Irrigation materials in Kenya are available on retail prices at Aqua Hub Kenya. Our Irrigation pipes and accessories are offered at affordable rates to meet the dynamic needs of farmers.  This guide will help you make informed decisions by discussing the various types of irrigation systems and accessories for sale in Kenya.

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Irrigation Materials in Kenya

Irrigation materials are available in a wide range of options, to match the varying irrigation needs of different growers. We have drip irrigation systems, sprinkler heads, rain gun sprinkler systems, rain hose & fittings, HDPE pipes and PVC accessories.

Importance of Irrigation in Kenya

Solution for Rainfall Deficit: through consistent irrigation frequency, irrigation provides optimal water for crop farming during dry periods.

Extended Growing Season: with irrigation, farmers can grow crops year-round even if rains fail.

High Yield and Quality: Because of sufficient and controlled water supply, optimal crop growth occurs, thus healthy and high crop yields.

Efficient Water Use: irrigation systems such as drip kits are designed to irrigate only the root zones and end up lowering water wastage.

Promotes Production of High Value Crops: highly profitable crops such as onions, garlic and capsicum have water needs that can only be met through controlled irrigation.

Food Security: through irrigation farming, sufficient food is produced and thus famine is prevented.

Lower risk of Loss: irrigation has less risks of crop death, diseases or harvest damage because of high control.

Ease of Nutrient application: top dressing is made easier with irrigation systems such as drip kits.

Lower production costs: Cost of labour needed for irrigation, fertilizer application and weeding are cut down saving on cost.

Types of Irrigation Systems Material Requirements

The choice of irrigation systems largely dictates the types of materials you will need. Here’s an overview of common irrigation methods in Kenya and the key materials associated with them:

Sprinkler Irrigation

Sprinkler irrigation irrigates crops through overhead sprays of water by sprinkler heads that receive water from a connection of pipes linked to a water source. It works in flat and slopy terrains with sufficient flow rates for high moisture requirement crops.

Sprinkler Irrigation Materials

Water Pumps:  A reliable pump is essential to pressurize the water and deliver it through the system. The type and size of the pump will depend on the scale of the irrigation project and the water source. Options include electric pumps, diesel pumps, and solar-powered pumps.

Mainline Pipe (HDPE or PVC) : Main pipes that distribute water from the source to the sprinkler heads.

Sub-mainline Pipes: connected to the mainline Pipes for distribute water to various farm sections.

Lateral Pipes: Small diameter pipes that supply water from the mainline to the sprinkler head. Connected on a vertical position to carry water above for sprinkler overhead distribution.

Sprinkler Head: delivers sprays of water to the crops through rotation action and pressurized release from the nozzles.

Fittings: for connecting pipes and sprinklers. Includes tee, elbow, couplings, adapters, end caps and control valves.

Pressure Controller: to control the pressure of the system.

Filters: essential for removal of dirt and sediments available in water which could block the sprinkler nozzles. Includes disc, screen and sand filters.

Control Valves controls the water distribution in the system.

Sprinkler Types

• Impact Sprinklers: These rotate due to the impact of a deflector arm driven by the water jet. They are robust and suitable for larger areas.
• Rotor Sprinklers: These use gears or turbines to achieve a smooth and even rotation. They offer good coverage and water distribution.
• Pop-up sprinklers: designed with pop-up and retraction feature to enhance efficient irrigation. Generates a high-pressure rotary irrigation with high flow rates. They are suitable for lawn irrigation.
• Rain Gun Sprinklers: large sprinkler heads that cover wide areas.
• Fixed Spray Sprinklers: These have fixed spray patterns and are suitable for smaller, irregularly shaped areas.
• Micro-sprinklers: These deliver fine droplets of water over a smaller area and are often used for orchards, nurseries, and high-value crops.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation uses a dripline or drip tape with equally installed emitters to drip water exactly on plant root area. This method implements gravity-supported water flow that occurs through pipe connection drawing water from raised tanks and distributing to plants through driplines.

It minimizes water wastage and is ideal for water-scarce regions and high-value crops.

Drip Irrigation Materials

Water Tank: Stores the water needed for irrigation.

Tank Connector: For connection of the tank to mainline exhaust pipes.

