Craft in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power Option)
The Craft in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power Option) is a KNEC-examined programme that equips trainees with skills in electrical installation, power systems, and electronic equipment maintenance. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 134,378 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 36,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 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
Trainees develop competencies in electrical principles, electronics, electrical installation technology, solar installation systems, electrical maintenance, fault diagnosis, and industrial machines and controls. The curriculum is delivered in two modules combining theoretical instruction with extensive practical workshop training.
Kenya's energy sector is expanding with rural electrification, renewable energy projects, and industrial growth creating sustained demand for skilled electrical personnel. The programme aligns with the National Occupational Standards and supports the government's energy access expansion agenda.
The course is delivered through modular training with two modules. Trainees spend approximately 60 per cent of their time in practical workshops working with electrical installations, solar systems, and industrial machines, and 40 per cent in theory classes. Industrial attachment is a compulsory component.
Graduates can work as electrical technicians, installation technicians, maintenance assistants, or solar installation technicians in electrical contracting firms, power companies, and manufacturing industries. The programme provides a foundation for progression to Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
This programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of D (plain) who have an interest in electrical engineering. It provides technical skills for employment in Kenya's electrical and energy sector.
What you study
8 subjects- Electrical Principles
- Electronics
- Electrical Installation Technology
- Solar Installation Systems
- Electrical Maintenance and Fault Diagnosis
- Industrial Machines and Controls
- Technical Drawing
- Workshop Technology
Modules
12 in the programmeInformation Communication Technology
Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective
Introduces ICT tools and applications used in electrical engineering including computer-aided design and documentation.
Entrepreneurship Education
Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective
Covers entrepreneurship principles and business skills for self-employment in electrical contracting.
Course Foundation and General Information
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Introduces the course structure, objectives, safety regulations, and professional standards for electrical engineering.
Technical Drawing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops skills in producing and interpreting electrical drawings, circuit diagrams, and installation layouts.
Mathematics I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mathematical concepts including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry applied to electrical engineering calculations.
Applied Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers physics principles including electricity, magnetism, heat, and materials science relevant to electrical engineering.
Workshop Technology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers workshop safety, hand and power tools, measuring instruments, soldering, and workshop practices for electrical work.
Electrical Principles I
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Introduces DC circuit theory, Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, electromagnetism, and basic electrical measurements.
Electronics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers semiconductor devices, rectifiers, amplifiers, and basic electronic circuits used in electrical systems.
Electrical Installation Technology I
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers installation of wiring systems, conduit work, cable management, lighting circuits, and power circuits for buildings.
Solar Installation Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Trainees learn solar PV system design, installation, battery storage, and maintenance for off-grid and backup power.
Trade Practice
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops practical skills through hands-on electrical installation projects, testing, and fault finding exercises.
Specialisations
Electrical Installation
Focuses on installation of electrical wiring and systems in buildings.
Solar PV Systems
Specialises in solar photovoltaic system design, installation, and maintenance.
Industrial Electrical Maintenance
Covers maintenance of electrical machines, motors, and control systems in factories.
Electrical Fault Diagnosis
Focuses on troubleshooting and repairing electrical system faults.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with theory on electrical principles or electronics, followed by workshop practice where trainees install electrical wiring systems, set up solar installations, test circuits, and diagnose faults in electrical machines and equipment.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Very high demand for electrical skills in Kenya's electrification and construction sectors. | Working with electricity involves safety risks requiring strict adherence to safety protocols. |
| Solar installation skills are increasingly valuable with renewable energy growth. | Physical work may involve working at heights and in confined spaces. |
| Clear progression to diploma and degree in electrical engineering. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering coursesAnnual 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 67K/yr (jitimu.com Kasarani). Pvt KPIT 36K/yr (kpit.ac.ke).
HELB TVET loans, KUCCPS capitation, and county bursaries are available for eligible students.
Funding options
HELB TVET Loan
KUCCPS Government Capitation
County Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions
KUCCPS Government Capitation
ScholarshipKsh 30,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students in public TVET institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
1 usable where it is taught- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE D- (minus) with a pass in relevant Artisan course or equivalent as determined by KNEC.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Kinangop Technical and Vocational College, Kipsoen Technical And Vocational College.
Including Kinangop Technical and Vocational College, Kipsoen Technical And Vocational College.
Including Kinangop Technical and Vocational College, Kipsoen Technical And Vocational College.
How you are assessed
3 componentsKNEC Module I Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module I theory and practical examination covering foundational electrical engineering subjects.
KNEC Module II Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module II theory and practical examination covering advanced electrical systems and maintenance.
Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment of practical workshop competencies and coursework.
Accreditation
Kenya National Examinations Council
AcademicRequired
KNEC examines and certifies the Craft Certificate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power Option).
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
AcademicRequired
TVETA accredits institutions offering electrical engineering programmes.
Examined by KNEC and accredited by TVETA. Electrical engineering practice is regulated by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesElectrical Technician
Very high demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 60,000
Installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Installation Technician
Very high demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 55,000
Specialises in electrical installation for new buildings and renovation projects.
Solar Installation Technician
High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 55,000
Installs and maintains solar PV systems for residential and commercial clients.
Maintenance Assistant
High demandKsh 24,000 to Ksh 50,000
Assists in maintaining electrical systems and equipment in factories and commercial buildings.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as electrical technicians and installation technicians in electrical contracting firms, power companies, and manufacturing industries.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Electrical craft is dangerous.
With proper training in safety procedures, electrical work is safe and well-regulated.
Craft electricians cannot work on large installations.
Craft certificate holders are trained to handle residential and commercial installations and can progress to larger projects.
Solar installation is a separate qualification.
The craft curriculum includes solar installation systems as a core module.
There is no demand for electrical craft graduates.
Kenya's electrification programmes and construction sector create very high demand for trained electrical personnel.