GIS Water Mapping &
Infrastructure
Planning Kenya
You cannot plan, operate, or extend a water network you cannot see. Maji Hill maps water infrastructure across Kenya using high-accuracy GPS, geophysical survey methods, and professional GIS platforms — producing the pipe network maps, borehole surveys, hydraulic models, and infrastructure plans that county governments, water utilities, developers, and NGOs rely on to make confident, evidence-based decisions.
WHY GIS WATER MAPPING IS FOUNDATIONAL FOR KENYA’S WATER SECTOR
Kenya’s water infrastructure — from the largest urban distribution networks to rural community water points — is significantly under-mapped. Operations staff work from memory. Extension designs ignore existing assets. Leaks go unlocated for months. Regulators cannot verify compliance. GIS water mapping changes this: it creates the single source of spatial truth from which every subsequent decision — maintenance, extension, rehabilitation, or compliance — is made with confidence.
Know Exactly What You Have
Most water utilities and county water departments in Kenya cannot say with certainty where all their pipes are, which valves are in service, or how many service connections exist. A GIS survey produces that answer — precisely, digitally, and in a form that can be updated as the network changes. It is the foundation of every other operational and planning activity.
Design Extensions Correctly
Extending a water network without an accurate map of the existing system routinely produces undersized pipes, unintended pressure zone crossings, incorrect valve sequencing, and connections to pipes that are no longer in service. GIS mapping eliminates all of these by giving designers accurate as-built data as the starting point for any extension or upgrade design.
Respond to Faults Faster
When a main bursts or a valve needs to be closed to isolate a section, the time between the fault and restoration depends on how quickly the operator can locate the right isolation valve. A GIS map with valve locations, pipe routes, and zone boundaries cuts response time dramatically — the operator navigates to the correct valve rather than searching for it.
Evidence for Capital Investment
County governments, development partners, and donors require evidence-based capital investment plans. A GIS-backed infrastructure plan — with pipe condition data, demand analysis, hydraulic model results, and prioritised investment phasing — is the professional document that secures approval and funding for water infrastructure projects across Kenya.
WRMA and NEMA Compliance
The Water Resources Management Authority requires georeferenced data on abstraction points, water sources, and licensed infrastructure as part of water use licensing. NEMA requires spatial data for Environmental Impact Assessments. Maji Hill GIS deliverables are produced in the formats accepted by WRMA and NEMA for regulatory submissions across Kenya.
Development Partner Reporting
NGOs and development partners implementing water projects funded by international donors are required to geo-reference all funded infrastructure and report on spatial coverage and service population. Maji Hill has experience producing GIS deliverables compatible with the reporting requirements of UN-Habitat, UNICEF, World Bank, AFD, and bilateral donor frameworks operating in Kenya.
GIS WATER MAPPING SERVICES BY CLIENT TYPE
Select your organisation type for a detailed breakdown of the GIS mapping and infrastructure planning services Maji Hill provides — and what is included in each engagement.
