The Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) stands as a beacon of excellence in training professionals for the water and sanitation sector in Kenya and beyond. Established under the KEWI Act of 2001, this public institution is dedicated to producing highly skilled human capital through competency-based education and training. With its main campus in Nairobi and additional campuses in Chiakariga, Kitui, and Kisumu, KEWI offers a diverse range of accredited courses tailored to meet the growing demands of the water industry. This comprehensive guide explores the full list of courses offered at Kenya Water Institute for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, their admission requirements, programme durations, and career opportunities, optimized for readers seeking detailed and actionable information.
Why Choose Kenya Water Institute?
KEWI is renowned for its specialized focus on water resource management, engineering, and technology. Its programmes are designed to equip students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge, aligning with the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) at levels 4 (Artisan), 5 (Certificate), and 6 (Diploma). Here’s why KEWI is a top choice for aspiring water sector professionals:
- Industry-Relevant Training: Courses are developed with a competency-based approach, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with institutions like the Israeli government enhance training in areas such as irrigation and water management.
- Multiple Campuses: With facilities in Nairobi, Chiakariga, Kitui, and Kisumu, KEWI offers accessibility across Kenya.
- Flexible Intakes: Admissions occur in January, May, and September, accommodating diverse schedules.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Financial aid is available for eligible students committed to working in Kenya’s water sector.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of KEWI’s programmes for the 2025/2026 cycle, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Full List of Courses Offered at Kenya Water Institute (2025/2026)
Below is the complete list of programmes offered at KEWI for the 2025/2026 academic year, as per the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) data. The courses range from certificate to diploma levels, with additional artisan and short courses available to cater to various skill levels and career goals.
1. Certificate in Water Engineering
- Programme Code: 1420461
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent; credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences are an advantage.
- Overview: This programme equips students with skills in the supervision, construction, operation, and maintenance of water supply infrastructure. It includes one graded field attachment session in the third semester of the second year, lasting 12 weeks.
- Career Prospects: Graduates can work as water engineering technicians in public and private water utilities, construction firms, or NGOs focused on water infrastructure development.
2. Diploma in Information Communication Technology (ICT)
- Programme Code: 1420758
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent; credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences.
- Overview: This programme addresses the ICT skills gap in the water sector, covering databases, network management, systems analysis, and application development. It prepares students to integrate technology into water resource management.
- Career Prospects: ICT technicians in water utilities, IT support roles in environmental organizations, or freelance app developers for water management solutions.
3. Diploma in Water Resources Management and Technology
- Programme Code: 1420816
- Duration: 3 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent; credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences.
- Overview: This course focuses on sustainable management of water resources, including groundwater assessment, aquifer identification, and environmental management. It includes two graded industrial attachments in the third semesters of the second and third years, each lasting 12 weeks.
- Career Prospects: Roles in water resource management, environmental consultancy, or government agencies like the Water Resources Authority.
4. Craft in Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
- Programme Code: 1420937
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: A highly practical course teaching skills in reading drawings, installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. It emphasizes fault detection and system layout design.
- Career Prospects: Self-employment as a plumber, employment in construction companies, or roles in water supply and irrigation projects.
5. Diploma in Water Technology (Water Supply Option)
- Programme Code: 1420960
- Duration: 3 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent; credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences.
- Overview: This programme focuses on water supply systems, covering design, operation, and maintenance of water distribution networks. It includes practical training and industrial attachments.
- Career Prospects: Water supply technicians, system operators, or supervisors in municipal water utilities or private water companies.
6. Certificate in Water Resources Technology and Management
- Programme Code: 1420979
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: This course provides foundational knowledge in water resource management, including water quality monitoring and environmental conservation techniques.
- Career Prospects: Junior roles in water resource management, environmental NGOs, or further studies in diploma programmes.
7. Diploma in Water Engineering
- Programme Code: 1420998
- Duration: 3 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent; credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences.
- Overview: A flagship programme at KEWI, this course trains students in the design, construction, and maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure. It includes two 12-week industrial attachments.
- Career Prospects: Water engineers, project supervisors, or consultants in water infrastructure projects.
8. Certificate in Information Communication Technology (ICT)
- Programme Code: 1420C12
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: This programme introduces students to ICT fundamentals, including computer applications, basic programming, and network management, tailored for the water sector.
- Career Prospects: Entry-level IT support roles, data management positions in water utilities, or progression to diploma-level ICT studies.
9. Diploma in Water and Wastewater Laboratory Technology
- Programme Code: 1420C18
- Duration: 3 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent; credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences.
- Overview: This programme trains students in analytical techniques for water and wastewater quality testing, including chemical, microbiological, and physical analyses. It emphasizes compliance with national water quality standards.
- Career Prospects: Laboratory technicians in water treatment plants, environmental monitoring agencies, or research institutions.
10. Water Supply Operators Course
- Programme Code: 1420C33
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE certificate or basic operator course qualification.
- Overview: A specialized artisan course focusing on water supply operations, including meter reading, system maintenance, and customer service.
- Career Prospects: Water supply operators, meter readers, or maintenance technicians in water utilities.
11. Certificate in Water and Wastewater Laboratory Technology
- Programme Code: 1420C34
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: This course provides foundational skills in water and wastewater testing, preparing students for routine laboratory work and quality control.
