About the Department
The Department of Building and Civil Engineering at Kinango Technical and Vocational College (KTVC) is dedicated to producing skilled, work-ready construction professionals for Kenya's growing infrastructure sector. Situated in Kwale County — a region experiencing rapid expansion driven by coastal tourism, government infrastructure programmes and private development — our graduates are in high demand from construction firms, county governments, hotels and NGOs.
All programmes are delivered under the national Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework, accredited by the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) and regulated by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). Students track their academic progress through the Intellimis Academic Portal.
The department offers 6 CBET programmes across two practical trade pathways — Plumbing and Masonry — spanning Level 3 (Artisan Certificate) through to Level 5 (Higher Craft Certificate). Training is centred on real site skills: students work hands-on in fully equipped workshops and practical training yards, gaining the competencies that employers and clients need.
6
CBET Programmes
3
CBET Levels (3–5)
2
Trade Pathways
3
Intakes / Year
1–2
Years Duration
HELB
Loans Available
CBET Programmes at a Glance
| # | Programme Name | CBET Level | Qualification | Duration | Min. Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plumbing | Level 5 | Higher Craft Cert. | 2 Years | KCSE D+ |
| 2 | Plumbing | Level 4 | Craft Certificate | 1.5 Years | KCSE D (Plain) |
| 3 | Plumbing | Level 3 | Artisan Certificate | 1 Year | KCPE |
| 4 | Masonry | Level 5 | Higher Craft Cert. | 2 Years | KCSE D+ |
| 5 | Masonry | Level 4 | Craft Certificate | 1.5 Years | KCSE D (Plain) |
| 6 | Masonry | Level 3 | Artisan Certificate | 1 Year | KCPE |
All 6 programmes are CDACC-accredited under the CBET framework. Government-sponsored students apply via KUCCPS. Self-sponsored students apply via the KTVC Admission Portal. Intakes: January · May · September. Academic records via Intellimis. Verify accreditation at CDACC Portal.
CBET Programmes — Full Details
Pathway A — Plumbing
CBET Level 5
CBET-L5-PLMB
Plumbing — Level 5
Higher Craft Certificate · CDACC Accredited · Highest Plumbing Level Offered
2 Years (4 Semesters)
KCSE D+ and above
Highest Level in Plumbing Pathway
HELB Eligible
The Plumbing Level 5 leads to the award of a Higher Craft Certificate in Plumbing. This advanced programme develops deep expertise in water supply systems design and installation, drainage and sewerage systems, hot and cold water services, gas pipe fitting, fire-fighting system installation, sanitary ware and fixture fitting, plumbing drawing interpretation, materials testing and quality control, and safe plumbing practice on site. Graduates are ready for senior technical roles in Kenya's construction, water services and building maintenance industries.
Apply for Plumbing Level 5
Pathway:
Level 3
→
Level 4
→
Level 5 (Top Level)
CBET Level 4
CBET-L4-PLMB
Plumbing — Level 4
Craft Certificate · CDACC Accredited
1.5 Years (3 Semesters)
KCSE D (Plain) and above
Can Upgrade to Level 5
HELB Eligible
The Plumbing Level 4 leads to the award of a Craft Certificate in Plumbing. This intermediate programme equips trainees with solid practical skills in pipe fitting and jointing, cold water storage installation, drainage layout, sanitary fixture installation, basic hot water systems, and plumbing maintenance and repairs for residential and commercial buildings. Graduates can enter the workforce immediately or progress to Level 5 through the CBET credit accumulation and transfer system.
