About Us

From the Chairman

When we established the Rig Owners Association in 2022, we did so because Kenya's drilling industry needed organisation. Too many clients were hiring unlicensed contractors and receiving substandard work. Too many qualified contractors were competing against those who cut corners. There was no central body to verify credentials or address complaints.

Our founding members brought decades of combined experience to the table—contractors who had drilled across Kenya's terrain, from the volcanic formations of the Rift Valley to the basement rock of Eastern Province. We understood the technical challenges and the business realities. We knew what a professional drilling operation should look like.

Today, ROA represents over 78 member companies operating more than 900 drilling rigs. Every member has submitted documentation for verification. Every member has agreed to our Code of Ethics. When a client hires an ROA member, they work with a contractor whose credentials we have checked.

We work with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation on licensing and standards. We coordinate training that reflects real field conditions. We investigate complaints and hold members accountable. This is practical work—not promotion, but protection of standards.

The drilling industry is essential infrastructure. Clean water depends on properly constructed boreholes, installed by qualified personnel, maintained over time. ROA exists to support that outcome.

KEN NGOTHO

Chairman, Rig Owners Association

Mission

To protect consumers by verifying drilling contractor credentials and upholding construction standards, and to support the sustainable development of Kenya's groundwater resources through professional practice.

Vision

• All contractors are licensed and meet professional standards
• Clients can readily identify qualified contractors
• Boreholes are constructed to deliver safe water reliably
• Groundwater resources are developed responsibly

Core Values

Integrity – We verify what we claim
Professionalism – Members maintain standards
Compliance – We support regulations
Accountability – Consequences for breaches
Safety – Protection of workers and public
Environmental Responsibility – Sustainable practices

Background

ROA was established in 2022 by a group of drilling contractors who saw the need for industry organisation. The founders were experienced contractors—collectively representing decades of work across Kenya's geological formations—who understood both the technical requirements and business challenges of professional drilling.

The problems were clear: unlicensed contractors competing on price while delivering substandard work; clients unable to distinguish qualified contractors from the unqualified; no mechanism for addressing complaints or enforcing standards. The founders created ROA to address these gaps.

Our growth reflects demand from both contractors seeking professional recognition and clients seeking verified contractors. We continue to develop our verification processes, training programmes, and industry resources.

Key Milestones

2022

Association founded by 12 charter members; constitution adopted

2023

Membership reaches 50 companies; sector structure established

2024

Training programme launched; partnerships with equipment suppliers

2025

Membership exceeds 78 companies; 900+ rigs represented

2026

Continued growth; expanded regulatory engagement

Governance

ROA is governed by its members through democratic processes established in our constitution.

1

Annual General Meeting

Members vote on major decisions, elect leadership, and approve accounts.

2

Board of Directors

Elected to oversee operations between AGMs with defined terms.

3

Working Committees

Training, Ethics & Discipline, Membership, Technical Standards.

4

Sector Committees

Address sector-specific technical and business issues.

Accountability

Board meeting minutes are available to members. Financial accounts are audited annually and presented at the AGM. The Ethics Committee operates independently to handle complaints.