Engineering

Diploma in Architectural Technology

The Diploma in Architectural Technology is a KNEC-examined programme that trains individuals in architectural drawing, building design, construction technology, and project management. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

Trainees develop competencies in architectural design, technical drawing, building materials, construction technology, surveying, quantity surveying, and computer-aided design. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with extensive studio and practical sessions including site visits and industrial attachment.

Kenya's construction industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, with significant demand for architectural technologists who can support architects and construction firms in design and project delivery. The programme aligns with the National Building Code and supports the government's infrastructure development agenda.

The course is delivered through modular training across three modules. Trainees spend time in design studios, computer laboratories for CAD work, and on construction sites for practical exposure. Industrial attachment is a compulsory component.

Graduates can work as architectural technologists, CAD technicians, building inspectors, or construction project assistants in architectural firms, construction companies, and government departments. The programme provides a foundation for progression to Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

This programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) who have an interest in architecture and construction. It provides technical skills for employment in Kenya's building and construction sector.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
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: 30 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Architectural Design
Technical Drawing
Building Construction Technology
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Building Materials
Surveying
Quantity Surveying
Construction Project Management

Modules

10 in the programme

Architectural Drawing I
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Introduces architectural drawing techniques including orthographic projection, isometric drawing, and basic building plans and elevations.
Building Construction Technology I
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers construction methods, foundation systems, wall construction, and basic building techniques for residential and commercial buildings.
Technical Drawing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops skills in engineering drawing principles, scales, projections, and dimensioning for architectural applications.
Building Materials
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers properties, selection, and uses of construction materials including concrete, timber, steel, masonry, and finishes.
Computer-Aided Design I
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Introduces CAD software for architectural drawing including 2D drafting, layer management, and basic 3D modelling.
Surveying I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers basic surveying principles, levelling, chain surveying, and site measurement techniques for construction projects.
Mathematics and Applied Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mathematical and scientific principles applied to building construction including structural mechanics and materials science.
Architectural Design I
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Introduces architectural design principles, space planning, functional requirements, and design of simple residential buildings.
Quantity Surveying
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers measurement of building works, bill of quantities preparation, cost estimation, and cost control for construction projects.
Construction Project Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces project management principles for construction including planning, scheduling, quality control, and contract administration.

Specialisations

Residential Design
Focuses on design and documentation of residential buildings and housing projects.
Commercial Building Design
Specialises in design support for commercial and office building projects.
CAD and 3D Modelling
Focuses on computer-aided design, 3D visualisation, and BIM technologies.
Construction Supervision
Covers site supervision, quality control, and construction project support.

A day as a student

A typical day includes morning theory on building construction or design principles, followed by afternoon studio sessions where trainees produce architectural drawings, create 3D CAD models, and work on building design projects under instructor guidance.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's construction industry is booming with high demand for architectural support staff.
CAD skills are transferable across multiple disciplines in the construction sector.
Clear progression to degree programmes in architecture and building science.

Against it

Working in construction involves site visits in dusty and noisy environments.
Project deadlines can create pressure during design and documentation phases.

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 Kasarani Technical and Vocational College67k at Kiambu National Polytechnic

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 67,189/yr at public colleges (kasaranitechnical.ac.ke). Private: unverified.

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 recorded

HELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions
KUCCPS Government Capitation
ScholarshipKsh 30,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students in public TVET institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Passed Craft Certificate in Building Technology or equivalent.

Mathematics
D
English
D

How you are assessed

4 components

KNEC Module I Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module I theory examination covering foundational architectural subjects.
KNEC Module II Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module II theory examination covering construction technology and design.
KNEC Module III Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module III theory and practical examination covering advanced architectural technology.
Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment of studio projects, drawings, and practical work.

Accreditation

Examined by KNEC and accredited by TVETA. Architectural practice is regulated by the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS).

Accredited by

Kenya National Examinations Council
AcademicRequired
KNEC examines and certifies the Diploma in Architectural Technology.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
AcademicRequired
TVETA accredits institutions offering architectural technology programmes.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Architectural Technologist
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Supports architects in design, drawing production, and construction documentation.
CAD Technician
High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000
Produces computer-aided architectural drawings and 3D models for architectural firms.
Building Inspector
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 65,000
Inspects building construction for compliance with building codes and regulations.
Construction Project Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 60,000
Assists project managers in coordinating construction projects and managing documentation.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as architectural technologists and CAD technicians in architectural firms, construction companies, and government departments.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Architectural technology is the same as architecture.
Architectural technologists support architects with technical drawings, detailing, and construction technology, but do not design buildings independently.
You need to be good at art to study architectural technology.
The programme focuses on technical drawing and CAD skills, not artistic ability.
There are no jobs for architectural technologists.
Kenya's construction boom has created strong demand for CAD technicians and architectural support staff.
Diploma graduates cannot become architects.
Diploma graduates can progress to degree programmes in architecture through recognised articulation pathways.