PVC and steel casing are the two main options for boreholes in Kenya, and their costs differ significantly even though both serve the same core purpose: to prevent borehole collapse and contamination. In general, PVC casing is roughly 40–60% cheaper than steel casing per metre, but the right choice depends on geology, depth, and long‑term durability needs.
Per‑metre cost comparison
Recent market data and contractor quotes for Kenya show the following typical price ranges:
For a 100‑metre borehole, that means PVC casing usually adds about KSh 120,000–250,000, while steel can easily reach KSh 250,000–350,000 just for the casing material, before drilling, pumping, and tanking. This “PVC savings zone” is why many contractors quote PVC as the default choice for residential and low‑to‑medium‑depth projects.
Hidden cost differences
Beyond the sticker price per metre, other factors affect the total cost:
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Transport and handling: PVC is lighter and easier to move, reducing transport and labour charges, especially on rough or remote sites.
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Installation speed: PVC sections are simpler to push/assemble, cutting rig‑time and standby fees.
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Durability vs. corrosion: Steel provides superior strength in collapsing soils and high‑pressure zones, but it can rust over time if not properly protected; PVC is immune to corrosion but may creep or deform under extreme wall‑pressure.
Some contractors even recommend steel casing only for the unstable upper section (e.g., top 20–50 m in loose or collapsing soils) and PVC below, which can cut cost while still protecting the bore.
When to choose PVC vs steel
Here is a practical guideline used by Kenyan drilling firms:
Many drilling education pieces in Kenya note that about 70–80% of successful residential bores use PVC, precisely because it is cheaper and sufficient for most common geological conditions.
How to decide for your project
To get the best cost‑effective choice between PVC and steel casing in Kenya:
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Get a geological report or resistivity survey to know if you are in collapsing soils or deep‑rock zones.
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Ask for a breakdown of “PVC only”, “steel only”, and “steel upper section + PVC main column” in your quote so you see the real cost difference.
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Don’t automatically pick steel “just in case”; in many stable sites, PVC is engineering‑sound and far cheaper, while steel is only justified where the ground really demands it.
In short, PVC casing runs about KSh 1,200–2,500 per metre and steel about KSh 2,500–3,500 per metre in Kenya, so PVC is typically the more economical choice unless the geology or depth strongly favours steel.