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Diploma in Concrete Construction

The Diploma in Concrete Construction is a KNEC-examined programme that trains technicians in concrete technology, construction methods, and quality control. The course covers concrete materials, mix design, formwork, reinforcement, concrete testing, and structural concrete construction across progressive modules.

Duration
3 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 201,567 total
Private tuition
Ksh 60,000
Ksh 180,000 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 201,567 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 60,000 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C- or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 3 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Auto Diagnostics Technician, at 3 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

Students develop competencies in concrete technology, structural analysis, construction materials, quality control testing, and concrete construction methods. The programme covers both site and precast concrete construction techniques.

Kenya's infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, buildings, and water structures, relies heavily on concrete construction. The demand for qualified concrete technicians who can ensure quality and supervise concrete works has grown with the expansion of the construction sector.

The programme combines classroom theory with laboratory work on concrete testing and site practicals. Students participate in concrete mix design, testing, and construction exercises. A supervised industrial attachment with a construction company provides hands-on experience.

Graduates work as concrete technicians, quality control officers, and construction supervisors with construction companies, precast concrete manufacturers, and government infrastructure projects.

This programme suits KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- (minus) interested in construction materials and quality control. The programme also emphasises quality assurance protocols aligned with Kenya Bureau of Standards requirements for concrete and construction materials. Graduates can pursue professional registration with the National Construction Authority, enhancing their credentials for supervisory roles on major infrastructure projects.

What you study

6 subjects
  • Research Methods
  • Communication Skills
  • Information Technology
  • Project Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Statistics

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Concrete Technology I

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Properties of concrete and constituent materials, including cement types, aggregates, water, and admixtures for concrete mix design and construction.

  • Technical Drawing

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Technical drawing for concrete structures, including reinforcement detailing, formwork plans, and structural element drawings for construction.

  • Concrete Testing

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Slump testing, compaction factor testing, compressive strength testing, and quality control procedures for fresh and hardened concrete.

  • Communication Skills

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Workplace communication, technical report writing, and professional correspondence for concrete construction projects and site operations.

  • Construction Materials

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Cement, aggregates, and admixtures used in concrete construction, including properties, testing, and selection criteria for different applications.

  • Concrete Construction Practical

    Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore

    Concrete mixing, placing, compaction, curing, and finishing techniques for structural concrete construction in building and civil works.

  • Reinforced Concrete

    Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore

    Reinforcement placement, bar bending schedules, formwork design and construction, and reinforced concrete element construction techniques.

  • Estimating and Costing

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Cost estimation for concrete works, including material quantities, labour costing, rate analysis, and tender preparation for concrete projects.

  • Quality Control

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Quality assurance for concrete construction, including mix design verification, strength testing, non-destructive testing, and compliance standards.

  • Site Management

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Site organisation, safety management, material handling, and supervision of concrete construction works and site operations.

Specialisations

  • Concrete Technology

    Mix design, testing, and quality control of concrete for various construction applications, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Precast Construction

    Manufacturing and installation of precast concrete elements for buildings and infrastructure, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Quality Control

    Testing and inspection of concrete and construction materials to ensure compliance with standards, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Formwork and Scaffolding

    Focus on formwork design, scaffolding systems, falsework, and temporary works for concrete construction projects within Kenyan construction safety standards.

A day as a student

Students attend morning theory classes and spend afternoons in practical sessions, workshops, or laboratory work applying concepts learned in class.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Specialised skills in concrete technology are in demand across Kenya's infrastructure projects.Work involves exposure to dust, cement, and challenging site conditions.
Quality control expertise is valued by construction companies and government projects.Career growth may require additional qualifications in civil engineering or construction management.

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 TVC67k at Kasarani TVC
Private60k to 60k
60k at Vitech Training Institute60k at Vitech Training Institute

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 public (kasaranitechnical.ac.ke). Vitech 60K/yr private (vti.ac.ke).

Students can access HELB TVET loans, county government bursaries, and NG-CDF bursaries to support their studies.

Funding options

  • HELB loan

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • HELB TVET/Diploma Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Needy Kenyan students enrolled in KUCCPS-placed or accredited diploma programmes at recognised TVET institutions.

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan

    Bursaries provided by county governments for needy students from their respective counties.

  • NG-CDF Bursary

    BursaryKsh 15,000Kenyan

    Constituency Development Fund bursaries for needy students from the respective constituency.

Scholarships you could apply for

1 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C-minimum entry
Alternative entry

Craft Certificate in Building Technology or Concrete Construction from an accredited TVET institution.

Subject requirements
Mathematics/Physics
English or Kiswahili

When it next starts

Taught at 3 institutions
January 20273 institutions

Including Nyeri National Polytechnic, Meru National Polytechnic, Kabete National Polytechnic.

May 20273 institutions

Including Nyeri National Polytechnic, Meru National Polytechnic, Kabete National Polytechnic.

September 20273 institutions

Including Nyeri National Polytechnic, Meru National Polytechnic, Kabete National Polytechnic.

How you are assessed

3 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Mid-semester and end-of-semester CATs covering theory and practical components.

  • KNEC Module Examinations

    Exam60% of the mark

    National examinations administered by KNEC at the end of each module.

  • Industrial Attachment Assessment

    Practicum10% of the mark

    Supervised industrial attachment report and employer assessment.

Accreditation

  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority

    Academic accreditationRequired

    Statutory accreditation for TVET institutions offering this diploma programme.

  • Kenya National Examinations Council

    Examination bodyRequired

    Administers national examinations for the diploma programme at each module level.

Programmes accredited by TVETA and examined by KNEC, NITA, or CDACC in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Concrete Technician

    Medium demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 60,000

    Supervises concrete construction works, ensuring proper mix design, placement, and curing.

  • Quality Control Officer

    Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 70,000

    Tests concrete and construction materials to ensure compliance with project specifications.

  • Construction Supervisor

    High demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 65,000

    Supervises concrete construction activities on site, managing teams and ensuring quality.

  • Concrete Specialist

    Moderate demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 70,000

    Specialises in concrete mix design, quality testing, and concrete construction supervision for building and infrastructure projects in Kenya.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates of the Concrete Construction programme work in relevant industries across Kenya, with opportunities in both public and private sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Concrete Testing Equipment

    Testing equipmentPrimary

    Equipment for testing concrete compressive strength and slump

  • AutoCAD

    Design softwarePrimary

    CAD software for concrete structure design and detailing

  • Total Station

    Surveying equipment

    Surveying instrument for construction layout and setting out

  • Microsoft Excel

    Data analysis

    Spreadsheet for mix design calculations and project costing

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • The Concrete Construction diploma is just theory with no practical value.

    The programme emphasises hands-on practical training in workshops, laboratories, and industrial attachment, ensuring graduates are job-ready.

  • 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.

Further reading

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