Looking to buy the best water pumps in Kenya—whether solar, petrol, or diesel?
Around 83% of land in Kenya is arid or semi-arid (ASAL). The farmers and herders in those counties face occasional droughts and overgrazing challenges. A 2016 study shows that drip irrigation can increase crop yields by up to 7 times in Kenya. it will benefit farmers’ income and biodiversity tenfold by watering crops and livestock in dry areas.
This guide will guide you on advantages of owning an irrigation water pump, a guide on how to choose the best pump and the major sellers or companies in the country where you can get one.
Why you need a water pump for irrigation
Irrigation is a type of climate-smart farming (CSA). You will supply water for crops on the farm as insurance against the risk of droughts. It will guarantee your yields and income despite low rainfall. Livestock farmers can harvest rainwater in surface and underground tanks and use it to grow and preserve animal fodder crops. During drought, you can use it to get high milk and meat yields.
On disadvantages, irrigation can cause waterlogging, soil alkalinity, and pollution of underground water sources. Besides. it can cause soil erosion and loss of fertile topsoil.
Given the above benefits of irrigation, you may need to consider owning a water pump to try it. Learn about the factors to consider to choose the best. It also has a list of the best types that are available in Kenya that you can buy.
How to choose the best water pump in Kenya
To choose the best irrigation water pump for your farm, consider the following five factors. These are cost, impact on pollution and flow rate. Others are the source of energy and ease of moving it.
Cost
You will consider knowing how cheap it is to buy and maintain your water pump of choice. Some types of pumps like petrol and diesel generators have low buying price but may be expensive in the long run from using expensive fuel. Others like solar-powered water pumps and windmill are expensive to install but have almost zero cost to run. Besides, some pump retailers have credit arrangements. You can consider buying a pump in which you can afford one through debt.
Power Supply
Grid electricity is the most efficient source of energy to power water pumps. If you are in a remote rural area, buy petrol or diesel water pumps. Besides, you can use wind or solar energy pumps. Sometimes, the electricity bills may be costly, hence use other water pumps.
Eco-friendly
Going green and use of clean energy like solar has many benefits for the environment. It helps to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that cause global warming. If your farm has green goals, go for a clean energy water pump like solar, wind pumps, siphons or hydrams.
Total Dynamic Head
Total dynamic head concerns with the vertical distance you need to move water from the source to the highest point before reaching crops or tank. The other factor is the pump’s flow rate to get the water volumes that you can pump in a day. To determine these, look into the pump’s horsepower (Hp) and its engines rotations per minute (RPM). You will need submersible or shallow pumps based on the source to generate maximum pressure for moving water.
Portability
Buy a mobile irrigation water pump that you can move from home to different pieces of land. Small pumps like the motorbike water pumps are portable. You will mount them to a motorcycle that you can go with to all places on your farm.
Best 5 water pump Suppliers in Kenya
Many companies sell water pumps in Kenya. Some are wholesalers and retailers that you can visit the physical or online shop to compare prices.
If you are looking to buy a water pump in a town near you, consider the companies listed below. They have shops and offices in Nairobi, Nakuru Eldoret, Nyahururu, Meru and Kisumu. They include;
he following table lists the top suppliers, their offerings, locations, and price ranges, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all pump types:
| Supplier | Why They’re Great | Pump Types Offered | Locations | Price Range (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Pumps Kenya | Leading supplier with brands like Honda, Aico, Tiger; wide range including solar | Solar, Petrol, Diesel | Nairobi, Enterprise Road; online at waterpumps.co.ke | Solar: 70,000; Petrol/Diesel: 20,000–100,000 |
| Grekkon Limited | Specializes in irrigation, serves over 35,000 farmers annually; reliable brands | Solar, Petrol, Diesel | Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nyeri; online at grekkon.com | Solar: 75,000; Petrol/Diesel: 13,500–90,000 |
| Davis & Shirtliff Group | Established since 1946, offers pumps from Grundfos, Pedrollo; extensive branch network | Solar, Petrol, Diesel | Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret; online at davisandshirtliff.com | Solar: 80,000; Petrol/Diesel: 30,000 |
| Aqua Hub Kenya | Focuses on irrigation, affordable pumps from international manufacturers | Solar, Petrol, Diesel | Nairobi, Enterprise Road; contact 0790719020; online at aquahubkenya.co.ke | Solar: 60,000; Petrol/Diesel: 25,000–90,000 |
1. Davis & Shirtliff
- Why They’re Great: A titan in the water pump game since 1946, Davis & Shirtliff offers a wide range of pumps—solar, petrol, and diesel—from global brands like Dayliff, Grundfos, and Pedrollo. They’re known for quality, durability, and excellent after-sales support.
