In Kenya, technical and vocational education plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with practical skills that can help them thrive in the labor market. The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), located in Nairobi, offers a variety of specialized courses aimed at equipping students with industry-relevant skills in different sectors. From craft proficiency to specialized courses in fields like automotive, electrical, and mechanical engineering, NITA provides comprehensive training programs designed to address the needs of both young people and working professionals seeking to enhance their skills.
This article provides a complete list of NITA Nairobi courses for 2025, along with detailed information on fees, requirements, durations, and modes of attendance. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a worker in need of skill upgrading, or someone interested in a career change, NITA offers a wide array of training programs tailored to meet various needs.
Let’s explore the courses offered by NITA Nairobi, their costs, and the accommodation facilities available to students.
1.0 Craft Proficiency Courses
Craft proficiency courses at NITA Nairobi are available in building engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and electrical engineering sectors. These courses are designed for students who hold a KCSE certificate or equivalent, with courses lasting five terms. Each course consists of three terms in-center training followed by two terms of practical attachment to ensure students gain hands-on experience.
1.1 Craft Proficiency Programmes in Building Engineering Section
- Masonry
- Requirement: KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus) or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Carpentry & Joinery
- Requirement: KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus) or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Plumber, Pipe Fitter
- Requirement: KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus) or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
1.2 Craft Proficiency Programmes in Mechanical Engineering Section
- Fitter General
- Requirement: KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus) or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Welding and Fabrication
- Requirement: KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus) or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Plumber, Pipe Fitter
- Requirement: KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus) or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
1.3 Craft Proficiency Programmes in Automotive Engineering Section
- Motor Vehicle Mechanics
- Requirement: KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus) or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Motor Vehicle Electrician
- Requirement: KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus) or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
1.4 Craft Proficiency Programmes in Electrical Engineering Section
- Electrical Installation
- Requirement: KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus) or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Electronics Mechanic
- Requirement: KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus) or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
2.0 Industrial Artisan Courses
NITA Nairobi offers Industrial Artisan Courses in building engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and electrical engineering. These courses are designed for primary school graduates or secondary school leavers who did not qualify for further studies but are interested in pursuing hands-on training to start a career in industrial and vocational sectors.
2.1 Artisan Courses in Building Engineering Section
- Carpentry & Joinery
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Plumbing/Pipe Fitter
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
2.2 Artisan Courses in Mechanical Engineering Section
- Fitter General
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Welding and Fabrication
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Machinist (Lathe, Milling, Shaping)
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
2.3 Artisan Courses in Automotive Engineering Section
- Motor Vehicle Mechanics
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Motor Vehicle Electrician and Electronics
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Panel Beating and Spray Painting
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
2.4 Artisan Courses in Electrical Engineering Section
- Electrical Installation
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
- Electronics Mechanics
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 5 Terms (3 terms in-center, 2 terms attachment)
- Mode of Attendance: Full-time, in-center training and attachment
3.0 Short-Skill Upgrading Courses
These courses are designed for workers in formal or informal industries who wish to upgrade their skills in various sectors such as manufacturing, processing industries, Jua Kali, NGOs, and parastatals.
3.1 SUG Courses in Building Engineering Section
- Carpentry & Joinery/Cabinet Making
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
- Plumbing/Pipe Fitter
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
- Painter/Decorator/Polishing
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
- Masonry/Tiling/Block Making
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
3.2 SUG Courses in Mechanical Engineering Section
- Fitter General
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
- Arc Welding
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
- Gas Welding
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
- Machinist (Lathe, Milling, Shaping)
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
3.3 SUG Courses in Motor Vehicle Engineering Section
- Motor Vehicle Mechanics
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
- Motor Vehicle Electrician
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
- Panel Beating and Spray Painting
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
- Vehicle Upholstery
- Requirement: KCPE or equivalent
- Duration: 120 hours
- Mode of Attendance: Evening or part-time
4.0 Special Courses in Electrical, Mechanical, and Automotive Engineering
NITA Nairobi also offers specialized short courses for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in specific areas within electrical, mechanical, and automotive fields. These include Solar Installation, PLC programming, High Pressure Welding, and more.
Fees Structure
Fees for the courses offered at NITA Nairobi vary depending on the level and course type. Below is a breakdown of the fees:
- Craft Proficiency Courses:
Level 1: Ksh. 20,800
Level 2: Ksh. 18,500
Level 3: Ksh. 18,500 - Industrial Artisan Courses:
Level 1: Ksh. 20,800
Level 2: Ksh. 18,500
Level 3: Ksh. 18,500 - Skill Upgrading Courses:
Level 1: Ksh. 11,500
Level 2: Ksh. 9,250
Level 3: Ksh. 11,550 - Specialized Courses:
Solar PV & PLC courses: Ksh. 25,000 or negotiable
Tailor-made courses: Negotiable - ICT Courses: Negotiable
Accommodation
NITA Nairobi offers affordable accommodation for students. The charges are as follows:
- Four Weeks: Ksh. 8,500
- Six Weeks: Ksh. 12,250
- One Term: Ksh. 25,000
NITA Nairobi provides a wealth of opportunities for individuals seeking to enhance their skills or embark on new careers in technical and vocational fields. With diverse courses, flexible payment plans, and convenient accommodation options, NITA remains a top choice for both young people and professionals aiming to build a solid foundation in practical and industry-specific skills.
