Top 10 TSP Core Bit Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers and Traders in Kenya

Founded in 2010, Kenya Rock Tools Ltd. is one of the few local manufacturers of TSP core bits in Kenya, and that’s a big deal. Instead of importing bits from overseas (which can lead to delays and higher costs), they produce their tools in a factory in Thika, using imported raw materials like TSP diamonds and high-grade steel. This local production means they can offer competitive prices and faster turnaround times—perfect if you need a last-minute replacement bit for a project.

What really sets them apart is their focus on durability. They test every batch of TSP core bits in their on-site lab, drilling into simulated Kenyan rock formations (think the hard basalt of Mount Kenya or the abrasive granite of the Rift Valley) to ensure they hold up. Their most popular product is the “T2-101 Impregnated Diamond Core Bit,” designed specifically for geological drilling in hard, abrasive rock. It’s a favorite among mining companies in Kisumu and Nakuru because it can drill up to 500 meters without needing to be replaced.

Kenya Rock Tools also offers wholesale pricing for bulk orders, which is great for large construction firms or mining cooperatives. And if you’re new to using TSP bits, their team of engineers provides free technical support—they’ll even send someone to your site to train your drillers on proper bit maintenance. Small-scale miners love them too, thanks to their “Starter Kits,” which include a TSP core bit, drill rod, and basic maintenance tools at a discounted price.

Based in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, East African Drilling Supplies (EADS) has been importing high-quality rock drilling tools since 2005. They partner with European manufacturers known for precision engineering, so if you’re looking for bits that meet international standards (like API or ISO certifications), this is the place to go. Their TSP core bits are imported from Germany and Italy, where strict quality control ensures each bit is uniform and reliable.

EADS specializes in bits for deep drilling projects—think water wells over 300 meters deep or mining exploration sites where you need to reach mineral deposits far underground. Their “PQ3 Diamond Bit” is a top-seller: it’s 4 7/8 inches in diameter, making it ideal for extracting large core samples, and the TSP diamonds are arranged in a spiral pattern to reduce friction and heat buildup. Geologists working on government-funded water projects in Turkana often use this bit because it produces clean, intact cores that are easy to analyze.

One downside of imported bits is usually delivery time, but EADS has solved that by keeping a large inventory in their Nairobi warehouse. They claim to have over 500 TSP core bits in stock at any given time, so even if you need a rare size (like a 76mm retrac T38 bit), they can probably ship it to you within 24 hours. They also offer a “Price Match Guarantee”—if you find a lower price for the same imported bit elsewhere in Kenya, they’ll match it. For companies that can’t afford downtime, this reliability is worth every shilling.

If you’re on a tight budget but still need a decent TSP core bit, Nakuru Mining Equipment Traders is your go-to. Located in Nakuru’s Industrial Area (a hub for mining supplies in western Kenya), they specialize in affordable tools for small to medium-scale miners and construction teams. They sell both new and “reconditioned” TSP bits—used bits that have been refurbished with new TSP diamond segments. Reconditioned bits cost about 30% less than new ones, making them popular among miners who drill shallow holes or work with moderately hard rock.

But don’t let the low prices fool you—they don’t skimp on quality. Their new TSP core bits are imported from China (a major producer of mining tools) and tested for basic durability before being sold. Their best-seller is the “NQ Impregnated Diamond Core Bit,” a smaller (47mm) bit perfect for geological sampling in areas with mixed rock types (like sandstone and shale). It’s not as tough as the European-made bits from EADS, but for projects where you’re drilling less than 200 meters, it gets the job done.

Nakuru Mining Equipment Traders also stocks a wide range of related tools, from drill rods to core trays, so you can get everything you need in one trip. Their staff are former miners themselves, so they can give practical advice—like which TSP bit works best for the red clay of Kisii versus the hard rock of Eldoret. And if a bit breaks unexpectedly, they offer a 30-day warranty on new products (and 15 days on reconditioned ones), which is rare for budget suppliers.

Mombasa Drilling Solutions is all about coastal and marine drilling—and that niche focus makes them indispensable for projects along Kenya’s coastline. If you’re building a port in Mombasa, drilling for oil in Lamu, or constructing a bridge over the Tana River, you’ll need bits that can handle saltwater corrosion and the unique rock formations found near the ocean (like coral reefs or sedimentary rock mixed with sand).

Their star product is the “Marine-Grade TSP Core Bit,” which has a special coating to resist rust and saltwater damage. It’s designed to drill through “mixed-face” formations—where you might hit soft sand one minute and hard coral the next—without getting stuck. Construction companies working on the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor swear by these bits, as they reduce the risk of costly delays caused by bit failure.

Being based in Mombasa also gives them a logistics advantage. They can ship bits to coastal towns like Malindi or Kilifi in a day, and even to landlocked countries like Uganda or Rwanda via the port. They offer wholesale pricing for international orders, making them a regional player in East Africa’s drilling tool market. And if you need help choosing the right bit for a marine project, their team includes marine geologists who understand the unique challenges of drilling near water.

Kenya Diamond Tools Co. (KDT) is for the professionals who need something custom. Maybe you’re drilling in a unique rock formation that regular TSP bits can’t handle, or you need a bit with a specific diameter or thread type. KDT will design and build it for you. Their in-house engineers work with clients to create custom TSP core bits, using 3D modeling software to simulate how the bit will perform before it’s even manufactured.

One example: A gold mining company in Migori approached KDT with a problem—their regular TSP bits were wearing down too quickly in the area’s iron-rich rock. KDT designed a bit with extra TSP diamond segments on the cutting edge and a reinforced steel body. The result? The new bit lasted twice as long, saving the company thousands in replacement costs. That kind of tailored service is why KDT is trusted by big names like the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) for geological survey projects.