Apply for Plumbing Level 4
Pathway:
Level 3
→
Level 4 (This Programme)
→
Level 5
CBET Level 3
CBET-L3-PLMB
Plumbing — Level 3
Artisan Certificate · CDACC Accredited · Entry-Level
1 Year (2 Semesters)
KCPE and above
Can Upgrade to Level 4 or 5
HELB Eligible
The Plumbing Level 3 leads to the award of an Artisan Certificate in Plumbing. This is the entry-level programme for KCPE holders, providing essential practical plumbing skills including basic pipe identification and cutting, simple cold water connections, tap and valve replacement, drainage unblocking, reading basic plumbing drawings, and site safety practices. Graduates can enter the workforce as plumbing assistants or junior plumbers and progress upward through all CBET levels using the credit accumulation and transfer system.
Apply for Plumbing Level 3
Pathway:
Level 3 (This Programme)
→
Level 4
→
Level 5
Pathway B — Masonry
CBET Level 5
CBET-L5-MAS
Masonry — Level 5
Higher Craft Certificate · CDACC Accredited · Highest Masonry Level Offered
2 Years (4 Semesters)
KCSE D+ and above
Highest Level in Masonry Pathway
HELB Eligible
The Masonry Level 5 leads to the award of a Higher Craft Certificate in Masonry. This advanced programme develops comprehensive masonry competencies in advanced bricklaying and blockwork, stone masonry, reinforced concrete works, plastering and rendering, wall and floor tiling, setting out and levelling, site management, construction drawing interpretation, materials testing, and supervisory skills. Graduates command strong demand on construction sites across Kenya's Coast region and the wider country.
Apply for Masonry Level 5
Pathway:
Level 3
→
Level 4
→
Level 5 (Top Level)
CBET Level 4
CBET-L4-MAS
Masonry — Level 4
Craft Certificate · CDACC Accredited
1.5 Years (3 Semesters)
KCSE D (Plain) and above
Can Upgrade to Level 5
HELB Eligible
The Masonry Level 4 leads to the award of a Craft Certificate in Masonry. This programme equips trainees with core masonry skills in bricklaying and blockwork construction, wall plastering and rendering, floor screeding, wall and floor tile setting, concrete mixing and placing, reading construction drawings, and site safety practices. Graduates are immediately work-ready on residential and commercial construction sites and can progress to Level 5 through the credit transfer system.
Apply for Masonry Level 4
Pathway:
Level 3
→
Level 4 (This Programme)
→
Level 5
CBET Level 3
CBET-L3-MAS
Masonry — Level 3
Artisan Certificate · CDACC Accredited · Entry-Level
1 Year (2 Semesters)
KCPE and above
Can Upgrade to Level 4 or 5
HELB Eligible
The Masonry Level 3 leads to the award of an Artisan Certificate in Masonry. This is the entry-level programme for KCPE holders seeking fast entry into the construction trade, covering basic bricklaying, mortar mixing and placing, simple blockwork, plastering basics, trowel skills, use of masonry hand tools, personal protective equipment, and fundamental construction site safety. Graduates can enter the workforce as mason's helpers or junior bricklayers and progress upward through the CBET levels using credit accumulation and transfer.
Apply for Masonry Level 3
Pathway:
Level 3 (This Programme)
→
Level 4
→
Level 5
Programme details are subject to TVETA and CDACC guidelines. For the latest fee structure and programme specifications, download the current prospectus or contact the Registrar: +254 746 632 243. Verify accreditation at portal.tvetcdacc.go.ke. Track academic records at www.intellimis.com/login.
Department Facilities & Workshops
Plumbing Laboratory
Fully equipped plumbing training bay with pipe fitting rigs, cold and hot water demonstration systems, drainage boards, sanitary fixture boards, and a complete range of plumbing tools and materials.
Masonry Workshop
Full-scale bricklaying and plastering workshop with mortar bays, screeding areas, tiling rigs, stone masonry practice walls, and a comprehensive set of standard masonry hand tools.
On-Site Training Yard
Outdoor campus training yard where trainees carry out real setting-out exercises, foundation work, walling, drainage trenching, and site safety practice under trainer supervision.
Drawing & Design Room
Technical drawing studio used for construction plan reading, plumbing layout drawings, site setting-out plans and quantity estimation exercises.