- Pump Types:
- Solar: Submersible and surface solar pumps for boreholes and irrigation.
- Petrol/Diesel: Engine-driven pumps for high-pressure tasks like farming and construction.
- Where to Buy: Head to their Nairobi headquarters on Dundori Road, Industrial Area, or visit branches in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. You can also order online at davisandshirtliff.com.
- Price Range: Solar pumps start at KES 50,000; petrol/diesel from KES 20,000, depending on power and brand.
2. Grekkon Limited
- Why They’re Great: Specializing in irrigation and agribusiness, Grekkon is a go-to for farmers and off-grid users. They stock reliable brands like Honda, Aico, and their own Grekkon pumps, with a focus on affordability and performance.
- Pump Types:
- Solar: Surface and submersible pumps for small to large-scale irrigation.
- Petrol/Diesel: High-pressure and low-pressure options for versatile use.
- Where to Buy: Visit their offices in Nairobi (Wakulima House, Haile Selassie Avenue), Eldoret, Kisumu, or Nyeri. Online shopping’s available at grekkon.com or call +254 715 157 132.
- Price Range: Solar from KES 75,000; petrol/diesel from KES 13,500 to KES 90,000.
3. Aqua Hub Kenya
- Why They’re Great: A favorite for irrigation-focused pumps, Aqua Hub blends affordability with quality. They source from top manufacturers in Italy, the UK, and Japan, offering robust options for rural and semi-urban use.
- Pump Types:
- Solar: Low-maintenance pumps for sustainable farming.
- Petrol/Diesel: High-flow petrol and diesel pumps for irrigation and water supply.
- Where to Buy: Find them in Nairobi along Enterprise Road, or contact them at 0790719020. Check aquahubkenya.co.ke for online orders.
- Price Range: Solar pumps from KES 60,000; petrol/diesel from KES 25,000 to KES 90,000.
4. Water Pumps Kenya
- Why They’re Great: This supplier is all about variety—think Honda, Aico, Tiger, and Koshin brands. They cater to everyone from homeowners to industrial users, with a strong online presence for easy shopping.
- Pump Types:
- Solar: Efficient pumps for boreholes and surface water.
- Petrol/Diesel: Powerful 16hp diesel pumps and compact petrol models.
- Where to Buy: Located at SMK Business Centre, Enterprise Road, Nairobi (next to Hillocks). Shop online at waterpumps.co.ke or call 0735 288805.
- Price Range: Solar from KES 70,000; petrol/diesel from KES 20,000 to KES 100,000.
5. Chloride Exide Kenya
- Known for batteries, they’ve expanded into solar and engine-driven pumps, leveraging their 60+ years of trust. They’re ideal for integrated solar systems with battery backups.
- Pump Types:
- Solar: PV-powered pumps for residential and commercial use.
- Petrol/Diesel: Durable options through their wide dealer network.
- Where to Buy: Visit their Nairobi base at Exsan House, Enterprise Road, or any of their 1,500+ dealers nationwide. Browse chlorideexide.com.
- Price Range: Solar from KES 80,000; petrol/diesel from KES 30,000.
How to Choose the Best water pump in kenya
When buying water pumps, you should consider the following 4 factors.
- Type of Pump: Solar pumps are ideal for low running costs and off-grid areas, with wattage (e.g., 1kW+) and flow rate (m³/h) critical for needs like irrigation. Petrol pumps, starting at KES 13,500, are portable but have higher fuel costs, while diesel pumps, from KES 20,000, offer fuel efficiency for heavy-duty tasks.
- Quality and Durability: Look for pumps with warranties (at least 1 year) and from reputable brands to ensure longevity.
- Customer Service: Suppliers like Grekkon and Aqua Hub offer installation services, which can be crucial for users unfamiliar with setup.
- Location: Nairobi’s Industrial Area, especially Enterprise Road, is a hub, but regional branches (e.g., Grekkon in Eldoret) cater to rural needs.
How to Purchase the Best water Pump
- Research Online: Check reviews on platforms like X or local forums for real-time feedback, though direct supplier reviews may be limited.
- Compare Quotes: Contact suppliers for the latest prices, as ranges like KES 60,000–100,000 for solar pumps can vary.
- Visit Showrooms: If possible, visit locations like Davis & Shirtliff’s Nairobi headquarters to see pumps in person.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from peers, especially farmers, given Grekkon’s extensive agricultural reach.
