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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).

Duration
1 year
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 41,500
Ksh 41,500 total
Private tuition
Ksh 24,000
Ksh 24,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 41,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 41,500 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 24,000 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 1 institution.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 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.

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 favourAgainst it
High demand for motor vehicle repair skills in Kenya's growing automotive sector.Working conditions can be physically demanding and involve exposure to oil, grease, and fumes.
Short training duration enables quick entry into employment or self-employment.Initial salaries are modest compared to higher-level automotive engineering qualifications.
Self-employment opportunities are readily available with minimal startup capital.—

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

Scholarships you could apply for

1 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
D-minimum entry
Alternative entry

KCPE certificate or equivalent. No specific subject requirements.

When it next starts

Taught at 1 institution
January 20271 institution

Including Ahmed Shahame Mwidani Technical Training Institute.

May 20271 institution

Including Ahmed Shahame Mwidani Technical Training Institute.

September 20271 institution

Including Ahmed Shahame Mwidani Technical Training Institute.

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

  • 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.

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

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

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.

Further reading

Read next