Career & Employment

NITA Kisumu Courses & Fees Structure: Everything You Need to Know

NITA Kisumu

The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Kisumu Centre offers a wealth of training opportunities for individuals seeking to improve their technical and vocational skills. Whether you’re a school leaver, someone already employed in the informal sector, or simply looking to enhance your expertise in a specific trade, NITA Kisumu provides a variety of full-time and part-time courses tailored to meet the demands of Kenya’s rapidly growing industrial sectors. With hands-on training in fields such as mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, building engineering, electrical engineering, and ICT, NITA Kisumu has become a cornerstone for professional development in the region.

This article delves into the courses offered at NITA Kisumu, their respective fees, program durations, and the various requirements needed to enroll. We’ll also cover everything you need to know about the different training programs, including boarding options, specializations, and short courses.


1. NITA Kisumu Overview: Empowering Future Professionals

As part of its mandate to promote industrial training, NITA Kisumu serves as an essential provider of practical, skills-based education aimed at equipping trainees with knowledge that meets industry standards. The centre offers a combination of Craft Proficiency Programs, Skill-Upgrading Courses, and Specialized Training, all designed to cater to different needs, including those of youth, school leavers, and working professionals.

2. Courses Offered at NITA Kisumu

2.1 Craft Proficiency Programs

The Craft Proficiency Programs at NITA Kisumu are structured into three levelsPreliminary, Intermediate, and Final—allowing trainees to progress from basic to advanced skills. These courses span five terms and are designed to give students the hands-on training needed to succeed in various sectors.


Craft Proficiency in Building Engineering

The Building Engineering section offers courses that are perfect for those seeking to enter the construction industry, whether as a general laborer or specialized worker. All programs require a KCSE with a minimum D- grade or an equivalent qualification.

CourseMinimum RequirementCourse DurationMode of Attendance
MasonryKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
Carpentry & JoineryKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
Plumber, Pipe FitterKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
Painter-DecoratorKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
Cabinet MakerKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
UpholsteryKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time

Craft Proficiency in Mechanical Engineering

For those interested in mechanical engineering, NITA Kisumu offers programs designed to teach foundational and advanced skills in fields like welding, fabrication, and general fitting. These programs are perfect for individuals seeking to work in machinery maintenance, automotive services, and heavy industry.

CourseMinimum RequirementCourse DurationMode of Attendance
Fitter GeneralKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
Welding and FabricationKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
Machinist (Lathe, Milling, Shaping)KCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time

Craft Proficiency in Automotive Engineering

The Automotive Engineering section is tailored for individuals looking to develop practical skills in motor vehicle repair, maintenance, and electrical systems. Graduates of these courses are well-positioned to work in automobile workshops, mechanic shops, or as independent service providers.

CourseMinimum RequirementCourse DurationMode of Attendance
Motor Vehicle MechanicsKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
Motor Vehicle ElectricianKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
Plant MechanicsKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
Power Plant MechanicsKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time

Craft Proficiency in Electrical Engineering

The Electrical Engineering programs at NITA Kisumu prepare students for careers in electrical installation, electronics maintenance, and related fields. These courses are perfect for those aiming to become electricians or electronics technicians.

CourseMinimum RequirementCourse DurationMode of Attendance
Electrical InstallationKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time
Electronics MechanicKCSE, Mean Grade D- (Minus)5 TermsFull-Time

2.2 Short Courses and Skills Upgrading

In addition to the Craft Proficiency programs, NITA Kisumu offers a wide range of short courses and skills upgrading programs designed to help individuals already working in specific fields gain additional qualifications or specialize further in their trade. These short-term programs cover several trades within building engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and electrical engineering.


Short Courses in Building Engineering
CourseMinimum RequirementFee per LevelDuration
Carpentry & JoineryOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Plumbing/Pipe FitterOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Painter/DecoratorOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Sign WritingOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
PolishingOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
MasonryOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels

Specialized Courses in Building and Civil Engineering

For individuals seeking specialized skills, NITA Kisumu offers courses like Archi CAD, a cutting-edge design tool used in architectural and civil engineering projects.

CourseMinimum RequirementFeeDuration
Archi CADOpenKsh. 12,000/-3 Weeks

Short Courses in Mechanical Engineering
CourseMinimum RequirementFee per LevelDuration
Boiler OperationKCSE, Mean Grade D-(Minus)Ksh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Arc WeldingOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Gas WeldingOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Machinist (Lathe, Milling, Shaping)OpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels

Specialized Courses in Mechanical Engineering

NITA Kisumu also offers more advanced specialized courses, including MIG and TIG Welding and Industrial AutoCAD, to help professionals sharpen their skills.

CourseMinimum RequirementFeeDuration
MIG and TIG WeldingOpenKsh. 25,000/-3 Weeks
Industrial AutoCADCertificate in Mechanical / Auto or Building CoursesKsh. 12,000/-2 Weeks

Short Courses in Automotive Engineering

These courses are aimed at people working or interested in automotive repair, including engine servicing, vehicle electrical repairs, and refrigeration systems.

CourseMinimum RequirementFee per LevelDuration
Motor Vehicle Repair Engine ServiceOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Motor Vehicle ElectricianOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Panel Beating and Spray PaintingOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Refrigeration and Air ConditioningOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Motor Cycle Repair and MaintenanceOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels

Short Courses in Electrical Engineering

NITA Kisumu offers various electrical training programs aimed at improving the skills of both new and experienced electrical technicians.

CourseMinimum RequirementFee per LevelDuration
Electrical InstallationOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Electronic MechanicOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Motor ControlOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels
Instrumentation MechanicOpenKsh. 9,250/-3 Levels

3. Accommodation at NITA Kisumu

For students enrolled in full-time programs, NITA Kisumu provides boarding facilities to ensure convenience and a conducive learning environment. The boarding fees are charged separately and are as follows:

  • Per Term: Ksh. 25,000/-

4. How to Apply for Courses at NITA Kisumu

The application process for courses at NITA Kisumu is straightforward. Applicants are required to submit:

  • A completed application form
  • A copy of the National Identification Card
  • Academic and professional certificates
  • Four passport-size photographs
  • Any other relevant supporting documents

These documents should be sent to:

The Centre Manager
P.O. Box 1732-40100, Kisumu
Email: cmkisumu@nita.go.ke


NITA Kisumu remains a vital institution for vocational and technical education, offering training that is directly aligned with the needs of various industries. Whether you’re looking to join the workforce or advance your skills, the centre’s courses in mechanical, automotive, building, electrical, and ICT fields provide the necessary foundation for success in today’s competitive job market.