Borehole Casing and Screening in Nairobi and Kenya

Borehole casing and screening represents one of the most critical phases in water well construction, ensuring long-term functionality and water quality for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. This comprehensive guide explores the essential services, costs, and considerations for successful borehole development across Kenya’s diverse geological landscape.

---

Understanding Borehole Casing Systems

Borehole casing and screening involves installing protective steel or PVC pipes within drilled boreholes to prevent collapse, contamination, and maintain structural integrity. The casing system serves as a permanent barrier between the borehole walls and the water column, while screening allows controlled water entry from specific aquifer zones.

The casing installation process requires precise engineering calculations to determine appropriate pipe diameter, wall thickness, and joint specifications based on geological conditions, water table depth, and expected yield requirements. Professional installation ensures optimal performance and compliance with Kenya’s water resource management regulations.

“Proper casing design can extend borehole lifespan from 10 years to over 50 years, making it the most cost-effective investment in water infrastructure development.” – Kenya Water Institute

---

Types of Casing Materials and Applications

Steel Casing Systems

Steel casing offers superior strength for deep boreholes and challenging geological conditions. Carbon steel pipes with protective coatings resist corrosion while providing excellent structural support in unstable formations. Stainless steel options, though more expensive, deliver exceptional longevity in corrosive environments.

PVC Casing Solutions

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and PVC casing systems provide cost-effective solutions for shallow to medium-depth boreholes. These materials resist chemical corrosion, offer easy installation, and maintain structural integrity in stable geological conditions.

Composite Casing Technology

Advanced composite materials combine the benefits of both steel and plastic systems, offering corrosion resistance with enhanced structural strength. These premium options suit specialized applications requiring extended service life.

“The choice of casing material can account for up to 30% of total borehole construction costs, making material selection a critical economic decision.” – Association of Water Well Drilling Contractors

---

Screen Design and Selection Criteria

Borehole casing and screening systems require carefully designed screen sections to optimize water entry while preventing sand infiltration. Screen slot size selection depends on aquifer grain size analysis, ensuring maximum yield without compromising water quality.

Continuous slot screens offer superior open area percentages compared to perforated pipes, enhancing flow efficiency and reducing entrance velocities. Wire-wrapped screens provide excellent strength and longevity, particularly suitable for high-yield applications.

Screen placement requires precise positioning within productive aquifer zones, determined through comprehensive hydrogeological surveys and test drilling programs. Multiple screen intervals may be necessary in stratified aquifer systems.

---

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Pre-Installation Assessment Services

Service Type	Description	Estimated Cost (KES)
Geological Survey	Site assessment and soil analysis	15,000 – 25,000
Hydrogeological Study	Groundwater potential evaluation	30,000 – 50,000
Permit Processing	Regulatory compliance assistance	8,000 – 12,000
Technical Design	Casing and screen specifications	20,000 – 35,000

Casing Installation Services

Service Type	Description	Estimated Cost (KES)
Steel Casing Installation	6-inch diameter, per meter	2,500 – 3,500
PVC Casing Installation	6-inch diameter, per meter	1,800 – 2,800
Screen Section Installation	Wire-wrapped screens, per meter	4,000 – 6,000
Centralizer Installation	Casing alignment systems	1,500 – 2,500 per unit

“Professional installation reduces the risk of casing failure by 85% compared to non-certified contractors, protecting your investment and ensuring regulatory compliance.” – Kenya Association of Manufacturers

---

Advanced Screening Technologies

Borehole casing and screening technologies have evolved significantly, incorporating advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. Laser-cut screens provide precise slot dimensions, ensuring optimal hydraulic performance and extended operational life.

Continuous slot screens manufactured through advanced welding processes offer superior structural integrity and corrosion resistance. These premium screening solutions particularly benefit high-yield commercial and industrial applications requiring consistent water supply.

