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High-Yield Farm Borehole with Solar Pumping

Agricultural Project | Nakuru County

Project Overview

Client Challenge

A mixed-use farm with horticulture blocks, pasture, dairy units and homesteads relied on shallow wells and diesel pumping. During dry seasons, production dropped and operating costs spiked, with frequent pump breakdowns and unpredictable water levels.

AKO Solution

AKO completed a hydro-geological assessment, then engineered a deep production borehole (~220m) sized around sustainable yield. We specified a stainless-steel submersible pump matched to the borehole characteristics, powered by a dedicated solar array and backed by elevated storage feeding separate irrigation, livestock and domestic lines.

Engineering Considerations

Design decisions balanced drilling depth against long-term performance, including choice of casing, screen zones and gravel packing to minimise sand ingress. Pump curves were selected to avoid over-pumping the aquifer, and the solar system was sized for worst-case seasonal irradiance so that daytime pumping could reliably refill storage tanks without grid or diesel support.

Technical Specs

  • • Depth: ~220m
  • • Casing: 6" stainless
  • • Yield: 18 m³/hr
  • • Pump: Solar-powered submersible

Results

  • • ~40% energy cost reduction
  • • Stable supply to all zones
  • • Zero diesel dependency
  • • WRA compliant

Where AKO Has Done Similar Farm Projects

AKO has delivered agricultural borehole and solar-pumping projects across key food-producing regions including Nakuru, Naivasha, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Eldoret, Nandi, Laikipia, Baringo, Nyahururu and Nanyuki. This experience in different soils, aquifers and topographies helps us design farm systems that stay productive through both wet and dry seasons.