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Engineering

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).

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.

Duration
1 year
Public, up to
Ksh 54,000
Private, up to
Ksh 48,000
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
30 students
Award
Artisan Certificate

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 programme

  • Electrical 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

  • High demand for electrical wiring skills in Kenya's construction sector.
  • Short training duration allows quick entry into the workforce.
  • Clear progression path to craft and diploma qualifications.

Against it

  • Working with electricity involves significant safety risks that require strict adherence to safety protocols.
  • Initial salaries are modest compared to higher-level electrical engineering 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 courses
Public39k to 54k
39k at Nairobi Technical Training Institute54k at Mombasa Technical Training Institute
Private41k to 48k
41k at KCITI48k at Private institutes (kenyaplex.com)

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

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 recorded

  • HELB TVET Loan

    LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions

  • County Bursary

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of the respective county enrolled in TVET programmes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
D-
Alternative entry
KCPE certificate or equivalent. No specific subject requirements.

How you are assessed

3 components

  • NITA 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

Examined by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and accredited by TVETA. Graduates must obtain NITA trade test certificates at each grade level.

Accredited by

  • 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.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Electrical 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

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.

Related courses

Further reading

Keep this

Fees and entry marks for Electrical Wireman Grade I, II and III are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.

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