Skip to content
Pathrel
Start free
All courses
Engineering

Certificate in Building Technology

The Certificate in Building Technology is a practical programme that introduces students to building construction technology, materials and processes. Offered at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, the programme prepares learners for entry-level technical roles in the construction industry.

Duration
1 year
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 67,189 total
Private tuition
Ksh 80,000
Ksh 80,000 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 67,189 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 80,000 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of D+ or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 1 year, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 6 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

Students develop competencies in building materials, construction methods, technical drawing, site surveying and construction safety. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, enabling graduates to support construction projects as technicians and supervisors.

Kenya's construction sector continues to experience growth driven by infrastructure development, housing demand and commercial building projects. Building technology technicians play a critical role in ensuring quality construction practices and site safety compliance.

Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction, laboratory work, technical drawing sessions and site visits. Students engage with construction materials, tools and building plans to develop practical understanding of construction processes.

Graduates typically find employment as building technicians, site supervisors, materials testers or construction assistants in construction companies, government departments and architectural firms.

The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in construction and the built environment who wish to enter the industry with technical skills.

What you study

8 subjects
  • Building Materials
  • Construction Technology
  • Technical Drawing
  • Site Surveying
  • Construction Safety
  • Building Services
  • Quantity Surveying Basics
  • Construction Documentation

Modules

8 in the programme

  • Building Materials

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers properties and uses of construction materials including concrete, timber, steel and masonry.

  • Construction Technology I

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Introduces construction methods for foundations, walls, floors and roofs.

  • Technical Drawing

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Develops skills in producing and reading architectural and construction drawings.

  • Site Surveying

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Introduces basic surveying techniques for site layout and setting out building works.

  • Construction Technology II

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers advanced construction techniques including finishes, services and external works.

  • Construction Safety

    Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore

    Examines safety regulations, hazard identification and safe working practices on sites.

  • Building Services

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Introduces basic plumbing, electrical and drainage systems in buildings.

  • Construction Documentation

    Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore

    Covers construction drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and project documentation.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a lecture on building materials or construction methods, followed by a technical drawing session where students produce building plans. Afternoons often involve laboratory work testing materials or site visits to construction projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Practical training directly applicable to Kenya's growing construction industry.Site work involves physical labour and exposure to weather conditions.
Provides pathway to diploma and degree programmes in construction and building.Certificate-level training limits advancement without further study.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 332 engineering courses
Public67k to 67k
67k at Public TVET colleges (standardized)67k at Public TVET colleges (standardized)
Private44k to 80k
44k at AITEC College80k at ICS Technical College

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

ICS 80K/yr, AITEC 44K/yr (ics.ac.ke, aitec.ac.ke). Public TVET 67K/yr (institutiontoday.com).

Students may access HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries.

Funding options

  • HELB Loan

  • NGCDF Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

  • HELB Loan

    LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students in accredited certificate programmes

  • NGCDF Bursary

    BursaryKenyan

    Kenyan students from low-income backgrounds

Scholarships you could apply for

6 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
D+minimum entry
Alternative entry

Artisan certificate in a relevant field

Subject requirements
MathematicsD
Physics/ChemistryD

When it next starts

Taught at 6 institutions
January 20276 institutions

Including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Gatanga Technical And Vocational College, Chepsirei Technical and Vocational College.

May 20276 institutions

Including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Gatanga Technical And Vocational College, Chepsirei Technical and Vocational College.

September 20276 institutions

Including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Gatanga Technical And Vocational College, Chepsirei Technical and Vocational College.

How you are assessed

3 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Written examination30% of the mark

    Regular CATs throughout each semester.

  • Practical Assignments

    Practical30% of the mark

    Hands-on assignments assessed on competency.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Written examination40% of the mark

    Formal written examinations at the end of each semester.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education under the respective university's charter.

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) under Dedan Kimathi University of Technology's charter.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Building Technician

    Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000

    Supports construction projects through technical supervision and quality control.

  • Site Supervisor

    Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 55,000

    Oversees construction site activities and coordinates workers.

  • Materials Testing Technician

    Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 45,000

    Tests construction materials for quality and compliance with standards.

  • Construction Assistant

    Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 40,000

    Provides technical support to construction teams and project managers.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as building technicians, site supervisors and construction assistants in the construction industry.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Read next