County Water Mapping Services
- Full pipe network GPS survey and GIS mapping
- Water point mapping (boreholes, springs, rivers)
- Service coverage area mapping and gap analysis
- Hydraulic network modelling (EPANET / WaterGEMS)
- Water demand analysis and population projection
- County Water and Sanitation Master Plan support
- WRMA abstraction licence spatial documentation
- County Integrated Development Plan water data
County Deliverables
- Georeferenced GIS database (QGIS and ArcGIS formats)
- Interactive web GIS map for county officers
- Printed A0 and A1 map series — full coverage
- Hydraulic model calibrated to field measurements
- Infrastructure condition and priority report
- Capital Investment Plan with costed phases
- WRMA-compliant water point register
- Staff GIS training on map use and updating
Developer GIS and Infrastructure Services
- Water demand analysis for proposed development
- Existing infrastructure survey to inform design
- Water supply feasibility — mains vs borehole
- Borehole siting survey and yield assessment
- Internal pipe network design and hydraulic sizing
- Pressure zone and sub-metering system design
- NEMA EIA water infrastructure spatial data
- As-built GIS mapping after construction
Developer Deliverables
- Water demand and supply feasibility report
- Borehole siting report with ranked site locations
- Hydraulic design and pipe sizing calculations
- GIS network layout for planning submission
- NEMA EIA water section with spatial maps
- As-built GIS dataset on project completion
- Water infrastructure handover package
- Operations and maintenance guidance
NGO and Rural WASH Mapping
- Community water point GPS mapping and survey
- Water source yield and quality assessment
- Service population coverage analysis
- Sanitation and hygiene facility spatial mapping
- Water point functionality status survey
- Catchment area and water balance assessment
- Piped scheme design for rural communities
- M&E geographic data for donor reporting
NGO Deliverables
- Georeferenced water point database (ONA / KoBoToolbox compatible)
- Coverage maps for donor and government reporting
- Functionality and equity analysis
- Service population estimates by water point
- Piped scheme hydraulic design
- GIS data compatible with UNICEF, UN-Habitat, and World Bank frameworks
- Community scheme as-built mapping
- Ongoing M&E data collection support
Private Utility and Estate Mapping
- Full pipe network GPS survey — entire estate or scheme
- Asset register creation — all infrastructure components
- Valve, meter, and fitting location mapping
- Pressure zone mapping and analysis
- Hydraulic model for operational optimisation
- Non-revenue water (NRW) zone mapping
- System expansion planning and pipe sizing
- Annual asset update and map maintenance service
Utility and Estate Deliverables
- Complete GIS asset database — all pipe attributes
- Hydraulic model calibrated to field data
- NRW zone boundaries and loss analysis
- Pressure zone map with recommended PRV locations
- Operations reference map set (A1 and digital)
- Asset condition and replacement priority schedule
- Annual GIS update programme available
- Integration with smart monitoring dashboard
GIS WATER MAPPING METHODOLOGY AND TOOLS
Every Maji Hill GIS engagement uses the correct combination of field survey methods and GIS software to produce accurate, reliable spatial data — regardless of network age, location, or infrastructure complexity.
High-Accuracy GPS Field Survey
Above-ground water infrastructure — valve chambers, meter boxes, borehole headworks, pump stations, tank inlets and outlets, air valves, and service connection points — is surveyed using handheld GPS receivers with sub-metre accuracy as the standard and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS providing centimetre-level accuracy for applications requiring engineering-grade precision. Field data is captured directly into digital survey forms using ONA, KoBoToolbox, or ArcGIS Field Maps — eliminating transcription errors and allowing data validation at the point of capture. Our field teams are experienced in working across Kenya’s urban and rural environments, including challenging terrain in the Rift Valley, coast, and arid north.
Electromagnetic Pipe Location for Buried Infrastructure
Buried pipes, particularly older metallic mains, can be located and traced using electromagnetic pipe and cable locators — the same technology used by utility operators worldwide. By injecting a signal onto the pipe or applying a clamp-on transmitter at an accessible point, buried metallic pipes can be traced with reasonable positional accuracy for GIS mapping purposes. For plastic pipework without a locating wire, we apply ground penetrating radar (GPR) or acoustic pipe tracing techniques, and cross-reference with as-built drawings, aerial imagery, and site knowledge from operations staff to complete the buried pipe dataset.
GIS Data Processing — QGIS and ArcGIS
All field survey data is processed, cleaned, and structured in QGIS (open-source) and ArcGIS (Esri) platforms. We build a relational spatial database with separate layers for pipes, fittings, meters, boreholes, tanks, and service connections — each with a complete attribute table recording material, diameter, age, condition, pressure zone, and ownership. Topology checks verify that the network is correctly connected and that there are no gaps, duplicates, or invalid geometries. Deliverables are produced in formats compatible with all major GIS platforms: Shapefile, GeoPackage, GeoJSON, and KMZ — as well as georeferenced PDF and printed map series.
