Our sprinkler irrigation system involves top performance models tailored to meet the varying water needs of different crops.  These sprinkler devices exist in high pressure and low-pressure models. Low pressure types are for light irrigation in field or greenhouse temperature control.

High pressure sprinklers are ideal for high water needing crops in large field plantations.

We stock variety of sprinklers including impact sprinklers, lawn sprinklers, micro sprinklers, butterflies and rain gun sprinklers.

Where to Buy Quality Sprinklers in Kenya

At Aqua Hub LTD Nairobi, you can buy top sprinklers and Rain Guns at affordable prices.

Call 0790719020

How does Irrigation Sprinklers Work?

Sprinklers significantly water row crops, lawns, tall crops and fodder by pressurized delivery in a uniform rainfall manner.

While the initial cost of sprinklers is quite higher than, it is reliable productivity can be significant especially in climates where rainfall is unpredictable.

Why consider sprinkler irrigation in Kenya?

Here are the main reasons why they can be the best alternative technique for your crop:

1. Better water distribution than some surface methods. Traditional furrow or basin irrigation may lead to water flowing unevenly or puddling in some spots and missing others. Sprinklers can help cover more evenly.
2. Flexibility of crops and terrain. Sprinklers can be used on gently sloping land, and for many crop types: vegetables, orchards, fruit trees, cereals.
3. Versatility – from small gardens to large farms. There are small “pop‐up” lawn systems for gardens, and large rain gun systems for big fields. For instance: pop-up sprinklers for lawns in Nairobi estates; rain guns for expansive farms.
4. Potential for water efficiency. While not as efficient as drip irrigation in all cases, sprinklers still offer much better control and efficiency than unmanaged surface flow, especially when set up well. (The training module for Kenya highlights that sprinkler systems apply water through spray heads via pipes and can be more uniform)
5. Adaptation for changing rainfall and climate. With rainfall becoming less predictable, a reliable irrigation system helps reduce the risk of crop failure. Farmers in Kenya increasingly look for ways to secure production through dry spells.

Types of sprinkler systems used in Kenya

• Impact sprinklers: These are the classic overhead types where water hits a deflector and sprays in a circular pattern. Good for medium sized fields. For example, one supplier in Kenya lists impact sprinklers in various connection sizes (½”, ¾”, 1”) for agricultural use.
• Rain gun sprinklers: Generates high pressure and jets of water, covering large areas rapidly. Useful for big farms and expansive fields. Rain guns cover a radius of 15-40 m depending on size.

• Pop-up or lawn sprinklers: These are for gardens, lawns, sports fields. The heads pop up when watering and retract when complete. Ideal for urban, residential settings.
• Micro-sprinklers:  For orchards, tree crops, small scale farms. These deliver water closer to the plant roots, reduce wastage.
• Mist | foggers – types of micro sprinkler devices used to control humidity and temperature in greenhouse environment.

How to set up a sprinkler irrigation system

1. Assess your water source and pressure
   • Do you have a reliable water supply?
   • Will you need a pump to raise water or increase pressure? High pressure sprinklers need a pump to operate.
   • Check the pressure you can achieve, and the flow rate. Because sprinklers need enough water pressure and volume.
2. Choose the right sprinkler type
   • If you have a large farm, consider rain gun or impact type.
   • For tree orchards or spaced crops, micro or mini sprinklers might be better.
   • For lawns and residential spaces, pop-up sprinklers are the solution.
3. Design the layout
   • Map your field: show the main supply lines, sub‐mains, laterals, sprinkler head locations.
   • Space the sprinklers so that their spray patterns overlap well, good design avoids dry spots. For example, spacing of about 12 × 12 m to 18 × 18 m is common under medium pressure systems.
4. Install the system
   • Lay the main line from the pump or water source.
   • Lay sub‐mains and laterals (HDPE).
   • Connect the sprinkler heads (stands, risers) at the designated points.
   • Install control valves so you can run parts of the system independently
   • Make sure you use a filter as water may contain sediments which could clog the system.
5. Test the Sprinkler System
   • Start the pump, open the valves and check water coverage
   • Check pressure and flow at different zones.
   • If the sprinklers are not working try to reposition heads, change spacing, adjust flow or pressure.

How to Maintain the Sprinkler Irrigation system

• Regular cleaning or flushing the filters to remove dirt.
• Repair any leaks, nonfunctional heads or clogged nozzles.
• Consider the pump’s service schedule, especially in dusty rural areas.
• Be mindful of pipe damage from animals, machinery or other hazards.

Types of Crops to Irrigate by Sprinkler Method

• orchards: mangoes, passion fruit, bananas, papaya and watermelons.
• Corn, sugarcane, cotton, barley, wheat
• Vegetables – cabbages, kales, spinach,
• Legumes – beans, peas, lentils
• Animal feeds – Pakchong, lucerne, kikuyu grass and Boma Rhodes
• Lawns, parks, golf courses

Advantages of Irrigation Sprinklers

• Uniform water distribution over the area (if well designed).
• Flexibility in where and when you water.
• Suitable for many crop types and terrain types.
• Can reduce labour compared to manual watering or basic furrow irrigation.
• Helps reduce risk during dry spells or irregular rainfall.

Challenges of Sprinkler Irrigation System

• High cost of operation – the cost of irrigation with sprinklers is quite high compared to other methods.
• Wind effect – heavy winds cause poor distribution of water during irrigation. To prevent this, don’t water on windy hours.
• Not Suitable for all crops – the method of sprinklers applies water to crops by wetting the foliage. For plants like potatoes, tomatoes and capsicum it is not ideal because it causes fungal infections.
• Not good for slopy terrains – water distribution may be a problem in steep slopes.
• High water use – sprinkler heads irrigate crops using a lot of water. You should ensure you have sufficient water source before you decide to apply this method.
• Soil erosion – the rate of soil erosion could be high especially for areas with loose soils. To counter this, use light or low-pressure sprinklers when watering loose soil.

Good practices when Using Sprinklers

• Watering crops at calm hours of the day helps prevent wind effect.
• To cut down pressure loss, divide the field into zones and water one zone at a time.
• Sprinkler heads should be spaced evenly and with an overlap to prevent dry patches.
• Ensure your water source and pump are reliable so that you don’t fail to water crops on critical cycles.
• Quality irrigation pipes, connectors and sprinkler components are essential to ensure high efficiency and performance.

What to Consider before Using Sprinklers for Irrigation

In some circumstances, sprinklers won’t be ideal for your crops. Here’s what to consider first before you plan.

• If your crop is very sensitive to leaf wetness, then drip irrigation is a better alternative.
• If your water source does not guarantee high flow rates, a high-water efficient method is more realistic till you get sufficient water access.
• If your terrain is extremely uneven or sloping, overhead sprinklers might lead to uneven distribution. In such cases design is more complex.
• If you only need to irrigate a small garden, small set of micro sprinklers will suffice rather than a full system.