They also stock a range of standard TSP core bits, including the “HQ Impregnated Drill Bit” for exploration drilling. What’s impressive is their commitment to sustainability—they recycle old TSP bits, extracting the unused diamond segments to reuse in new tools. It’s a small step, but it resonates with eco-conscious mining companies and international NGOs working in Kenya.

Why buy TSP core bits from one supplier and trencher cutting tools from another when you can get everything in one place? African Mining & Construction Supplies (AMCS) in Athi River is a one-stop shop for all mining and construction tools, and their TSP core bits are just the tip of the iceberg. From drill rigs to road milling cutting tools to excavator bucket teeth, they’ve got it all—and that convenience is a huge plus for busy project managers.

Their TSP core bits are imported from China and India, but they focus on mid-range quality—better than budget options but more affordable than European imports. Their “Matrix Body PDC Bit” is popular for water well drilling, as it combines TSP diamonds with a tough matrix body that can withstand the vibrations of deep drilling. They also offer bulk wholesale discounts—buy 10 bits, get 1 free—and they’ll deliver anywhere in Kenya for free on orders over Ksh 100,000.

AMCS is known for their fast customer service. Call them at 9 a.m. with an order, and they’ll have it loaded onto a truck by noon. They even have a mobile app where you can track your delivery in real time. For construction companies working on tight deadlines (like road projects), that speed is invaluable.

Western Kenya’s mining and agricultural communities have a go-to supplier: Kisumu Drilling Hardware. Located near the Kisumu Port, they’ve been serving the region since 2012, with a focus on small to medium-scale projects. Whether you’re a farmer drilling a water well for irrigation or a small gold miner in Kakamega, they have TSP core bits that fit your needs and budget.

Their claim to fame is their “Farmers’ Choice TSP Bit,” a budget-friendly option designed for shallow water well drilling (up to 200 meters). It’s not as heavy-duty as the bits from KDT or EADS, but it’s perfect for drilling through the clay and soft rock common in western Kenya’s agricultural lands. They also sell “Combo Packs” that include a TSP bit, a drill rod, and a basic pump—everything a farmer needs to set up a simple water well.

Kisumu Drilling Hardware prides itself on community support. They offer free workshops for local farmers on water well drilling and bit maintenance, and they partner with microfinance institutions to provide payment plans for small-scale miners who can’t afford to pay upfront. It’s this community focus that has made them a beloved fixture in western Kenya’s drilling scene.

If you’re in Nairobi and need a TSP core bit today, Nairobi Industrial Tools Wholesale (NITW) is your best bet. Located in the heart of the Industrial Area, their warehouse is stacked floor-to-ceiling with rock drilling tools, and they offer same-day delivery within Nairobi. Need a bit for a project starting tomorrow? Just call them before 2 p.m., and they’ll have it at your site by 5 p.m.—no questions asked.

Their TSP core bits are imported from Turkey and China, and they focus on fast-moving inventory. That means they might not have the most specialized bits, but they’ve got all the basics: NQ, HQ, and PQ size bits for geological drilling, as well as smaller bits for construction testing. Their most popular seller is the “Standard TSP Core Bit,” a reliable workhorse that’s used by everything from university geology departments to road construction crews.

NITW also has an online store, which is rare for Kenyan tool suppliers. You can browse their inventory, compare prices, and place an order with a few clicks—great for busy project managers who don’t have time to visit a physical store. And if you’re not sure which bit to buy, their website has a handy “Bit Selector Tool” that asks you questions about your project (rock type, depth, drilling method) and recommends the best option.

The Rift Valley is one of Kenya’s most geologically active regions, with a mix of hard rock, volcanic ash, and sedimentary formations. Rift Valley Geological Supplies (RVGS) in Nakuru was founded by a team of geologists who wanted to create TSP core bits tailored to this unique landscape. They know the Rift Valley’s rocks better than anyone, and it shows in their products.

Their “Rift Valley Special TSP Bit” is designed to handle the region’s volcanic rock, which is porous and full of air bubbles (called “vesicles”). Regular bits can get stuck in these vesicles, but RVGS’s bit has a specially shaped cutting edge that pushes through without clogging. It’s a favorite among the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) for geothermal exploration projects in Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park.

RVGS also offers training workshops for drillers, focusing on Rift Valley-specific challenges. They’ll teach your team how to adjust drilling speed for different rock types, how to spot signs of bit wear early, and how to clean and maintain bits to extend their lifespan. For companies new to working in the Rift Valley, this local expertise is priceless.

Last but not least, Kenya Drilling Technologies (KDTec) is all about innovation. They’re constantly experimenting with new materials and designs to make TSP core bits that drill faster, last longer, and use less energy. One of their latest inventions is a “Self-Cleaning TSP Bit,” which has tiny channels in the cutting edge that flush rock debris out of the way as it drills. This reduces friction and heat, meaning the bit can drill up to 30% faster than standard models.

KDTec’s bits are pricier than most, but they’re worth it for projects where time is money. Mining companies in Turkana, where remote locations make resupplying difficult, love their “Long-Life TSP Bit,” which can drill up to 1,000 meters before needing replacement. It’s a big investment upfront, but it saves on the cost of sending teams back and forth to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ bits.

They also partner with international research institutions, like the University of Nairobi’s School of Earth Sciences, to test new bit designs. This commitment to innovation has made them a favorite among cutting-edge geological exploration teams, including those searching for rare earth minerals in northern Kenya.