Hydraulic Network Modelling — EPANET and WaterGEMS
The GIS pipe network model is exported into hydraulic simulation software — EPANET (open-source, widely used in Kenya) or WaterGEMS (Bentley) — to build a calibrated hydraulic model of the water distribution system. The model is calibrated against field pressure and flow measurements and then used to simulate the network under current conditions, identify under-pressured or over-pressured zones, test the impact of proposed extensions and upgrades, size new pipes and pumps correctly, and produce a technically sound basis for capital investment decisions. All hydraulic model files are delivered alongside the GIS datasets.
Borehole Siting and Hydrogeological Survey
Where a client needs to identify new groundwater sources, Maji Hill carries out a structured hydrogeological borehole siting survey. This begins with a desktop review of available geological maps, the WRMA borehole database, Landsat and Sentinel satellite imagery, and existing borehole records in the area. Field reconnaissance is then carried out to identify surface indicators of groundwater — lineaments, drainage patterns, vegetation anomalies, and existing water point locations. Where warranted, we deploy geophysical methods including Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to image subsurface geology and identify aquifer targets. Siting recommendations are ranked by probability of success and delivered with WRMA application documentation.
WHAT YOUR GIS WATER NETWORK MAP LOOKS LIKE
An illustrative example of the spatial data and map layers produced by a Maji Hill pipe network GIS survey — showing the level of asset detail, colour-coding, and statistical summary provided in every engagement.
8 SITUATIONS WHERE GIS WATER MAPPING IS ESSENTIAL IN KENYA
These situations — common across Kenya’s water sector — all require accurate GIS water mapping to resolve safely, legally, and cost-effectively.
Planning a Network Extension or Upgrade
Designing a pipe extension without accurate as-built data of the existing network risks connecting to decommissioned pipes, crossing pressure zone boundaries, and sizing new pipes incorrectly. A GIS survey of the existing network is the mandatory first step for any extension design.
High and Unexplained Non-Revenue Water
When a utility cannot account for a large proportion of its produced water as revenue-earning consumption, the cause is almost always a combination of physical losses (leaks) and commercial losses (unbilled connections, meter inaccuracies). GIS-based district metered area mapping is the internationally proven approach to systematically locating and resolving NRW.
New Property Development — Siting a Borehole
A developer building a new estate, hotel, or institution that requires a private water supply from a borehole needs a professional hydrogeological siting survey before drilling. Drilling in the wrong location wastes significant investment and may yield no productive aquifer. A Maji Hill siting survey identifies and ranks the best drilling locations with WRMA documentation.
Applying for WRMA Water Abstraction Licence
WRMA requires georeferenced data on abstraction points, infrastructure, and the area to be served as part of a water use licence application. Maji Hill produces the spatial data, maps, and supporting documentation required for WRMA licence applications for boreholes and surface water abstractions across Kenya.
County Water Master Plan Development
Kenya’s devolution framework requires county governments to prepare and implement water and sanitation plans under their County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs). A GIS baseline of existing water infrastructure, service coverage, and supply-demand gap is the evidence base from which a credible County Water Master Plan is developed.
Donor or Development Partner Project
International donors funding water infrastructure projects in Kenya require geo-referenced project data, service coverage maps, and beneficiary population estimates as part of project documentation and results reporting. Maji Hill’s GIS deliverables meet the spatial data requirements of UNICEF, UN-Habitat, World Bank, AFD, EU, and most bilateral donor reporting frameworks.
Environmental Impact Assessment Requirement
NEMA Environmental Impact Assessments for water infrastructure projects — including new pipeline corridors, borehole fields, dam or weir structures, and water treatment works — require spatial data on existing infrastructure, water sources, and the project footprint. Maji Hill prepares the GIS-based spatial data component of EIA submissions.
Network Operated from Memory or Paper Drawings
If your operations team locates valves from memory, works from hand-drawn sketches, or depends on a single experienced operator who cannot be replaced without losing institutional knowledge of the network layout — a GIS mapping exercise is overdue. The risk of an uncontrolled burst with no ability to isolate it quickly is unacceptable for any utility or estate.
