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.

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.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 80,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Certificate

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 favour

Practical training directly applicable to Kenya's growing construction industry.
Provides pathway to diploma and degree programmes in construction and building.

Against it

Site work involves physical labour and exposure to weather conditions.
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

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: D+
Alternative entry: Artisan certificate in a relevant field

Mathematics
D
Physics/Chemistry
D

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

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

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education under the respective university'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

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Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Building Technology are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.

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