- Career Prospects: Assistant laboratory technicians, quality control officers, or further studies in diploma programmes.
Additional Programmes at KEWI
In addition to the KUCCPS-listed courses, KEWI offers other programmes to address specific industry needs:
- Higher National Diploma in Water Engineering
- Duration: 2 years
- Entry Requirements: Diploma in Water Engineering or equivalent.
- Overview: An advanced programme for diploma holders, focusing on specialized water engineering skills.
- Career Prospects: Senior water engineers, project managers, or consultants.
- Certificate in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
- Duration: 2 years
- Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Introduced in 2009, this course addresses skills gaps in irrigated agriculture, covering system design and management.
- Career Prospects: Irrigation technicians, agricultural water management specialists, or self-employment in irrigation projects.
- Short Courses
- Duration: A few weeks to months
- Examples:
- Non-Revenue Water Management
- Metering and Installation of Water Supply Networks
- Leak Detection and Repair Techniques
- Use of Earth Observation Tools and GIS for Water Resources Management
- Entry Requirements: KCSE certificate or basic operator course qualification.
- Career Prospects: Specialized roles in water utilities, consultancy, or skill enhancement for existing professionals.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
General Admission Requirements
- Diploma Programmes: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent; credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences are advantageous.
- Certificate Programmes: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Artisan and Operator Courses: KCSE certificate or basic operator course qualification.
- Short Courses: Vary by programme; typically require a KCSE certificate or relevant work experience.
Application Process
- Obtain Application Form: Download from the KEWI website (www.kewi.or.ke) or collect from Nairobi, Chiakariga, Kitui, or Kisumu campuses.
- Pay Application Fee: Deposit KShs 1,000 (non-refundable) to Kenya Water Institute, Account No. 110 776 0585, KCB, Moi Avenue Branch.
- Submit Application: Include photocopies of academic certificates, national ID, and the application fee receipt. Address applications to the Director.
- Intake Periods: January, May, and September.
- KUCCPS Applications: Students can apply through the KUCCPS portal (students.kuccps.net) for the listed programmes.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
KEWI offers scholarships for students demonstrating financial need and a commitment to the water sector. Applicants must:
- Meet academic requirements.
- Pass an interview and selection process.
- Commit to working in Kenya’s water and sanitation sector post-graduation. Check the KEWI website (www.kewi.or.ke) for scholarship announcements.
Fee Structure and Accommodation
Fee Structure
Fees vary by programme and campus. For detailed information, contact the KEWI admissions office:
- Nairobi: +254-020 6003899/97, 0722 207 757
- Chiakariga: 0729009104
- Kitui: 0707566395
- Kisumu: Not specified; contact the main office.
Note: Non-Kenyans pay an additional 20% on all charges.
Accommodation
- Limited hostel facilities are available at Nairobi, Chiakariga, and Kitui campuses.
- Cost: KShs 25,960 per semester (subject to availability).
- Confirm availability before payment.
KEWI Campuses and Their Specializations
KEWI operates four campuses, each with unique offerings:
- Nairobi Campus (Ole Shapara Avenue, South C)
- Specializes in Water Engineering and Wastewater Technology.
- Serves as the institute’s headquarters with advanced academic facilities.
- Chiakariga Campus (Tharaka Nithi County)
- Focuses on Irrigation and Drainage Engineering.
- Kitui Campus (Syongila ACK church premises)
- Offers programmes in water and irrigation technologies.
- Kisumu Campus (USK in Kibos, 8 km from Kisumu town)
- Supports a range of certificate and diploma courses.
Career Opportunities and Industry Impact
KEWI graduates are highly sought after in Kenya’s water and sanitation sector, which is critical to achieving Vision 2030 goals for sustainable development. The institute has trained over 3,500 water specialists between 2009 and 2018, with 70% male and 30% female graduates. Career paths include:
- Water Engineering: Designing and maintaining water supply and wastewater systems.
- Water Resource Management: Sustainable management of water resources for agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
- ICT in Water Sector: Developing tech solutions for water management.
- Plumbing and Pipe Fitting: Practical roles in water infrastructure installation and maintenance.
- Laboratory Technology: Ensuring water quality through testing and analysis.
Graduates can work in:
- Public sector (e.g., Water Resources Authority, county governments).
- Private sector (e.g., water utilities, construction firms).
- NGOs focused on water and sanitation.
- Self-employment as consultants or contractors.
Why KEWI Stands Out in 2025/2026
KEWI’s programmes are tailored to address Kenya’s pressing water challenges, including water scarcity, sanitation, and irrigation for food security. The institute’s partnership with the Israeli government offers diploma and certificate graduates advanced training in irrigation water application and management, exposing them to world-class technologies. Additionally, KEWI’s e-learning portal provides access to lecture notes, assignments, and results, enhancing flexibility for students.
The Kenya Water Institute remains a cornerstone of technical education in the water sector, offering a wide array of programmes for the 2025/2026 academic cycle. From certificate courses like Water Supply Operators Course to advanced diplomas like the Higher National Diploma in Water Engineering, KEWI equips students with the skills needed to thrive in a critical industry. With flexible intakes, scholarship opportunities, and a competency-based curriculum, KEWI is an ideal choice for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in water resource management, engineering, or technology.
For more information or to apply, visit www.kewi.or.ke or contact the admissions office. Take the first step toward a rewarding career in the water sector today!