Pre-packed screen assemblies combine screening elements with graded gravel packs, simplifying installation while ensuring optimal hydraulic performance. These systems reduce installation time and improve overall system efficiency.

Specialized Screening Solutions

Screen Type	Application	Cost Range (KES/meter)
Continuous Slot	High-yield applications	3,500 – 5,500
Wire-Wrapped	Standard installations	2,800 – 4,200
Laser-Cut Precision	Premium applications	4,500 – 7,000
Pre-Packed Assemblies	Challenging formations	5,000 – 8,000

---

Installation Process and Quality Control

Borehole casing and screening installation requires systematic procedures ensuring proper alignment, joint integrity, and screen positioning. Centralized installation techniques prevent casing deviation, maintaining optimal hydraulic performance throughout the system’s operational life.

Quality control measures include pressure testing of casing joints, screen integrity verification, and alignment surveys using specialized downhole cameras. These procedures ensure compliance with international standards and regulatory requirements.

Professional installation teams utilize specialized equipment including casing hammers, alignment tools, and hydraulic installation systems. Proper equipment selection ensures efficient installation while minimizing risk of casing damage or misalignment.

“Quality control during installation prevents 90% of premature system failures, making professional installation essential for long-term performance.” – International Water Well Association

---

Maintenance and Rehabilitation Services

Routine Maintenance Programs

Service Category	Frequency	Estimated Cost (KES)
Visual Inspection	Annual	5,000 – 8,000
Camera Survey	Bi-annual	12,000 – 18,000
Screen Cleaning	As required	15,000 – 25,000
Casing Integrity Testing	Tri-annual	8,000 – 15,000

Rehabilitation Services

Borehole casing and screening systems require periodic rehabilitation to maintain optimal performance. Screen rehabilitation techniques include chemical cleaning, mechanical brushing, and high-pressure jetting to remove mineral deposits and biological growth.

Casing repair services address corrosion damage, joint failures, and structural weakening through specialized patching techniques, sleeve installations, and sectional replacements. These interventions extend system life while maintaining water quality standards.

---

Economic Considerations and Return on Investment

Borehole casing and screening investments provide substantial long-term economic benefits through reduced water costs, improved reliability, and enhanced property values. Professional installation and quality materials typically recover initial costs within 3-5 years through operational savings.

Lifecycle cost analysis demonstrates that premium casing and screening systems offer superior economic returns despite higher initial investment. Reduced maintenance requirements, extended operational life, and improved performance justify the additional expenditure.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Investment Level	Initial Cost (KES)	Annual Savings (KES)	Payback Period
Standard System	180,000 – 250,000	45,000 – 65,000	3.5 – 4 years
Premium System	280,000 – 380,000	70,000 – 95,000	3 – 4.5 years
Commercial Grade	450,000 – 650,000	120,000 – 180,000	2.5 – 4 years

“Investing in quality casing and screening systems reduces total cost of ownership by up to 40% over a 20-year operational period.” – Kenya Water Resources Management Authority

---

Regulatory Compliance and Standards

Borehole casing and screening installations must comply with Kenya’s Water Act regulations, environmental impact requirements, and county-specific building codes. Bestcare Facilities Management ensures full regulatory compliance through comprehensive permit processing and inspection coordination.

International standards including ISO 14688 for geotechnical investigation and ASTM specifications for casing materials guide our installation practices. These standards ensure consistent quality and performance across all project scales.

Professional certification requirements mandate that all installation personnel maintain current training in safety procedures, quality control measures, and environmental protection protocols. This commitment ensures reliable, compliant installations that protect both investment and environment.

Borehole casing and screening represents a critical infrastructure investment requiring professional expertise, quality materials, and comprehensive service support. Bestcare Facilities Management delivers complete solutions from initial assessment through long-term maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and maximum return on investment for clients across Kenya’s diverse hydrogeological landscape.

Coverage Areas for the Borehole Casing and screening

1 2 3 … 28 Next »