Types of Water Pumps in Kenya

Water pumps exist to transfer water in a wide range of applications with varying flow rate and pressure requirements. They are powered by electric, solar, diesel or petrol engines. Aqua Hub Kenya is a recognised supplier of different types of water pumps designed for high performance in irrigation, home and other needs.

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Water pumps transfer water from one place (source) to another point of use or storage.

Quick Takeaways

• The best water pumps in Kenya start with identifying your water source and pressure needs.
• Solar pumps are ideal for off-grid applications with low running costs.
• Submersible and centrifugal pumps cover most borehole and irrigation needs.
• Booster and high-pressure pumps assist in improving flow where pressure is low.
• Diesel/petrol pumps remain useful where power is unavailable.
• Always match pump capacity (flow & head) with your actual usage requirements.

How do different types of water pumps operate?

Most common pumps work by transforming mechanical energy from a motor into hydraulic energy, creating suction to pull water into an inlet and then forcing it out through an outlet at higher pressure.

However, the mechanism that creates suction varies with the pump type:

• Centrifugal pumps rely on a spinning impeller to create flow.
• Positive displacement pumps push water through mechanical action (such as pistons or diaphragms).

Once you understand the various types of pumps, it becomes easy to choose one that will serve you.

Cost of Different Types of Water Pumps in Kenya

Submersible Water Pump Prices in Kenya

Includes electric and solar submersible water pumps. They cost between KES 15,000 and KES 150,000.

Solar Water Pump Prices in Kenya

Cost varies depending on the size and complete system requirements. Solar pumps alone may cost between KES 30,000 to KES 200,000.

Electric Booster Pump Prices in Kenya

Between KES 10,000 and KES 100,000.

Diesel Water Pump Prices in Kenya

KES 25,000 to KES 250,000.

Petrol Water Pump Prices in Kenya

KES 18,000 to KES 65,000.

Categories of Water Pumps

Water pumps can be grouped based on where and how you’ll use them:

Domestic Water Pumps

These provide clean water from tanks, shallow wells, or household systems.

Irrigation Pumps

Used to irrigate crops, supply livestock, or fill farm water tanks.

Borehole Pumps

Designed for deep underground water extraction.

Booster Pumps

Booster pumps are used to increase pressure for efficient irrigation, home applications and water pipes.

Improve water flow and pressure to taps, showers, or upper floors in buildings.

Each category has distinct requirements, so make sure your choice matches your specific water source and usage.

Types of Water Pumps in Kenya and their Applications

Surface Water Pumps

Surface pumps are installed above ground and supply water from sources not exceeding 8 m deep. They are ideal for transferring water from tanks, shallow wells, rivers, or ponds.

Advantages of Surface Pumps

• Easy to install and maintain
• It is portable; thus, it can be used in more than one place.
• A wide range of options available

Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps

Pumping solutions for borehole water pumping, drainage of sumps and transfer of sewage wastewater. Ideal for boreholes exceeding 20 m deep.

Submersible pumps work while completely immersed in the water body.

submersible Sump pumps

Advantages of Submersible Pumps

• Designed from a non-corrosive and stainless-steel body, thus more durable.
• Low noise level
• Prevents cavitation
• High efficiency

Solar Water Pumps

Solar water pumps use photovoltaic energy to operate, eliminating fuel costs and grid dependence. They are becoming popular because of their economical and environmentally friendly advantage.

Benefits of Solar Water Pumps

• Saves on fuel and electricity bills.
• Less maintenance needs
• Environmentally friendly.

Booster Pumps

When you need higher pressure in your water supply system, a booster pump will be recommended. They are used for pumping water to rooftops in tall buildings, high-pressure irrigation systems and general water transfer.

booster pump for lawn irrigation system

Centrifugal Water Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are among the most common pumps for moving water over short or long distances. They use an impeller to push water outward by centrifugal force.

Types of Centrifugal Pumps

• Single stage: designed with one impeller. Economical, thus ideal for domestic use.
• Multi-stage: Multiple impellers to increase head. Suitable for higher lifts or high-pressure

Centrifugal pumps are excellent for irrigation, water transfer needs and filling tanks.

Positive Displacement Pumps

These pumps deliver a fixed amount of water for every cycle of operation and are useful when consistent flow is needed regardless of head pressure.

The common positive displacement pumps include:

• Diaphragm pumps
• Piston pumps

Positive displacement pumps are ideal for a stable flow supply of viscous fluids. Also used for high-pressure agriculture water supply.

Fuel Engine Water Pumps

Engine pumps use petrol or diesel engine pumps to generate power for moving water. They are commonly used for irrigation in areas where electricity is unreliable.

Drawbacks include fuel cost and noise, but for high-volume or emergency use they remain useful.

Jet Pumps

Jet pumps use suction and pressure differential to bring water up from shallow wells, often less than 50 m.

Monoblock Pumps

Monoblock pumps combine motor and pump in one unit, ideal for small home and garden use based on similar principles.

Jet pumps are ideal for pumping water from tanks, shallow wells, or dams.

Choosing the Best Water Pump in Kenya

The dynamics of water pump acquisition are explained below:

Water Source

Because pumps are different in suction capability, each pump is designed for specific water sources.

Deep borehole: Submersible solar or electric pumps

Shallow well: if the depth is less than 7 m, use a surface pump. If exceeding 7 m but less than 30 m, use a jet pump.

Flow Rate

Higher flow rate and head require pumps with a large motor and robust performance.

Power

Motor power requirements are an important factor when buying a water pump. It determines the suitable pump to choose according to your power source.

Budget

Consider the upfront cost and the expenses of running the water pump before buying it. A solar pump would be appropriate if you want low pumping costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best water pump in Kenya?

Depends on your water requirements.

How do water pumps operate?

They move water by rotation of the impeller or displacement mechanism.

Which type of water pump should I buy?

It depends on your water requirements and the intended use of the pump.

What are the types of high-pressure water pumps?

Multi-stage centrifugal and booster pumps.

What are the three common types of water pumps?

Centrifugal, positive displacement, and submersible pumps.

What to consider when looking for a water pump?

Water source, depth, flow rate, power source, and budget.

How much does a water pump cost in Kenya?

It depends on the type of pump. KES 10,000 – KES 30,000 for small electric pumps and up to KES 200,000 for solar and heavy-duty diesel pumps.

How many litres per minute does a 1.5 HP pump discharge in?

100–500 litres.

Do diesel pumps work better than electric?

Diesel pumps are portable and powerful but have higher operating costs than electric pumps.

Where Should I Buy Water Pumps in Kenya?

Buy from Aqua Hub Kenya. They stock pumps from world recognized brands.