HOW A MAJI HILL GIS WATER MAPPING ENGAGEMENT WORKS
A structured six-phase process from initial scoping to delivery of a complete, validated GIS dataset — anywhere in Kenya, at any network scale.
Scoping and Inception
Field Survey and Data Capture
GIS Processing and Database Build
Hydraulic Modelling (where required)
Report and Infrastructure Plan
Handover and Training
GIS WATER MAPPING DELIVERABLES — WHAT IS INCLUDED
A clear summary of what every Maji Hill GIS water mapping engagement produces — so you know exactly what you will receive before commissioning begins.
| Deliverable | Pipe Network Survey | Borehole Siting | Hydraulic Modelling | Infrastructure Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georeferenced GIS Database | Included | Water points only | Included | Included |
| Shapefile / GeoPackage / KMZ | All formats | All formats | All formats | All formats |
| Printed Map Series (A0 / A1) | Included | Site location map | Pressure zone map | Full map series |
| Hydraulic Model (EPANET) | Optional add-on | Not applicable | Calibrated model | Included |
| Written Technical Report | Network condition report | Siting and yield report | Analysis report | Full infrastructure plan |
| WRMA / NEMA Documentation | Optional add-on | WRMA licence support | Not applicable | EIA spatial data |
| Staff GIS Training | Included | Not applicable | Model use training | Included |
| Capital Investment Cost Estimate | Optional add-on | Not applicable | Optional add-on | Phased cost plan |
WHICH GIS WATER MAPPING SERVICE DO YOU NEED?
Answer four quick questions for a personalised recommendation on the right Maji Hill GIS mapping or infrastructure planning engagement for your situation.
What type of organisation are you?
What is your primary need?
What is the scale of the project area?
Do you need hydraulic modelling?
GIS WATER MAPPING SERVICE COVERAGE ACROSS KENYA
Our field survey teams and GIS engineers operate across all 47 counties of Kenya. Type your county or town below to confirm we cover your area.
WHAT CLIENTS ACROSS KENYA SAY ABOUT MAJI HILL GIS MAPPING
Feedback from county water officers, developers, and NGO project managers who have commissioned GIS water mapping and infrastructure planning from Maji Hill across Kenya.
“Maji Hill carried out a full pipe network GIS survey for our town’s water scheme in Nyeri County. In three weeks they mapped over 38 km of distribution pipe, 420 valves and fittings, and 1,800 service connections we didn’t have on any drawing. The hydraulic model they built identified two pressure zones we didn’t know existed and showed us exactly why the hilltop customers were getting poor supply. The data has completely transformed how we operate and plan.”
“We needed a borehole siting survey for our 200-acre development in Kajiado County before we could proceed with the project. Maji Hill carried out the hydrogeological survey, ranked three drilling sites, and submitted the WRMA documentation for us. We drilled at their top-ranked site and struck water at 48 metres — exactly within their predicted range. Their report stood up fully to the WRMA review. Exceptional technical work.”
“Our WASH programme operates in three counties in western Kenya. We needed geo-referenced data on all community water points for our donor reporting and for our government counterpart submissions. Maji Hill mapped 340 water points across the programme area in six weeks, produced the coverage analysis and service population maps we needed, and delivered GIS data compatible with both our ONA data system and the WRMA water point registry. Accurate, professional, and delivered on schedule.”
GET A PROFESSIONAL GIS WATER MAP OR INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN FOR YOUR PROJECT — ANYWHERE IN KENYA
From a single borehole siting survey to a full county water network mapping and master plan — Maji Hill provides the GIS expertise, field survey capability, and hydraulic engineering knowledge to deliver credible, compliant water infrastructure data across all 47 counties of Kenya.
REQUEST A GIS WATER MAPPING OR INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING PROPOSAL
Tell us about your project and we will prepare a tailored scope of work and proposal. We respond within one working day for all GIS and infrastructure planning enquiries.
GIS WATER MAPPING KENYA – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Honest answers to what county water officers, developers, NGO project managers, and utility engineers ask before commissioning a GIS water mapping or infrastructure planning engagement.
