Science

Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology

The Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology is a KNEC Craft Certificate programme that trains students in laboratory technology, testing procedures, and laboratory management skills. The course is examined by KNEC and offered across accredited TVET institutions in Kenya. Students learn laboratory tests, reagent preparation, sample handling, equipment operation, quality control, and laboratory safety.

The curriculum covers communication skills, mathematics, information communication technology, entrepreneurship, and occupational safety. Core units include introduction to science laboratory technology, laboratory principles, basic laboratory tests, reagent preparation, sample handling and preparation, laboratory glassware and apparatus, laboratory safety, laboratory records management, laboratory quality control, and industrial attachment in a laboratory environment.

Kenya's expanding health services, growing manufacturing sector, and educational institutions create demand for certified science laboratory technology personnel. Hospitals, schools, food processing companies, pharmaceutical firms, and research institutions require trained laboratory technologists for testing, quality assurance, and laboratory operations.

Training combines classroom theory with practical sessions in laboratory environments. Students practice laboratory tests, reagent preparation, sample handling, equipment operation, and quality control under supervised conditions. The programme includes industrial attachment in medical laboratories, industrial labs, or school laboratories where students apply their skills in real testing environments.

Graduates work as laboratory technologists, quality control assistants, medical laboratory assistants, industrial laboratory assistants, and school laboratory managers in hospitals, schools, food processing companies, pharmaceutical firms, and research institutions. The qualification provides a foundation for progression to Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology for specialised laboratory management and analytical roles.

This programme is suitable for KCSE graduates with a mean grade of D (plain) who are interested in laboratory science and testing and seeking technical positions in laboratory technology and scientific analysis environments.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 116,000
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: 25 students
Award: Certificate

What you study

8 subjects

Laboratory Principles
Laboratory Equipment Operation
Laboratory Safety
Sample Handling and Preparation
Basic Laboratory Tests
Reagent Preparation
Laboratory Quality Control
Laboratory Records Management

Modules

10 in the programme

Introduction to Science Laboratory Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Laboratory technology concepts, laboratory types, and career opportunities in science laboratory technology practice.
Laboratory Principles
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Scientific method, laboratory procedures, and laboratory fundamentals including measurement, observation, and experimentation.
Laboratory Equipment Operation
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Operating microscopes, centrifuges, balances, spectrophotometers, and other lab equipment.
Laboratory Safety
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Lab safety procedures, chemical safety, biosafety, and emergency response for safe laboratory operations and hazard management.
Sample Handling and Preparation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Sample collection, labelling, preservation, and preparation for analysis including chain of custody and sample storage protocols.
Basic Laboratory Tests
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Basic chemical, biological, and physical tests performed in laboratories including pH, density, and qualitative analysis procedures.
Reagent Preparation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparing standard solutions, reagents, and culture media including molarity calculations, dilution, and storage procedures.
Laboratory Quality Control
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Quality assurance, calibration, and maintaining laboratory standards including QC procedures, reference materials, and proficiency testing.
Laboratory Records Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Recording test results, maintaining logs, and laboratory documentation including data entry, report filing, and record retention.
Laboratory Glassware and Apparatus
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Types, use, cleaning, and maintenance of laboratory glassware and apparatus including beakers, flasks, pipettes, and burettes.

Specialisations

Industrial Laboratory
Focus on industrial quality control laboratory testing including product testing, material analysis, and industrial QA procedures.
Research Laboratory
Specialisation in research laboratory support including experiment preparation, equipment setup, and research data collection.
School Laboratory
Specialisation in school science laboratory management including experiment preparation, equipment maintenance, and lab safety.
Medical Laboratory
Focus on medical laboratory testing and procedures including clinical tests, specimen handling, and diagnostic laboratory support.

A day as a student

Students attend theory classes on laboratory principles and safety, followed by extensive lab sessions in equipment operation, sample preparation, testing procedures, and quality control. Working with real lab equipment and reagents builds practical skills.

The trade offs

In its favour

Laboratory skills are in demand across education, health, and industry sectors.
Clear pathway to diploma and degree in medical laboratory sciences.
Diverse career options — schools, hospitals, research, manufacturing.

Against it

Requires attention to detail and precision in all tasks.
Working with chemicals and biological samples requires strict safety compliance.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public37k to 67k

37k at Kabete Technical Training Institute67k at Public TVET (standardised fee)

Private116k to 116k

116k at ICS Technical College116k 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

Public: Kabete 37,070, TVET 67,189/yr (kenyaeducationguide.com). Private: ICS 116,000/yr (ics.ac.ke).

TVET government funding and HELB loans are available. Research institutions sometimes offer internship opportunities.

Funding options

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Funding
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) - TVET Loans

Scholarships

4 recorded

HELB TVET Loans
LoanKenyan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited TVET institutions, based on financial need.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties, targeting vulnerable learners.
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
BursaryKenyan
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
TVET Funding
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited TVET institutions, based on financial need.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: KCSE Mean Grade D (Plain)
Alternative entry: Artisan Certificate in a relevant field or equivalent qualification.

How you are assessed

4 components

Final Certificate Examination
Exam100% of the mark
KNEC national examination for certificate in science laboratory technology.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Test20% of the mark
Regular tests on laboratory principles, safety, and testing methods.
Practical Laboratory Exercises
Practicum40% of the mark
Hands-on assessment of equipment operation, testing, and laboratory procedures.
Laboratory Project
Project20% of the mark
Complete a series of laboratory tests or a laboratory setup project.

Accreditation

Accredited by Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF). The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.

Accredited by

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all TVET institutions and programmes in Kenya.
Kenya National Examination Council
NationalRequired
Examining body for national certificate and craft certificate programmes under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF).

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Laboratory Assistant
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 85,000
Support laboratory operations including sample preparation and equipment maintenance.
Quality Control Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 48,000 to Ksh 90,000
Support quality control testing in manufacturing and food processing.
Laboratory Technician
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 95,000
Operate laboratory equipment and perform basic tests in schools, hospitals, and industry.
School Laboratory Technician
Moderate demandKsh 46,000 to Ksh 88,000
Manage and operate science laboratories in secondary schools.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as laboratory technicians and laboratory assistants in schools, hospitals, research institutions, and manufacturing companies across Kenya.