Diploma in Electrical Engineering - Power Option
The Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Power Option) is a KNEC-examined programme that trains technicians in electrical power systems, installations, and industrial automation. The course covers electrical installation technology, power generation and transmission, electrical machines, solar systems, PLC programming, and power electronics across three modules.
Students develop competencies in engineering mathematics, physical science, electrical principles, analogue and digital electronics, electrical measurements, fault diagnosis, and engineering drawing. The programme also covers building services, control systems, microcontroller technology, and estimating and tendering for electrical projects.
Kenya's expanding electricity infrastructure under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, combined with growth in renewable energy and industrial automation, has created strong demand for qualified electrical engineering technicians. Kenya Power, independent power producers, solar installation companies, construction firms, and manufacturing industries actively recruit diploma holders.
The programme combines classroom theory with extensive workshop practicals, electrical installation projects, and laboratory work. Students participate in wiring installations, solar system setup, PLC programming, and electrical machine testing. A supervised industrial attachment with Kenya Power, an electrical contractor, or a manufacturing company provides real-world workplace experience.
Graduates find employment as electrical technicians, power systems technicians, electrical installation supervisors, solar systems technicians, and PLC technicians. Major employers include Kenya Power, county governments, construction companies, solar energy companies, manufacturing industries, and electrical contracting firms. Many graduates also establish electrical installation businesses.
This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- (minus) who have strong mathematics and physics aptitude and enjoy hands-on technical work. It provides a direct pathway into Kenya's electrical power sector with clear progression to degree-level qualifications.
- Duration
- 3 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 85,000
- Private, up to
- Ksh 77,700
- Job market
- Moderate
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
6 subjects- Research Methods
- Communication Skills
- Information Technology
- Project Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Statistics
Modules
12 in the programmeElectrical Principles
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
DC circuit theory and electromagnetic principles for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Analogue Electronics I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Semiconductor devices and power electronics for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Solar Installation Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Design and installation of solar PV systems for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Electrical Installation Technology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Wiring systems for residential and industrial installations for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Engineering Mathematics I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Algebra and calculus for circuit analysis for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Electric Power Generation and Transmission
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Power generation methods and grid operations for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Digital Electronics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Logic gates, flip-flops and digital circuits for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Industrial Programmable Logic Controllers
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
PLC programming and industrial automation for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Power Electronics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Rectifiers, inverters and motor speed control for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Industrial Machines and Utilization
Year 3Semester 14 creditsCore
Transformers, induction motors and synchronous machines for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Trade Project
Year 3Semester 14 creditsCore
Practical electrical power system project for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Electrical Power Transmission and Distribution
Year 3Semester 14 creditsCore
Transmission lines, substations and protection systems for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Specialisations
Power Systems
Generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power including grid systems and substations, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Electrical Installations
Design and installation of electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Solar and Renewable Energy
Design, installation, and maintenance of solar PV systems and renewable energy infrastructure, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Industrial Automation
PLC programming, motor control systems, and industrial automation for manufacturing, 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 morning theory classes and spend afternoons in practical sessions, workshops, or laboratory work applying concepts learned in class.
The trade offs
In its favour
- High demand for electrical skills across Kenya's expanding power and construction sectors.
- Clear progression to Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Kenyan universities.
Against it
- Working with electrical systems involves safety risks requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.
- Field work may involve working at heights, in confined spaces, or in challenging weather conditions.
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
TVET 67K, TUM 85K/yr; Zetech 77.7K, NIBS 56.3K/yr (tum.ac.ke, zetech.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 recordedHELB 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.
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C-
- Alternative entry
- Craft Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from an accredited TVET institution.
Mathematics/Physics
English or Kiswahili
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous 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
Programmes accredited by TVETA and examined by KNEC, NITA, or CDACC in Kenya.
Accredited by
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.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesElectrical Technician
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 65,000
Installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in buildings, factories, and power distribution networks.
Power Systems Technician
Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 70,000
Works with Kenya Power or independent power producers on generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
Electrical Installation Supervisor
Medium demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 80,000
Supervises electrical installation projects on construction sites and industrial facilities.
Solar Systems Technician
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 60,000
Designs, installs, and maintains solar photovoltaic systems for homes, businesses, and off-grid installations.
PLC Technician
Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 75,000
Programmes and maintains industrial programmable logic controllers for manufacturing and automation systems.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates of the Electrical Engineering - Power Option programme work in relevant industries across Kenya, with opportunities in both public and private sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Climate Change AnalystEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Career Guidance & Labour Market Information CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Climate Risk Analyst (Finance)Environmental Science11Low exposure
- Water Treatment Plant OperatorEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
- Drought & Famine Early-Warning AnalystEnvironmental Science13Low exposure
- Environmental Product Certification AnalystEnvironmental Science13Low exposure
- Marine & Coastal Conservation OfficerEnvironmental Science13Low exposure
- Welding & Metal FabricationEngineering15Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Multimeter
Diagnostic equipmentPrimary
Digital multimeter for electrical measurement and testing
Oscilloscope
Test equipmentPrimary
Oscilloscope for analysing electrical waveforms and signals
AutoCAD Electrical
Design software
CAD software for electrical circuit design and documentation
Megger Insulation Tester
Test equipment
Insulation resistance tester for power systems
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
The Electrical Engineering - Power Option 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.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Diploma in Electrical Engineering - Power Option are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.