What is GIS water mapping and why does my water system need it?
GIS water mapping is the process of recording the precise location and attributes of all components of a water supply system — pipes, valves, meters, boreholes, tanks, pump stations, and water sources — as georeferenced digital data within a spatial database. The result is a map you can query: show me all valves on the north distribution main; which pipes are over 30 years old; how many service connections are in each zone. Without this, water networks across Kenya are operated from memory and paper sketches that are impossible to maintain, update, or transfer when staff change. GIS mapping is the foundation of every operational, planning, and compliance activity in a well-managed water system.
What does a pipe network GIS survey involve?
A pipe network GIS survey by Maji Hill involves field teams using high-accuracy GPS receivers to survey all accessible infrastructure — valve chambers, meter boxes, borehole headworks, pump stations, tank inlets, service connection points, and visible pipe runs. Buried metallic pipes are located using electromagnetic pipe locators; plastic pipes are traced using acoustic methods and cross-referenced with existing drawings and site knowledge. Each asset is assigned a unique identifier and its attributes — pipe material, diameter, estimated age, condition, and pressure zone — are recorded in digital field forms at the point of capture. The survey data is processed in QGIS and ArcGIS and delivered as a georeferenced dataset in multiple formats, interactive web map, and printed map series.
Can Maji Hill carry out borehole siting surveys across Kenya?
Yes. Maji Hill carries out hydrogeological borehole siting surveys across Kenya using desktop geological review, satellite imagery analysis, the WRMA borehole database, field reconnaissance, and geophysical surveying where warranted — including Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). We work across Kenya’s main geological zones: the basement rock terrain of central and eastern Kenya, the sedimentary coastal aquifers, and the volcanic formations of the Rift Valley and Nyanza. Each siting survey concludes with a written report ranking potential drilling sites by probability of success, estimated yield range, and recommended drilling depth, together with WRMA documentation for the abstraction licence application. Our track record of productive borehole siting across Kenya is available on request.
What is hydraulic network modelling and when is it needed?
Hydraulic network modelling uses simulation software — EPANET or WaterGEMS — to calculate flow rates, pressures, and velocities at every point in a water distribution network under different demand and operational scenarios. It is used to identify under-pressured zones and find the cause; size pipes, pumps, and tanks correctly for new infrastructure or extensions; test the impact of proposed changes before any construction begins; identify which pipes are at or above their capacity; and design pressure management zones. Hydraulic modelling is needed for any significant infrastructure design, rehabilitation, or extension project — and for county water master plans where investment decisions need to be technically justified. It is not required for a basic network mapping exercise but adds significant value for planning and design work.
Does Maji Hill work with county governments and water utilities in Kenya?
Yes. Maji Hill works with county governments, county water and sanitation companies, Water Service Providers, WRMA, and development partners including NGOs and donor-funded rural water programmes across Kenya. Our GIS mapping and infrastructure planning deliverables are produced to the documentation and compliance standards required by the Water Act 2016, WRMA, the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, and development partner reporting frameworks including UN-Habitat, UNICEF, World Bank, AFD, EU, and bilateral donors. We are experienced in working within government procurement frameworks and can provide the professional indemnity insurance documentation and technical credentials required by county and national government procurement processes.
In what GIS formats are your deliverables provided?
Maji Hill delivers GIS data in all major formats to ensure compatibility with any client software environment. Standard deliverable formats include: Shapefile (.shp) for compatibility with virtually any GIS platform; GeoPackage (.gpkg) as a modern open-format alternative; GeoJSON for web mapping and developer integration; KMZ / KML for Google Earth and Maps; and georeferenced PDF for non-GIS users. Hydraulic model files are delivered in EPANET (.inp) format and, where the client uses WaterGEMS, in the native Bentley format. Printed maps are provided at A0 and A1 in PDF and high-resolution TIFF. We also provide an interactive web GIS map — hosted on a shared platform — for county and utility clients who need web-based map access for operational staff.