Engineering

Diploma in Building and Construction Technology

The Diploma in Building and Construction Technology is a three-year KNEC-examined programme that equips learners with technical skills and knowledge for the construction industry. The course covers building construction techniques, structural analysis, surveying, construction management, estimating and costing, and building services across three progressive modules.

Students develop competencies in site setting out, foundation construction, concrete technology, technical drawing, geotechnology, and the use of construction plant and equipment. The programme also covers measurement of building works, quality control, and computer-aided design, ensuring graduates can handle both the technical and managerial aspects of construction projects.

Kenya's construction sector is one of the fastest-growing in East Africa, driven by infrastructure development, urbanisation, and government investment in affordable housing. The Big Four Agenda's housing pillar and ongoing commercial building projects have created strong demand for qualified building technologists who can supervise construction sites and ensure compliance with building codes.

The programme combines classroom instruction with extensive practical work in workshops, laboratories, and on construction sites. Students undertake industrial attachment after Module I and Module II, gaining hands-on experience with construction companies, contractors, and consulting firms. KNEC examinations are administered at the end of each module.

Graduates are employed as site agents, building inspectors, construction supervisors, estimating officers, quantity surveying assistants, and project coordinators. They work with construction companies, architectural firms, county governments, and the National Construction Authority. Many also establish their own building contracting firms.

This programme suits KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- (minus) who have an aptitude for technical subjects, enjoy practical hands-on work, and wish to build careers in Kenya's expanding construction industry. A background in mathematics and physics is advantageous.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 80,469
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: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Building Technology
Construction Materials
Surveying
Concrete Technology
Technical Drawing
Construction Safety
Estimating
Building Services

Modules

12 in the programme

Construction Technology I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Algebra, trigonometry, and calculus for solving construction-related mathematical problems and structural engineering calculations.
Technical Drawing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Workplace communication, technical report writing, and professional correspondence for construction site and project management.
Building Materials
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Computer applications in construction, including CAD software, project management tools, and digital documentation for building projects.
Surveying and Setting Out
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Business planning, tendering, and enterprise management skills for construction industry entrepreneurs and contracting ventures.
Mathematics and Applied Science
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Construction project planning, scheduling, contract administration, site supervision, and quality management for building projects.
Communication and ICT
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Advanced surveying techniques, contouring, area and volume calculations, and setting out of engineering works using modern equipment.
Occupational Safety and Health
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Water supply, drainage, sanitation, electrical installations, and HVAC systems design and installation in residential and commercial buildings.
Entrepreneurship
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Advanced cost estimation, tender preparation, valuation of works, and financial control of construction projects and building contracts.
Concrete Technology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Reinforced concrete and steel structural design, including load analysis, member sizing, and compliance with building code requirements.
Quality Control in Construction
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Quality assurance in construction, material testing, compliance with standards, and defect prevention and quality control on site.
Trade Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Advanced building construction including multi-storey buildings, prestressed concrete, and specialist construction techniques and methods.
Construction Technology II
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer-aided design and drafting for architectural plans, structural drawings, and construction documentation using industry software.

Specialisations

Site Supervision
Supervise construction site operations and ensure quality and safety standards, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Construction Quality Control
Monitor construction quality, conduct material testing, and ensure compliance, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Construction Safety
Manage construction site safety and ensure occupational health compliance, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Construction Estimating
Prepare cost estimates and bills of quantities for construction projects, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

A day as a student

Students attend theory lectures on construction technology and materials, combined with practical sessions in construction labs, drawing studios, and site visits. Activities include material testing, concrete mixing and testing, surveying, drawing, and construction safety exercises. Industrial attachment at construction sites provides real-world experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Construction boom in Kenya with infrastructure and housing projects
CBET curriculum ensures practical, industry-relevant skills
Pathway to degree in construction management or civil engineering

Against it

Site work involves outdoor conditions and physical demands
Construction industry is sensitive to economic cycles

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 Kabete National Polytechnic67k at Kisumu National Polytechnic

Private50k to 80k

50k at KCITI80k at Nairobi Institute of Technology

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 67K/yr pub. KCITI 49.5K, NIT 80.5K/yr pvt (kciti.edu, studyinkenya.co.ke).

HELB TVET loans available (KES 40,000-60,000 per year). Under the new funding model, government scholarships cover 38-82% of fees depending on need category. Public TVET tuition standardized at KES 67,189/year. NG-CDF and county bursaries also available.

Funding options

HELB TVET Loan
NG-CDF Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

NG-CDF Bursary
BursaryKsh 15,000Kenyan
Needy students in respective constituencies.
HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in TVET-accredited programmes.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C- (Minus)
Alternative entry: Certificate in Building Technology or related field from a recognized institution. Level 5 certificate in building construction.

Mathematics or Physics
C-
English or Kiswahili
D

How you are assessed

2 components

Internal Continuous Assessment
Cat30% of the mark
Continuous competency-based assessment by the trainer.
External CDACC Assessment
Exam70% of the mark
External competency assessment by TVET CDACC.

Accreditation

Accredited by TVETA. Assessed and certified by TVET CDACC (Level 6). Competency-based assessment with internal and external components.

Accredited by

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
Institutional accreditationRequired
Accredits institutions offering building technology training.
TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council
Examination and certificationRequired
Competency-based assessment and certification for Building and Construction Technology Level 6.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Building Technology Specialist
Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 95,000
Apply building technology expertise in construction design, materials selection, and construction methods.
Quality Control Officer
Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 90,000
Monitor construction quality, conduct material testing, and ensure compliance with standards.
Construction Technician
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 90,000
Provide technical support in construction projects, conduct material testing, and prepare technical reports.
Site Supervisor
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 95,000
Supervise construction site operations, monitor progress, and ensure quality and safety standards.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as construction technicians, site supervisors, building technology specialists, and quality control officers in construction companies, contractors, and government. Starting salaries range from KES 40,000-95,000.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Multimeter
Medical
AutoCAD
Design softwarePrimary
SolidWorks
Design software
MATLAB
Mathematical software

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Building technology is the same as masonry.
Building technology covers construction technology, materials science, surveying, estimating, quality control, and construction management at a professional technical level, not just bricklaying.
Graduates of this programme end up unemployed in Kenya.
Kenya's expanding sectors create steady demand for diploma holders, with opportunities in county governments, private companies, and self-employment.