Architecture courses in Kenya: All you need to know

Last updated on July 27th, 2023 at 03:45 pm

In this article, i will be discussing architecture courses in Kenya with you- and I will try to include as much information as possible.

Remember one of our key goals here at kenyaeducationguide.com is to help you make an informed decision when you’re selecting a career.

So below is some extremely important information regarding Architecture courses in Kenya..

Architecture courses in Kenya: All you need to know

Architecture is simply the art (and science) of designing and engineering of buildings and other large structures.

Specifically, if you become an architect, you’ll be focusing on everything involved in the construction of buildings and other infrastructure from conceptualization, planning, design, and the actual engineering process.

In Kenya, the law requires that all buildings/houses (private and commercial) be designed by an architect before the NCA (national construction authority) approves building/construction projects.

So if you ask a layman, he/she will tell you an architect ni fundi wa kuchora manyumba

I’m sure you now know who an architect is….

That being the case, let’s move on

Key skills and interests required to pursue a career in this field

• Imagination and creativity
• Ability to see the big picture as well as give attention to the smallest detail
• Design and drawing skills
• A methodical and logical approach to things
• Analytical skills
• Excellent mathematical skills(you need to have passed in math- and physics too)
• Effective communication and negotiating skills
• Good vision
• Hand-eye coordination and an ability to estimate size and dimensions
• Customer service skills
• Solid work ethic
• Good diagnostic skills
• Strong technical aptitude

What the job / career / profession entails

The area is broad and depending on training, your work can be diverse.

But overall, a person who has completed a course in architecture in Kenya carries out the following functions among other duties on a daily basis:

1. Plan, design, and oversee construction and maintenance of building structures and infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, airports, bridges, harbours, dams, irrigation projects, power plants, and water sewerage systems
2. Provide pre-design figures like an environmental impact analysis(EIA), cost estimates, etc.
3. File final construction plans with the county government/national government offices
4. Visit construction sites (to check progress of building projects and ensure contractors are building according to the plan).
5. Help clients strike agreements with contractors

On the whole, you’ll be working from an office- you’ll draft plans (using software programs such as AutoCAD and ArchiCad), meet clients, prepare permit applications, do cost approximations, etc.

Career prospects for those who have a course in architecture in Kenya

You can be hired by both government departs/agencies and county governments as well as private organizations/firms including interior design firms, top architectural firms, etc).

Below are the positions that are typically available for holders of architecture course in Kenya:

• Architect
• Town planner
• Architectural technologist
• Architectural assistant
• Interior / spatial designer
• Landscape architect
• CAD technician
• Senior Architect
• Senior Architectural Assistant

Architecture courses requirements in Kenya

Architecture courses in Kenya are largely offered at the Degree and Diploma levels.

Here are the required grades:

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Degree in architecture in Kenya qualifications

Satisfy minimum university entrance mean grade – This is usually C+.

Have C+ (minimum grade) in these subjects:

• Mathematics
• English /Kiswahili
• Physics and any 2-nd Group II subject (Biology or Chemistry)
• Any Group III subject (History or Geography or Religious Education)
• Any group IV subject (Home Science or Agriculture or Art and Design or Aviation Technology or even Computer Studies)
• Any group V subject (German, Arabic, French, Music, Business Studies)

Keep in mind that you may need to have a higher grade (A to B+) to be admitted under government sponsorship because the course still attracts a lot of top-performing students in Kenya.

That said, you may get a chance with the above minimum entry requirements if you will be self-sponsored.

Please note that you can also be admitted if you hold an Approved Diploma (University approved diploma/ approved (KNEC) Diploma as long as you have a credit.

The acceptable diplomas are:

• Architectural Studies
• Building Construction,
• Land Surveying
• Civil Engineering

Some universities also accept holders of a Diploma in Real Estate Agency & Property Management.

Others including KU accept a Dip. Tech (Diploma in Technology) in Land Administration.

Requirements to study architecture in Kenya at the Diploma level

For a Diploma in architecture course in Kenya, most institutions offering it need at least a C plain mean grade plus a C plain also in Maths, Physics, and English/Kiswahili.

Universities offering degree in architecture in Kenya

A number of the best universities in Kenya offer the course. Here are a few of the universities you should consider if you’re planning to pursue a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) course:

• University of Nairobi
• JKUAT
• Kenyatta University.
• TUK (Technical University of Kenya)
• Technical University of Mombasa(TUM) – Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)

Colleges offering diploma in architecture in Kenya

Here are some of the best colleges/universities to study for a diploma in Architecture:

• TUM (TUM is one of the few colleges offering a certificate in architecture in Kenya)
• TUK
• Kabete National Polytechnic
• Eldoret national polytechnic
• Kisumu National Polytechnic
• Nairobi Institute of Technology (Private)

Architecture courses in Kenya: Frequently asked Questions

Is an architecture degree marketable in Kenya?

Like other building and construction courses, a degree in architecture is definitely more marketable than business courses because you can even start your own architectural design firm.

But nowadays you need to be more aggressive and strategic to get a job quickly – do not expect to get employment right out of college as most employers prefer people with significant experience.

So you should first target to secure an internship – even if it’s not a paid internship- in a busy firm.

The recommendation letter they give you can go a long way when you start applying for real jobs.

Is diploma in architecture marketable in Kenya?

In my opinion, it’s not as marketable as a degree in architecture so I would advise you to make sure you advance to a degree in architecture if you do not want to tarmac for long.

How many years do architectural engineering courses take in Kenya?

So, how long does it take to study architecture in Kenya?

Well, architectural engineering courses in Kenya generally take 3 years (Diploma in Architecture) and 4 years (for the degree in architecture program)

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