoid When Money Is Tight
- Skipping the survey. A dry or salty hole wastes everything you saved.
- Picking the cheapest driller. Shallow holes and thin casing fail early. Read about the hidden cost of cheap borehole drilling.
- Paying cash with no receipt. Always pay into an official account and keep records.
- Borrowing short term at high rates. Match the repayment period to the project.
Use our borehole cost calculator to plan your budget before you start saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for a borehole in instalments in Kenya?
Yes. With the Bonvic staged plan you deposit into our company account at your own pace. We start drilling once 75% is paid, and the 25% balance is paid at the same rate over an agreed period.
When does drilling start on the staged plan?
Drilling starts once you have paid three quarters (75%) of the agreed project cost.
How long do I get to pay the balance?
The balance is paid at the same rate you used to save, over a period we agree in writing. If reaching 75% took 9 months, the balance usually takes about 3.
Can I use a SACCO loan for a borehole?
Yes. Many SACCOs lend 3 to 5 times your deposits for development projects. You can combine a SACCO loan with our staged plan.
What should I pay for first?
The hydrogeological survey. It costs KES 50,000 with Bonvic Drilling and tells you the depth and yield, so you can plan the rest of your budget.
Start Your Borehole Plan Today
Bonvic Drilling has drilled boreholes across Kenya since 2010. Book your survey, get a written quote and start saving toward your borehole with a clear plan. Contact us or send your location on WhatsApp.
