Engineering

Certificate in Electrical Engineering

The Certificate in Electrical Engineering is a two-year Craft Certificate programme examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and offered at technical and vocational training institutions across Kenya. It equips students with fundamental skills in electrical installation, electronics, and electrical maintenance. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) under the TVET Act, 2013.

Year 1 covers communication skills, applied science, electrical principles, electrical installation technology, engineering drawing, ICT and ethics, and basic mathematics. Students learn the foundational principles of electricity, circuit theory, and safe working practices in electrical environments. Year 2 advances to digital electronics, micro-electronics, electrical maintenance and fault diagnosis, electrical machines and control, workshop organisation and management, technical mathematics, and a trade project.

The programme combines theory with extensive practical training in workshops and laboratories. Students learn to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. Solar installation systems are also covered, reflecting Kenya's growing renewable energy sector.

Entry requirements are a KCSE mean grade of D+ (plus) or a pass in a relevant Artisan Certificate. The programme is widely available at national polytechnics, technical training institutes, and vocational training centres across Kenya.

Graduates pursue careers as electrical technicians, installation technicians, maintenance assistants, and solar installation technicians in construction companies, manufacturing firms, power utilities, and electrical contracting businesses. The programme provides a progression pathway to a Diploma in Electrical Engineering and subsequently to a degree in electrical engineering technology.

The programme includes a compulsory industrial attachment that provides students with practical workplace experience. Government-sponsored students placed through KUCCPS receive capitation funding, and HELB loans are available for eligible students. The standardised annual tuition fee at public TVET institutions is KES 67,189.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 45,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Certificate

What you study

10 subjects

Electrical Principles
Electrical Installation Technology
Engineering Drawing
Electronics
Electrical Maintenance and Fault Diagnosis
Electrical Machines and Control
Solar Installation Systems
Workshop Practice
Technical Mathematics
Applied Science

Modules

12 in the programme

Information Communication Technology
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
ICT fundamentals including computer applications relevant to electrical engineering practice.
Applied Science
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Applied physics and chemistry principles relevant to electrical engineering.
Electrical Principles I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamental electrical principles including DC circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetism.
Electronics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to electronic components, semiconductors, and basic electronic circuits.
Technical Drawing
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Engineering drawing techniques for electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
Electrical Installation Technology I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Domestic and commercial electrical installation principles, wiring systems, and safety regulations.
Solar Installation Systems
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Solar PV system design, installation, and maintenance for residential and commercial applications.
Micro Electronics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital electronics, microprocessors, and integrated circuits for electrical applications.
Electrical Principles II
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
AC circuit theory, three-phase systems, and electrical machines principles.
Electrical Maintenance and Fault Diagnosis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, and fault diagnosis for electrical systems and equipment.
Industrial Machines and Control
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Operation, control, and maintenance of industrial electrical machines including motors and generators.
Trade Project
Year 2Semester 22 creditsCore
Practical trade project demonstrating competencies in electrical installation, maintenance, or fabrication.

Specialisations

Electrical Installation
Focus on domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical wiring and installation.
Solar PV Systems
Specialisation in solar photovoltaic system design, installation, and maintenance.
Electrical Maintenance
Focus on troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of electrical systems.
Industrial Electrical
Specialisation in industrial electrical machines, motor control, and automation.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on electrical principles or circuit theory with afternoon workshop sessions where students practise wiring, soldering, and troubleshooting electrical circuits under supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for electrical technicians in Kenya's construction and renewable energy sectors.
Hands-on practical training with extensive workshop and laboratory sessions.
Clear progression to diploma and degree in electrical engineering.

Against it

Working with electricity involves inherent risks requiring strict safety compliance.
Physical work in varied environments including confined spaces and heights.
Entry-level salaries may be modest until experience and additional certifications are gained.

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

Public56k to 67k

56k at Bondo Technical Training Institute67k at Kabete National Polytechnic

Private33k to 45k

33k at AITEC College45k at Zetech University

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

TVET 56K-67K/yr public (campus.co.ke). AITEC 33K, Zetech 45K/yr (aitec.ac.ke, zetech.ac.ke).

Government-sponsored students placed through KUCCPS receive capitation funding. HELB loans of up to KES 45,000 per year are available for eligible TVET certificate students. County bursaries are also available.

Funding options

HELB Loan
KUCCPS Government Capitation
County Bursary

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 45,000Kenyan
Kenyan students placed by KUCCPS in accredited TVET institutions. Loan ranges from KES 25,000 to KES 45,000 per year for certificate students.
KUCCPS Government Capitation
SubsidyKsh 30,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored students placed by KUCCPS receive capitation funding covering most tuition costs.
County Bursary
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Various county governments offer bursaries for TVET students resident in their counties.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: D+
Alternative entry: Pass in a relevant Artisan Certificate in electrical or equivalent qualification approved by KNEC.

Mathematics or Physical Sciences
D+
English or Kiswahili
D+

How you are assessed

3 components

End of Module KNEC Examinations
Written examination60% of the mark
KNEC-administered examinations at the end of each module covering theory and technical knowledge.
Practical Assessments
Practical assessment30% of the mark
Workshop-based practical assessments evaluating hands-on competencies in electrical installation and maintenance.
Trade Project
Project10% of the mark
Final trade project demonstrating integrated competencies in electrical engineering practice.

Accreditation

Examined by KNEC and accredited by TVETA under the TVET Act, 2013. Graduates may register with the Engineers Board of Kenya as engineering technicians.

Accredited by

Kenya National Examinations Council
AcademicRequired
Examined by KNEC under course code CEET 2400. Institutions must be TVETA-accredited to offer this programme.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
InstitutionalRequired
All TVET institutions offering this programme must be registered and accredited by TVETA.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Electrical Technician
High demandKsh 300,000 to Ksh 540,000
Installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings.
Installation Technician
High demandKsh 300,000 to Ksh 480,000
Performs electrical installations for new buildings and renovation projects.
Solar Installation Technician
High demandKsh 360,000 to Ksh 600,000
Designs and installs solar PV systems for residential and commercial clients.
Maintenance Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 300,000 to Ksh 480,000
Assists in electrical maintenance in manufacturing plants and facilities.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates are in high demand as electrical technicians and installation assistants in construction, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors across Kenya.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Multimeter
EquipmentPrimary
Oscilloscope
Equipment
Megger Insulation Tester
Equipment

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

A certificate in electrical engineering is too basic to get a job.
Graduates are in high demand for electrical installation and maintenance roles, with many progressing to diploma and degree levels.
Electrical engineering is dangerous work.
Training emphasises strict safety protocols, use of protective equipment, and adherence to electrical codes, making the profession safe when proper procedures are followed.
Certificate holders cannot work on large-scale projects.
Graduates work on commercial and industrial installations under supervision, with experience leading to independent contracting opportunities.
Solar installation is a separate qualification.
Solar installation systems are included in the certificate curriculum, reflecting Kenya's growing renewable energy sector.