Engineering

Trade Test Grade III in Motor Vehicle Mechanics

The Trade Test Grade III in Motor Vehicle Mechanics is a NITA-examined artisan programme that trains individuals in the fundamentals of motor vehicle maintenance, repair, and servicing. 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 engine servicing, transmission systems, brake systems, suspension systems, electrical systems, and basic fault diagnosis. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on workshop practice using actual vehicle components and engines.

Kenya's automotive sector continues to grow, with increasing numbers of vehicles on the road creating sustained demand for skilled motor vehicle mechanics. The programme aligns with National Occupational Standards developed by NITA in consultation with industry stakeholders.

The course is delivered through workshop-based learning with approximately 70 per cent practical and 30 per cent theory. Trainees work with real engines, gearboxes, and vehicle systems in fully equipped automotive workshops.

Graduates can work as motor vehicle mechanics in garages, service centres, transport companies, or establish their own repair businesses. Progression is possible to Craft Certificate in Automotive Engineering for those who wish to advance.

This 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 automotive engineering trade for those seeking practical skills for employment or self-employment.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 41,500
Private, up to: Ksh 24,000
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

Engine Servicing
Transmission Systems
Brake Systems
Suspension Systems
Vehicle Electrical Systems
Fault Diagnosis
Workshop Safety
Vehicle Maintenance

Modules

8 in the programme

Workshop Safety and Tools
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Covers workshop safety procedures, use of hand and power tools, and safe handling of vehicle components and hazardous materials.
Engine Theory and Servicing
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Introduces internal combustion engine principles, engine components, and routine servicing including oil changes and filter replacement.
Transmission Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers manual and automatic transmission systems, clutch operation, and basic maintenance of drivetrain components.
Brake and Suspension Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Trainees learn to service brake systems, replace brake pads and discs, and maintain suspension and steering components.
Vehicle Electrical Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces basic vehicle electrical systems including battery, charging, starting, and lighting circuits and their maintenance.
Fault Diagnosis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops skills in diagnosing common vehicle faults through visual inspection, test drives, and use of basic diagnostic tools.
Vehicle Maintenance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers scheduled maintenance procedures, service intervals, and preventive maintenance practices for motor vehicles.
Entrepreneurship
Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective
Introduces basic business skills for establishing and running a motor vehicle repair garage including costing and customer service.

Specialisations

Engine Repair
Specialises in internal combustion engine overhaul and repair.
Brake Systems
Focuses on brake system servicing, repair, and replacement.
Vehicle Electrical
Covers basic vehicle electrical system diagnosis and repair.
Transmission Repair
Specialises in manual and automatic transmission servicing and repair.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with a theory session on engine components or vehicle systems, followed by workshop practice where trainees service engines, replace brake pads, adjust transmissions, and diagnose faults on actual vehicles.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for motor vehicle repair skills in Kenya's growing automotive sector.
Short training duration enables quick entry into employment or self-employment.
Self-employment opportunities are readily available with minimal startup capital.

Against it

Working conditions can be physically demanding and involve exposure to oil, grease, and fumes.
Initial salaries are modest compared to higher-level automotive 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

Public30k to 42k

30k at Kabete National Polytechnic42k at Waithaka Vocational Training Centre

Private24k to 24k

24k at Kenyaplex Institute of Technology24k at Kenyaplex Institute of Technology

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

Kabete 30K/6mo, Waithaka VTC 41.5K/yr (kenyaeducationguide, vtc.nairobi.go.ke). KPIT 24K/yr private (kpit.ac.ke).

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

2 components

NITA Grade III Trade Test
Practical examination70% of the mark
Practical trade test examining motor vehicle repair and servicing competencies.
Theory Assessment
Written examination30% of the mark
Written assessment of automotive theory and safety knowledge.

Accreditation

Examined by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) through trade tests. Institutions accredited by TVETA.

Accredited by

National Industrial Training Authority
TradeRequired
NITA examines and certifies trade tests at Grade III level for motor vehicle mechanics.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
AcademicRequired
TVETA accredits institutions offering artisan-level automotive programmes.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Motor Vehicle Mechanic
High demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 50,000
Services and repairs motor vehicles in garages, service centres, or as a self-employed mechanic.
Service Assistant
High demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 35,000
Assists qualified mechanics in vehicle servicing and repair tasks at service centres.
Fleet Maintenance Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 40,000
Performs routine maintenance on vehicle fleets for transport companies and organisations.
Self-Employed Mechanic
High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 80,000
Operates an independent motor vehicle repair business serving local clients.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as motor vehicle mechanics in garages and service centres, with strong demand from Kenya's growing automotive sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Motor vehicle mechanics is a low-status job.
Skilled mechanics are in high demand and can earn well, especially with modern vehicle diagnostic skills.
You need to be physically strong to be a mechanic.
Modern repair work relies more on diagnostic skills and technical knowledge than physical strength.
Trade test certificates are not valued by employers.
NITA trade test certificates are recognised by employers and are a requirement for many garage positions.
Artisan mechanics cannot progress to higher qualifications.
Graduates can progress to Craft Certificate and Diploma in Automotive Engineering.