Obtaining a Water Resources Authority (WRA) license is a legal requirement for abstracting groundwater from boreholes in Kenya. Without a WRMA licence, drilling or pumping from a bore can lead to fines, enforcement action, or even closure of the water point. Raeli Hydro guides clients through the WRMA process so that licensing is smooth, compliant, and integrated into the design and drilling plan.
What WRMA licensing actually covers
WRMA (Water Resources Authority) regulates all water‑use permits and borehole‑drilling authorisations under the Water Act, 2016. For boreholes, the three main stages are:
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Drilling authorization (permission to drill a new borehole).
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Borehole completion and registration (submitting drilling logs and water‑quality data).
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Water‑use (abstraction) licence (legal right to pump and use the water, usually for 5 years and renewable).
WRA also issues or oversees drilling licences for contractors, but property owners mainly need the water‑use permit and borehole‑drilling authorization.
Step‑by‑step WRMA process
Step 1: Verify land ownership and purpose
Before you apply, you must confirm that you either own the land or hold a written consent from the owner (e.g., developer, landlord, or institution). You also specify the water‑use category (domestic, livestock, irrigation, commercial, or industrial), as WRMA uses this to set fees and conditions.
Step 2: Hydrogeological survey
WRMA now requires a hydrogeological survey by a licensed practitioner before accepting an application. The survey report typically includes:
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Groundwater‑availability assessment.
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Recommended drilling location and depth.
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Estimated yield and quality.
This report is one of the key documents you attach to Form A (Application for Water Use Authorization) or WRA‑001 if you use the online system.
Step 3: Apply for WRMA drilling authorization
From 2024, WRMA encourages paperless applications through eCitizen and the WRA portal, though you can still submit physically at sub‑basin offices. You will need:
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Completed WRA application form (Form A or WRA‑001).
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Copy of national ID or company registration / PIN.
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Land title deed or lease/consent.
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Hydrogeological survey report.
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Site sketch or coordinates of the intended borehole.
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Payment of the application fee (around KSh 22,000 for drilling‑authorization applications, depending on use category).
WRMA reviews the file, checks catchment‑management plans, and may carry out a site inspection; the process typically takes 30–60 days, after which you receive a 6‑month drilling authorization letter.
Step 4: Drill with a licensed contractor
You must drill the bore within the authorised period and only with a contractor whose drilling licence is valid. During drilling, the contractor prepares a drilling completion report (depth, casing, yield, pump test, and log data) plus a water‑quality test report from a certified lab.
Step 5: Borehole registration and abstraction licence
After drilling, the completion and water‑quality reports are submitted to WRMA for:
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Borehole registration (a one‑time or periodic entry in the WRMA database).
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Water‑use (abstraction) licence issued after payment of the relevant annual abstraction fee, which varies by use category (typically KSh 3,000–25,000 per year).
Once the licence is issued, you can legally pump and use the borehole for the stated purpose and duration.
Why professional support matters
Many landowners underestimate the time and technical detail WRMA demands. Raeli Hydro helps by:
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Arranging hydrogeological surveys tailored to WRMA‑submission standards.
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Preparing and submitting applications, including site plans and coordinates.
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Coordinating inspections and follow‑up so that applications do not drag beyond 30–60 days.
By following the WRMA process correctly, you avoid illegal abstraction and secure a clear, long‑term legal right to your borehole water, which is especially important for commercial, irrigation, or large‑scale residential projects.