Electrical Wireman Grade I, II and III
The Electrical Wireman Grade I, II and III is a NITA-examined artisan programme that equips trainees with foundational skills in electrical installation, wiring, and maintenance for residential and commercial buildings. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 54,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 54,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 48,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D- or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 1 year, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Trainees develop competencies in electrical safety practices, cable sizing, conduit wiring, surface wiring, lighting installation, socket outlet installation, and basic fault finding. The curriculum combines theory with extensive practical workshop sessions where trainees work with real electrical tools and materials.
In Kenya, qualified electrical wiremen are in demand in the construction sector, particularly in residential and commercial building projects. The programme aligns with the National Occupational Standards developed by NITA in consultation with industry stakeholders.
The course is delivered through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on workshop practice. Trainees spend approximately 70 per cent of their time in practical workshops and 30 per cent in theory classes. Assessment is conducted through NITA trade tests at each grade level.
Graduates can work as electrical wiremen in construction companies, electrical contracting firms, or establish their own electrical installation businesses. Progression is possible to Craft Certificate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering for those who wish to advance their qualifications.
The programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of D- (minus) or below, or those who have completed KCPE. It provides an entry point into the electrical engineering trade for those who do not meet the requirements for craft or diploma programmes.
What you study
8 subjects- Electrical Safety
- Wiring Systems
- Cable Sizing
- Lighting Installation
- Socket and Switch Installation
- Electrical Fault Finding
- Conduit and Surface Wiring
- Basic Electrical Theory
Modules
8 in the programmeElectrical Safety and Regulations
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Covers electrical safety procedures, personal protective equipment, and Kenyan electrical safety regulations and standards for safe working practices.
Basic Electrical Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces fundamental electrical concepts including voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's law, and basic circuit analysis for direct and alternating current systems.
Wiring Systems and Installation
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Practical training in conduit wiring, surface wiring, trunking, and cable management systems used in residential and commercial electrical installations.
Lighting and Power Installation
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers installation of lighting circuits, socket outlets, switches, and power circuits for domestic and small commercial premises.
Cable Sizing and Selection
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Trainees learn to select and size appropriate cables based on load requirements, voltage drop considerations, and installation conditions.
Fault Finding and Testing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops skills in diagnosing and rectifying common electrical faults using multimeters, insulation testers, and other diagnostic tools.
Tools and Materials
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Familiarises trainees with hand tools, power tools, and electrical materials used in the trade, including their care and maintenance.
Entrepreneurship
Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective
Introduces basic business skills for self-employment including costing, pricing, customer relations, and simple bookkeeping for electrical contracting.
Specialisations
Domestic Wiring
Specialises in electrical installation for residential properties.
Commercial Wiring
Focuses on electrical installation in commercial and office buildings.
Industrial Wiring
Covers electrical installation in industrial facilities and factories.
Solar Installation
Basic solar PV system installation for off-grid electrification.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a theory session on electrical safety or circuit principles, followed by extensive workshop practice where trainees install wiring systems on practice boards, terminate cables, and test installations under instructor supervision.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand for electrical wiring skills in Kenya's construction sector. | Working with electricity involves significant safety risks that require strict adherence to safety protocols. |
| Short training duration allows quick entry into the workforce. | Initial salaries are modest compared to higher-level electrical engineering qualifications. |
| Clear progression path to craft and diploma qualifications. | — |
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
Public 39-54K/yr (kenyaplex.com). KCITI 41K/yr private (kciti.edu).
HELB TVET loans and county bursaries are available for eligible students enrolled in NITA-accredited artisan programmes.
Funding options
HELB TVET Loan
County Bursary
NGAAF Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions
County Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Residents of the respective county enrolled in TVET programmes
Scholarships you could apply for
1 usable where it is taught- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCPE certificate or equivalent. No specific subject requirements.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Kirinyaga Central Technical and Vocational College, Kenya Coast Polytechnic.
Including Kirinyaga Central Technical and Vocational College, Kenya Coast Polytechnic.
Including Kirinyaga Central Technical and Vocational College, Kenya Coast Polytechnic.
How you are assessed
3 componentsNITA Grade III Trade Test
Practical examination100% of the mark
Practical trade test examining basic electrical wiring competencies.
NITA Grade II Trade Test
Practical examination100% of the mark
Intermediate practical trade test for progression to Grade II.
NITA Grade I Trade Test
Practical examination100% of the mark
Advanced practical trade test for the highest artisan grade certification.
Accreditation
National Industrial Training Authority
TradeRequired
NITA examines and certifies trade tests at Grade III, II, and I levels for electrical wiremen.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
AcademicRequired
TVETA accredits institutions offering artisan-level electrical programmes.
Examined by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and accredited by TVETA. Graduates must obtain NITA trade test certificates at each grade level.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesElectrical Wireman
High demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 45,000
Installs and maintains electrical wiring in residential and commercial buildings.
Electrical Assistant
High demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 35,000
Assists qualified electricians in installation and maintenance work on construction sites.
Maintenance Wireman
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 40,000
Performs routine maintenance and minor repairs on electrical installations in buildings.
Self-Employed Electrical Contractor
High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 80,000
Offers electrical installation services to residential and small commercial clients.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as electrical wiremen in construction and electrical contracting, with strong demand in Kenya's growing building sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Electrical wireman is the same as an electrician.
A wireman focuses on installation and wiring of buildings, while an electrician may also handle maintenance of electrical machinery and equipment.
Artisan courses are for academic failures.
Artisan courses provide practical trade skills that are in high demand and can lead to self-employment and progression to higher qualifications.
There is no career progression from artisan level.
Graduates can progress to Craft Certificate, then Diploma, and eventually degree programmes in electrical engineering.
NITA certificates are not recognised internationally.
NITA trade tests are recognised in the East African region and many graduates work across borders.