Sprinkler irrigation installation in Kenya is done by Aqua Hub, with a wide range of sprinkler heads at lower market prices. Our installation services come with a high level of professionalism and quite affordable prices for Kenyan farmers.
What is the Cost of Sprinkler Irrigation in Kenya
The cost of Sprinkler irrigation in Kenya ranges from KES 10,000 to KES 100,000 depending on the farm size and sprinkler sizes.
Cost of Sprinkler Irrigation per Acre in Kenya
The cost of sprinkler irrigation in Kenya ranges from as low as KES 65,000 to KES 200,000 per acre depending on the type of sprinkler heads used.
Types of sprinklers in Kenya
Sprinklers are classified in various kinds;
- Impact Sprinklers
- Rain Gun Sprinklers
- Flange Sprinklers
- Micro sprinklers
- Pop-up Sprinklers
What are the Components of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems?
- Pump Unit – sprinkler irrigation needs high pressure to move the sprinkler head. Such pressure can only be achievable using a pump.
- Mainline Supply Pipes (HDPE) – moves water from the source to the sprinkler heads.
- Sub-mainlines – supplies water from the mainlines to the laterals
- Laterals – connects the sub-mainlines to the sprinkler head.
- Fittings – such as elbow, tee, couplings and end plugs. For connecting pipes
- Sprinkler head – device that releases water in a sprinkler irrigation manner
How does Sprinkler Irrigation Work?
In sprinkler irrigation, water is delivered to crops through a rainfall-like behavior where water pours above the plant leaves.
The pump moves water from the source through pipes to the sprinkler head where it is delivered to the crops.
Sprinklers use various types of nozzles that vary in size and number to deliver different flow rates to crops.
Impact Sprinklers in Kenya
Impact sprinklers deliver moderate to high pressure irrigation. Available in different sizes; ½,¾, and 1 with nozzle sizes of 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.8 mm respectively.
Rain Gun Sprinklers
Big sprinkler heads that provide a higher flow rate under higher pressure. They deliver irrigation to large areas due to their big nozzle diameter.
Rain Guns are made of metallic brass surface making them durable and non-corrosive.
Flange Rain Guns
Rain guns with a gear-driven mechanism that operates by the pressure of water. Covers a wider radius ranging from 30 to 80 m on a slow irrigation rate.
Micro Sprinklers
Micro sprinkler irrigation kits irrigate smaller spaces due to their relatively low pressure and flow rates. However, they offer an economical solution for irrigation of fruits, vegetables, and other close spaced crops.
Various types include butterfly sprinklers, mini-sprinklers, foggers, misters and bubblers.
Sprinkler Irrigation Compatible Crops
| Type of Sprinkler | Crops Suitable | Cost |
| Impact Sprinkler | Vegetables -kales, cabbage, spinach, lettuce.animal feeds- pakchong grass, lucerne, etc. | ½ inch – KES 450 1 inch – KES 1000 |
| Rain Gun Sprinkler | Cotton Corn Wheat Rice Coffee | 32 mm – KES 5,000 50 mm – KES 8,000 63 mm – KES 15,000 |
| Pop-up Sprinkler | Lawns | ½ inch – KES 2,800 ¾ inch – KES 3,800 1 inch – KES 4,500 |
| Micro sprinkler | Small vegetable gardens- kale, cabbage, spinach, onions, garlic and pepper. | ½ inch – KES 200 |
How to Choose the Right Sprinkler for Your Crop
The best sprinklers for different needs can be determined by checking on;
The crop type : as mentioned above, every type of sprinkler works for specific crops. consider the height, water needs and spacing of the crop.
Soil type : the effectiveness of a sprinkler will depend on the soil to irrigate. Light soils are best to water with micro sprinklers to prevent erosion.
Farm Size: for large farms, it is wise to use rain guns rather than mini sprinklers to reduce pipework and the cost of installation.
Use-Case: crop-specific applications require certain sprinkler heads. For example, greenhouse environments will use micro-sprinklers or misters while external environment will need high-flow rate sprinklers.
Cost: the cost of sprinkler irrigation installation and use will decide which one you choose.
Durability: the durability of a sprinkler accessory is according to the material of manufacturing. Our sprinklers are durable metallic and plastic materials.
Pressure Requirement : choose the sprinkler that works on the pressure rate of your water supply system. If your water pressure is low, you need a booster pump.
What are the advantages of Sprinkler Irrigation?
- Best for most types of soil excluding clay soil.
- Best for crowded or closed crops
- Supplies sufficient flow rates to crops.
- Less prone to clogging because they work under high pressure.
- Cheaper to install than drip irrigation.
- Provides a uniform irrigation rate.
- Saves on time and labor
- Can be automated to operate on their own.
- Various sizes and types of sprinklers are available to choose from.