Materials & Testing Area
Practical area for concrete mixing, mortar testing, aggregate testing, pipe pressure testing and other materials quality control exercises aligned with the CBET curriculum.
Library & e-Resources
Construction and plumbing reference books, CDACC curriculum materials, Kenya Building Code, technical standards and access to the Intellimis academic portal.
Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Level 5 — Higher Craft
- KCSE Mean Grade D+ and above
- Pass in Mathematics or Science advantageous
- Valid National ID or Birth Certificate
- Certified copies of KCSE result slip
- 2 recent passport-size photographs
- Completed KTVC application form
Level 4 — Craft Certificate
- KCSE Mean Grade D (Plain) and above
- All D holders eligible — no subject restriction
- Valid National ID or Birth Certificate
- Certified copies of KCSE result slip
- 2 recent passport-size photographs
- Completed KTVC application form
Level 3 — Artisan Certificate
- KCPE Certificate (any grade)
- Or KCSE with any grade
- Age 16 years and above
- Valid National ID or Birth Certificate
- 2 recent passport-size photographs
- Self-sponsored enrolment only
Required Documents (All)
- Certified KCPE / KCSE certificate or result slip
- National ID — original + 2 certified copies
- Fee payment receipt (bank / Mpesa)
- 2 recent passport-size colour photographs
- Completed KTVC admission application form
- KUCCPS letter (government-sponsored applicants)
Requirements may vary per intake. Contact the Registrar's Office: +254 746 632 243 | kinangotvc@gmail.com | kinangotti2030@gmail.com. Academic records via Intellimis Portal.
Career Prospects — What You Can Become
Building and Civil Engineering graduates are in high demand across Kenya's construction sector. With Kwale County undergoing rapid development driven by tourism, government infrastructure and private investment, skilled plumbers and masons have excellent opportunities for both formal employment and self-employment.
Plumbing Contractor
Install and maintain water supply, drainage and sanitation systems in buildings
Mason / Bricklayer
Build walls, lay foundations and construct residential and commercial structures
Own Your Business
Run your own plumbing, masonry or building maintenance contracting business
Water Systems Tech.
Install and maintain water supply infrastructure for water boards and county governments
Site Supervisor
Supervise teams of artisans on residential and commercial construction projects
Plastering & Tiling
Specialist plastering, rendering and tile-setting work for hotels, homes and offices
Maintenance Technician
Building maintenance roles in hotels, hospitals, schools and county government facilities
County Government
Technical roles in county public works, water services and infrastructure departments
Key employers: County Governments, Water Service Providers, Kenya Pipeline, National Construction Authority, Coastal Hotels & Resorts, Private Property Developers, NGOs, Housing Levy Fund Projects, Construction Firms, Schools & Hospitals.
How to Apply
1
Choose Your Programme & Level
Review the 6 CBET programmes above — Plumbing or Masonry — and select the level (3, 4 or 5) that matches your academic background and career goals. You can always upgrade through the credit transfer system.
2
Select Your Admission Route
Government-sponsored students apply via the KUCCPS Portal. Self-sponsored students apply directly via the KTVC Online Admission Portal.
3
Download the Fee Structure
Visit the Downloads Page to get the current fee structure. HELB-eligible students should apply via the HELB Portal.
4
Pay Fees & Submit Documents
Pay via bank or Mpesa paybill. Bring your academic certificates, National ID or Birth Certificate, fee receipt and 2 passport photos to the Registrar's Office, KTVC Samburu Campus.
5
Report on Intake Date
Intakes are held in January, May and September each year. Call +254 746 632 243 or email kinangotvc@gmail.com / kinangotti2030@gmail.com to confirm the exact reporting date. Track records via Intellimis.
Accreditation:
CDACC Accredited
TVETA Licensed
CBET Framework
KUCCPS Approved
HELB Eligible
NCA Aligned
NITA Recognized
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