Mainline Pipes (HDPE or PVC): Irrigation pipes that carry water from the water source to the farm.

Driplines: flexible PE drip tapes that deliver precise irrigation rates along the plant lines. Designed with equal intervals of emitter holes. Driplines exist in different types; 15 cm emitter spaced dripline, 20 cm emitter spacing and 30 cm emitter spacing dripline.

Fittings: offtake connector, drip valves, and end plugs for dripline connection. Compression fittings such as Tee, Elbow, couplings and end caps for mainline HDPE pipe connections.

Valves: Control valves regulate water flow to different sections of the drip system.

Pressure Regulators: pressure regulators reduce the pressure from the mainline to the drip lines.

Filters: Filters prevent clogging of the small emitters. Screen filters, disc filters, and media filters are common types.

Fertilizer Injectors: Fertilizer injectors allow efficient fertilizer application to crops by distribution through the drip system.

Button Drippers

Special button emitters for distributing precise jets of water along plant lines at equal intervals. The dripper consists of a barbed inlet which connects to the PE pipe and a adjustable cap that emits water.

Button Drip Irrigation Materials

Button dripper irrigation system requires HDPE pipes, fittings (Elbow, Tee, Couplings, End Caps), offtake connector and button drippers.

Rain Hose Irrigation System

Another type of irrigation system that generates an overhead rain effect produced by a rain hose pipe with laser punched holes. The system irrigates variety of crops including green vegetables, animal feeds and legumes.

Rain Hose Irrigation Materials

• Water pumps – for generating pressure necessary for the method to work
• HDPE or PVC mainline – supplies water from source to the rain hose supply pipe.
• Fittings – HDPE and Rain Hose fittings (start connector, end plugs and couplings)
• Rain Hose pipe – for producing rain effect. Installed between planting lines and are available in diameter sizes of 32 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm.

Dam Liners | Irrigation Materials

Dam liners are used to collect and store water in dams, water pans and concrete tanks for future irrigation purposes. Our Dam liners are strong and reliable for water collection due to their design from tensile UV treated HDPE materials. They are available in thickness sizes of 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm and 1 mm all suitable for water storage needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Irrigation Materials

• Crop Type: Different crops have varying water needs and root depths, which will influence the choice of irrigation method and the spacing of emitters or sprinklers.
• Farm Size: The size and terrain of your farm will determine the length and configuration of pipes, and the number of sprinklers or emitters required.
• Water Source: water source (e.g., well, river, dam) will affect the pump selection and the overall system design.
• Soil Type: The rate at which water infiltrates the soil will affect the application rate and the spacing of emitters or sprinklers to prevent runoff or waterlogging.
• Topography: The slope and terrain of your land will influence the choice of irrigation method and may require pressure regulation to ensure uniform water distribution.
• Budget: The initial investment cost and the long-term operating costs (including energy for pumping and maintenance) are important considerations.
• Water Quality: The presence of sediment, algae, or dissolved salts in the water can affect the performance and longevity of irrigation equipment, especially drip emitters. Proper filtration is essential.
• Technical Support: Choose materials and systems from reputable suppliers who offer reliable after-sales service and readily available spare parts in Kenya.
• Ease of Installation and Maintenance: it is good to consider the cost and ease of installation and maintenance. Simple irrigation systems may be suited for smaller-scale farmers with limited technical expertise.
• Durability: Invest in high-quality materials that are resistant to UV radiation, chemical degradation, and physical damage to ensure a long lifespan and minimize replacement costs.

Where to Buy Irrigation Materials in Kenya

Aqua Hub Kenya.

We have high quality irrigation materials in Kenya including drip kits, sprinklers, rain hose pipes and fittings. Dam Liners for collection of irrigation water are also in stock at affordable prices.

How to Ensure you Get Quality Irrigation materials

Irrigation materials are worth your money and therefore you need to be vigilant when buying irrigation kits. It is advisable to.

• Research different suppliers and compare prices and product quality.
• Ask for detailed specifications and warranties on the products.
• Seek advice from agricultural extension officers or experienced irrigators on the best system for your needs.
• Consider the long-term costs, including energy consumption and maintenance.
• Ensure that the materials are suitable for the local climate and water quality.