List crop area, irrigation zones, livestock and source records before selecting a pump or solar array.
Make the brief specific to the project
For a site in Machakos County, supply the actual location and access route rather than only the nearest town. For developing plots, coordinate the borehole location with future buildings, access roads, sanitation facilities and water-storage space.
For developed or subdivided sites, coordinate access, construction space, tanks and existing services before mobilisation. Confirm ownership and any shared-use arrangements. Neighbouring borehole performance is useful background, not a guarantee for your plot.
The technical scope
Plan the borehole, storage and field distribution around the crop, irrigated area and operating schedule. Irrigation demand should be established before committing to a source or a solar pumping package.
Check the flow and pressure needed by each irrigation zone and whether zones operate together. The pump and storage arrangement must support that schedule without exceeding the source’s recommended operating rate.
- Crop, irrigated area and proposed irrigation method
- Seasonal watering schedule and existing agronomic advice
- Water-quality and borehole yield information
- Field levels, pipeline routes, storage and power options
Project governance and change control
Identify the owner, scope approver, access contact and eventual operator. Use one version of the quotation and agree the evidence needed at assessment, construction, equipment selection and commissioning. Explain how a changed site finding will be approved before further cost is incurred.
What should be in the quotation?
The source, energy system, storage, filtration, mainlines, valves, irrigation zones and field labour should be priced as separate parts of the system.
An estimated source yield does not guarantee enough water for an expanded farm. Irrigation demand changes with crop stage, climate and application efficiency; obtain site-specific agronomic input.
Acceptance and aftercare
Keep the irrigation-zone plan, pump schedule, filter servicing method, pressure checks and operating limits of the source.
Agree who will monitor the system, how maintenance is funded and where the records will be stored. Include operator training and a clear contact for abnormal readings, low flow or equipment faults.