Kenya's representative body for licensed drilling contractors
The Rig Owners Association is the representative body for licensed borehole drilling contractors in Kenya. Our members collectively operate over 900 drilling rigs and hold valid licences issued by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
Established in 2022, ROA was founded by drilling professionals with decades of combined field experience. We exist to verify contractor credentials, uphold construction standards, and provide clients with a reliable way to identify qualified contractors.
Every ROA member has submitted documentation for verification, including company registration, rig logbooks, and current Ministry licences.
All ROA members hold current drilling licences from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation. We verify each application against official records and require documented rig logbooks showing operational history. When you hire an ROA member, you work with a contractor whose licensing status has been independently confirmed.
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ROA training programmes cover drilling operations, equipment maintenance, site safety, and regulatory compliance. Sessions are developed with input from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and delivered by practitioners with field experience across Kenya's geological formations.
View Training ProgrammesWe verify the licensing status, company registration, and operational history of all applicants before granting membership.
We promote borehole completion standards aligned with Ministry of Water and Sanitation requirements.
We coordinate training for rig operators and supervisors covering drilling techniques, equipment maintenance, and site safety.
We work with regulatory bodies to support clear certification pathways for drilling personnel.
ROA investigates complaints against members and takes disciplinary action where standards are breached.
We develop and distribute technical guidance aligned with the Water Bores Construction Requirements.
We maintain working relationships with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, WASREB, NEMA, and county governments.
We promote responsible groundwater development practices, including proper borehole siting and aquifer protection.
We represent the drilling sector in tender discussions, policy consultations, and industry forums.
We promote HSE standards covering site safety, PPE, waste management, and environmental protection.
We facilitate peer learning on rig specifications, drilling methods, and problem-solving for Kenya's geological formations.
We advocate for procurement processes that evaluate contractor qualifications, not just price.
In development
We are developing technical guidelines, compliance checklists, and industry reference materials. Resources will be available to members and, where appropriate, to the wider industry.
View Resources
All members are required to hold valid drilling licences from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
We work with equipment suppliers, training providers, and industry bodies to support our members and the wider drilling sector.
Interested in partnering with ROA? Contact us
ROA members are licensed by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and verified by our association. Find a qualified contractor or join as a member.