Students who scored below a D+ in the 2025 KCSE exams still have access to a wide range of marketable career opportunities through artisan and craft certificate courses.
As the job market shifts toward practical skills, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes are becoming a key pathway into employment. According to global labour trends, including insights from the World Economic Forum, hands-on skills are now among the most sought-after in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and technology.
Below is a breakdown of some of the most marketable courses in 2026, including what each entails, where to study, and approximate fees.
Artisan in electrical installation
This course equips students with practical skills in domestic and industrial wiring, electrical maintenance, and solar power installation. With Kenya’s growing investment in renewable energy and electrification projects, electrical technicians remain in high demand.
Graduates can work in construction sites, maintenance firms, or start their own electrical businesses.
Colleges offering the course include Nairobi National Polytechnic, Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies, Kenyaplex Institute, and Christian Industrial Training Centre.
Approximate fees range between KES 9,500 and KES 18,000 per term, depending on whether the institution is public or private.
Artisan in plumbing and pipefitting
Plumbing is increasingly becoming a critical skill due to ongoing housing and infrastructure projects across the country. This course trains students in installing water systems, drainage, and sanitation infrastructure, as well as maintenance and repairs.
It offers opportunities in construction companies, government projects, and self-employment.
Students can pursue the course at institutions such as Meru National Polytechnic, Eldoret Polytechnic, and Lang’ata Technical and Vocational College.
Fees at public TVET institutions average around KES 20,000 per term, with some shorter programmes costing less.
Certificate in information technology and digital marketing
For students interested in the digital space, this course provides skills in computer applications, web development, online marketing, and social media management.
With the rise of freelancing, remote work, and online businesses, ICT and digital marketing skills are opening doors to both local and global job opportunities.
Colleges offering these programmes include Digiask College, Digital Marketing Institute, Bartmore Technical College, and Zetech University.
Short courses lasting three to six months cost between KES 15,000 and KES 45,000, while more advanced programmes can go up to KES 90,000.
Health care assistant and caregiver
This programme prepares students to provide basic patient care in hospitals, clinics, and home-based settings. It includes training in patient hygiene, nutrition, and general support services.
With growing demand for healthcare services both in Kenya and abroad, caregiving has become a reliable career path, especially for those seeking opportunities overseas.
Institutions offering this course include GoCare Training Institute, Bartmore Technical College, and selected KMTC campuses offering related certificates such as Health Records.
Fees typically range from KES 22,000 to KES 30,000 per term.
Artisan in automotive engineering
This course focuses on vehicle maintenance, engine repair, and diagnostics. With the increasing number of vehicles on Kenyan roads and the emergence of modern car technologies, skilled mechanics are in steady demand.
Graduates can work in garages, transport companies, or start their own auto repair businesses.
Training is offered at institutions such as Kabete National Polytechnic, Nairobi National Polytechnic, and Naturesurf Training College.
Fees generally range between KES 18,000 and KES 22,500 per term.
Growing opportunities in TVET sector
Education stakeholders say these courses provide a practical alternative for students who may not qualify for university entry but are eager to build sustainable careers.
With government support for TVET institutions and increasing demand for skilled labour, artisan and certificate programmes are expected to play a major role in shaping Kenya’s workforce in the coming years.
