The KNEC Artisan in Plumbing & Piping is a vocational-level qualification under the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). It is designed to equip learners with practical skills in plumbing, pipe installation, and maintenance, suitable for entry-level work in construction, water supply, and sanitation systems.
This is an artisan-level course, below the certificate level, with strong emphasis on hands-on, practical skills.
KCSE mean grade: D- (Plain)
Typically 1 year
Includes classroom theory, workshop practice, and field/industrial attachment
Core units typically include:
Introduction to plumbing and piping
Types of pipes and fittings (PVC, steel, copper, etc.)
Water supply systems
Sanitation and drainage systems
Health, safety, and plumbing regulations
Pipe installation and alignment
Fitting valves, taps, and fixtures
Testing and repairing leaks
Drainage and sewage installation and maintenance
Technical drawing for plumbing systems
Workshop safety and tools handling
Communication and entrepreneurship
Field or industrial attachment for practical experience
Practical sessions are emphasized, often conducted in workshops or on construction sites.
Administered by KNEC
Assessment includes:
Practical demonstrations and installations
Short written theory exams
Successful learners receive the KNEC Artisan Certificate in Plumbing & Piping
Graduates can work as:
Plumbers / Plumbing Technicians
Pipefitters / Assistants
Water and sanitation technicians
Construction site plumbing support staff
Entry-level maintenance technicians
This qualification also prepares learners for higher-level KNEC certificates in plumbing, mechanical engineering, or construction technology.