Jobs for Certificate in Electrical Installation Graduates

A trade that is always needed

A Certificate in Electrical Installation trains electricians to wire buildings, install lighting and power circuits, fit distribution boards, test installations and carry out repairs safely. Courses are offered by technical training institutes and vocational training centres, typically over one to two years. As Kenya builds more homes, offices and solar systems, qualified and licensed electricians remain in steady demand.

EPRA licensing

Electrical installation work in Kenya is regulated by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). Electrical workers must hold an EPRA licence for the class of work they do, and contractors must be licensed too. Licence classes depend on your qualification and experience, so a certificate holder usually starts at a lower class and moves up. Working without a licence is risky for you and for clients, and serious employers will ask for it.

NITA trade tests

The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) runs government trade tests in grades III, II and I. These are widely recognised by employers and can be taken by people who learned on the job as well as by certificate holders, which makes them a useful route for experienced electricians without formal papers.

Jobs to look for

• Electrician with building contractors and maintenance companies
• Solar installer with solar and energy access companies
• Maintenance electrician in hotels, schools, hospitals and factories
• Structured cabling and CCTV installation technician
• Self-employed electrician working on residential jobs

Entry requirements

Certificate programmes usually accept a KCSE mean grade of D (plain), and artisan courses may accept lower grades; Mathematics and Physics help.

Pay and progression

Pay depends heavily on experience, licence class and whether you are employed or contracting. Check that any job offer at least meets the legal floor described in our minimum wage guide. With experience you can progress to a diploma in electrical engineering, higher EPRA licence classes and foreman or supervisor roles, or build your own licensed contracting business.