Diploma in Energy Project Management
The Diploma in Energy Project Management is a KNEC-examined programme listed on KUCCPS under the Technical Courses cluster. It trains professionals to plan, implement, and manage energy sector projects including renewable energy installations, power infrastructure, and energy efficiency programmes.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 67,189 to Ksh 134,378 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 1-2 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 12 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
The curriculum combines project management principles with energy sector knowledge. Students learn project planning and design, energy policy and regulation, renewable energy technologies, energy auditing, financial management for energy projects, procurement and contract management, environmental impact assessment, and monitoring and evaluation.
Kenya's energy sector is expanding rapidly with investments in geothermal, solar, wind, and grid infrastructure. The government's commitment to universal electricity access and the growth of independent power producers have created demand for project managers who understand both energy technologies and project management methodologies.
Training is offered at institutions including the Institute of Energy Studies and Research (IESR), formerly Kenya Power Training School, and the Kenya Institute of Energy (KIE). The programme combines classroom theory with practical project case studies and industry attachment.
Graduates work as energy project officers, renewable energy project coordinators, energy audit assistants, and project management assistants with energy companies, government agencies, NGOs, and consulting firms, with progression routes to degree programmes in energy management or project management.
Skills RequiredProject Planning and DesignEnergy Policy and RegulationRenewable Energy Technology AssessmentEnergy Auditing BasicsFinancial Management for Energy ProjectsProcurement and Contract ManagementEnvironmental Impact AssessmentMonitoring and EvaluationStakeholder EngagementProject Risk ManagementKey SubjectsProject Planning and ManagementEnergy Sector Overview and PolicyRenewable Energy TechnologiesEnergy Efficiency and
What you study
10 subjects- Project Planning and Management
- Energy Sector Overview and Policy
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation
- Financial Management for Projects
- Procurement and Contract Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Communication Skills
- Research Methods in Project Management
Modules
10 in the programmeProject Planning and Design
Year 1Semester 18 creditsCore
Core unit on project cycle, logical framework analysis, project proposal writing.
Communication Skills and ICT
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Foundation units covering communication skills, information communication technology.
Energy Sector Overview and Policy
Year 1Semester 16 creditsCore
Overview of Kenya's energy sector, energy policy, regulatory framework for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Entrepreneurship Education
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Business planning and enterprise skills for enterprise development, business planning, and venture creation skills.
Information Communication Technology
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Computer applications and digital literacy for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Financial Management for Energy Projects
Year 1Semester 26 creditsCore
Project budgeting, cost estimation, financial analysis, and funding for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Renewable Energy Technologies
Year 1Semester 28 creditsCore
Solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, and small hydro technologies for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Procurement and Contract Management
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
Procurement procedures, tendering processes, contract law, and contract for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Environmental Impact Assessment and Energy Auditing
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
Environmental regulations, EIA processes, energy audit methodologies for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Project
Year 2Semester 28 creditsCore
M&E frameworks, performance indicators, data collection methods for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Specialisations
Renewable Energy Project Management
Planning and implementing solar, wind, geothermal, and biogas energy projects, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Energy Efficiency Management
Managing energy conservation projects and energy audit programmes for commercial and industrial clients, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Power Infrastructure Projects
Coordinating grid extension, substation construction, and power distribution projects, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Energy Policy and Regulation
Supporting compliance with energy regulations and policy implementation in project contexts, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards.
A day as a student
A typical day combines theory lectures on project management principles, energy policy, or renewable energy technologies with practical case studies of energy projects. Students analyse real project scenarios, practise procurement processes, and learn energy auditing techniques. Industry visits to power plants and renewable energy installations supplement classroom learning.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's rapidly expanding energy sector creates strong demand for qualified project managers. | Limited number of institutions offering this specific diploma in Kenya. |
| Combines transferable project management skills with specialised energy sector knowledge. | Energy sector knowledge becomes outdated quickly due to rapid technological changes. |
| Opportunities in both public and private sectors including renewable energy companies, NGOs, and consulting firms. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business 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
KenGen GTC TVET std fee Ksh67,189/yr (govt circular). Not offered privately.
Students are eligible for HELB TVET loans (up to KSH 40,000), government capitation (KSH 30,000/year for public institutions), and county bursaries.
Funding options
HELB TVET Loan
Government TVET Capitation (KSH 30,000/year)
County Government Bursaries
Scholarships
3 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Needy students from respective counties.
Government TVET Capitation
GrantKsh 30,000Kenyan
All KUCCPS-placed students in public TVET institutions.
HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited TVET programmes.
Scholarships you could apply for
8 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant certificate in project management, electrical engineering, or energy-related field from a recognised institution.
When it next starts
Taught at 12 institutionsIncluding Kaimosi Friends University, Kibabii University, Meru University of Science and Technology.
Including Kaimosi Friends University, Kibabii University, Meru University of Science and Technology.
Including Kaimosi Friends University, Kibabii University, Meru University of Science and Technology.
How you are assessed
3 componentsKNEC Module Examinations
Examination60% of the mark
Written theory examinations administered by KNEC at the end of each module.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments conducted throughout the programme.
Research Project
Project20% of the mark
Supervised research project on an energy project management topic, submitted for final assessment.
Accreditation
Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory body responsible for conducting examinations and certifying diploma programmes in Kenya.
Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)
Qualifications recognitionRequired
Recognises the qualification within the Kenya National Qualifications Framework.
Examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and listed on KUCCPS. The programme is recognised under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework at Level 6.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesEnergy Project Officer
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 75,000
Supports planning and implementation of energy projects with energy companies and government agencies.
Renewable Energy Project Coordinator
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 85,000
Coordinates solar, wind, and biogas installation projects, managing timelines, budgets, and stakeholders.
Energy Audit Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 65,000
Assists in conducting energy audits for commercial and industrial facilities, identifying efficiency opportunities.
Project Management Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 60,000
Supports project managers in energy sector projects with documentation, reporting, and coordination tasks.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as energy project officers, renewable energy project coordinators, and project management assistants with energy companies, government agencies, and consulting firms.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Auto Diagnostics TechnicianTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- Automotive Service AdvisorTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- BlacksmithTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- Boda Motorcycle MechanicTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- CNC MachinistTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- Construction Safety OfficerTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- Crane OperatorTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- Custom Apparel TailorTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Logical Framework Analysis
MethodologyPrimary
Planning tool used to design, monitor, and evaluate energy projects.
Project Management Software (MS Project)
SoftwarePrimary
Used for project scheduling, resource allocation, and timeline management in energy projects.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Energy project management is only for engineers.
The diploma combines management skills with energy sector knowledge, making it suitable for both technical and non-technical professionals working in energy projects.
Energy project management is the same as general project management.
Energy project management requires specialised knowledge of energy technologies, regulations, environmental standards, and sector-specific procurement processes.
You need an engineering degree to work in energy project management.
The diploma provides sufficient sector knowledge for project coordination and management roles, with progression routes to degree programmes.