Well, read on to get the answers.

Now, unlike in the past where it was the university or nothing, the expansion of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) education in Kenya has opened up a ton of opportunities for students who didn’t do well in their KCSE exams.

Here we look at the best courses for grade D students and mention some of the Kenyan colleges you can pursue these courses in.

Best Courses for Grade D

As hinted above, your best bet is a TVET course and not a business-related course (while you may qualify for some business-oriented D courses in Kenya, employers favor those with a good KCSE grade when hiring for positions such as human resources, storekeeping, business management, and related vacancies).

The greatest advantage of TVET D courses is that you can even employ yourself if jobs are not forthcoming since they are skill-based courses.

Take a look at our recommended D plain courses in colleges in Kenya.

Most recommended D courses Kenya

1.   Certificate in Electrical & Electronics Engineering (Power)

With a certificate in electrical & electronic engineering, you can work in a variety of sectors including automotive, utilities such as Kenya Power, IT and telecommunications.

Electronic products are deeply entrenched in the society and our daily lives meaning that you won’t lack opportunities unless you’re lazy.

Where to take this course

This is one of the most popular courses in Kenya polytechnic (Technical University) so you can check them out.

In addition, most TVET colleges offer this course.

2.   Certificate in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering tackles the design, development, installations, operation, and the maintenance of anything comprising of moving parts like machinery and industrial equipment.

Opportunities exist in industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, construction, energy, and sports.

Where to take this course

This is one of the most popular D plain courses in Kenya and is again taught in most TVET colleges including Kabete Polytechnic, Keini Technical TVC (Chaka-Naromoru), and Rift Valley Institute of Technology.

Check your nearest college for intake and other relevant information.

3.   Certificate in Welding and Fabrication

This helps you become a specialist in welding and joining technologies.

Employment prospects are abundant in the manufacture of machines/equipment utilized in fields like aerospace, transportation, commercial farming, medical, recreation, health (gyms), and more.

Welder/fabricators also build bridges, bicycles, buildings, and even machines making it a brilliant career choice for students with an entrepreneurial mind.

Where to take this course

Most middle level TVET colleges train welders and fabricators. These include Nairobi TTI and Kisumu national polytechnic.

4.   Certificate in Building Technology

A building technology course will open your doors to a career as multi-tasking ‘Fundi’ and tackles aspects of both masonry and carpentry.

Fundis are well remunerated in Kenya and you could end up earning more than even bankers once you gain experience.

You can rise to become an independent contractor or site manager.

Where to take this course

Once more you can pursue this course at any of the Kenya colleges offering artisan courses.

Examples include Mathenge Technical (Othaya), Mukurweini Technical, Chuka Technical, and PC Kinyanjui TTI (Nairobi).

5.   Certificate in Civil Engineering

As a civil engineer, you work in the construction industry and you mainly specialize in building structures of all types including transport infrastructure (bridges and roads) and communications hardware (for example, radio masts).

Civil engineering is one of the most marketable technical courses in Kenya and jobs/business openings abound across the country.

Where to take this D course in Kenya

Examples of colleges training civil engineers are Technical University and Nyandarua Institute of Technology.

6.   Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics

Here you training as a Motor vehicle technician and you’ll be repairing and servicing cars, delivery vans, Lorries, motorbikes, and coaches.

Where to take this D course in Kenya

Examples of colleges training motor vehicle technicians are Mombasa technical university, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Kisumu National Polytechnic, and Meru National Poly.

7.   Certificate in Construction Plant Mechanics

Construction plant mechanics ensure that heavy plant machinery such as dumper trucks and diggers are well maintained and in a topnotch working condition at all times.

Your work station might be a construction site and you’ll spend your days servicing/repairing plant machinery, inspecting gearboxes, engines, and hydraulics or identifying and repairing/replacing faulty parts.

Where to take this D course in Kenya

This course is taught in plenty of colleges around the country including Nyeri National Poly and Kisii National Polytechnic.

8.   Certificate in Science Lab. Technician

This is one of the open medical courses with D Plain and your work will be to perform complex analytical procedures in a laboratory.

Depending on the organization you’re working for, you may be involved in different laboratory-based investigations within chemical, physical, biological, and life science sectors.

Where to take this D course in Kenya

You can take this course at the Nyeri National Poly, Kabete National Poly, and Thika Technical Institute.

9.   Certificate in Food & Beverage Production & Service

Here you’re trained on how to professionally produce and serve food and beverages in 5-star hotels.

Other roles involve ensuring maximum customer satisfaction and how to order and manage inventories.

Where to take this D course in Kenya

The top institutions offering this course include Utalii College and private colleges such as Amboseli Institute in Thika.

10.    Certificate in Catering and Accommodation

Typical employers for graduates of this program are airlines, events venues, restaurants & fast-food outlets, bars and pubs, conference/exhibition centres, and hotel chains.

The positions you can occupy are:

• Chef
• Event manager
• Catering manager
• Conference centre supervisor.
• Hotel manager

Where to learn this D course in Kenya

The top colleges offering this course are Utalii College and private institutions such as NIBS.

11.    Certificate in Fashion Design and Clothing Technology

For this course you’ll need some creative flair coupled with a drive to excel as a fashion designer.

Employers include design houses and you’ll be engaged in areas like knitwear, clothing technology, merchandising, and fashion buying.

You can also opt to start your commercial fashion line.

Where to learn this D course in Kenya

Like the other programmes appearing in this best courses for grade D list, this course is offered by a host of TVET colleges in Kenya.

There are also a few excellent private colleges specializing in fashion and design courses such as Mcensal School of Fashion and Design.

12.     Certificate in Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy

Beauty therapists provide a wide range of body and face treatments to help customers’ look and feel great.

Hairdressers on the other hand cut, style, straighten, wave, color, and treat hair.

They also treat common scalp conditions.

The beauty industry is ever-growing and every dawn brings new opportunities for therapists and stylists so it’s a brilliant industry to target.

Where to learn this D course in Kenya

We wrote about Hairdressing and beauty colleges in Kenya here (click).

What to know about the above D plain courses

All the craft certificate courses we have listed so far are examined by KNEC and will take 2 years to complete the two modules (module 1 and 2).

On average, the fee in public colleges is shs.56420/- per annum with students getting a shs.30000/- capitation (if you apply via KUCCPS) in addition to HELB loans (for deserving cases).

You can fund the remainder from grants awarded by your CDF (apply in the local MPs office) and county government bursaries (where available).

See? You can complete your desired course without spending a fortune if you play your cards right.

Best Courses for Grade D: Other options

This section highlights a few 3 month courses in Kenya (up to 6 months) that you can enroll for with your grade D.

Some are examined by bodies like NITA (National Industrial Training Authority) and others by the college offering the programs.

1.   Motor Vehicle Mechanic/Electrician (Grade III, II, I)-NITA

Automotive electricians are involved in the installation, maintenance, and repairing of electrical wiring plus electronic components in vehicles.

You will sit for a grade test at the end of the 6 months study period.

2.   Panel Beating (Grade III, II, I)-NITA

Panelbeaters repair damages to fiberglass, metal, and plastic body works on motor vehicles in addition to forming replacement vehicle panels.

You will once again write a grade test at the end of the 6 months study period.

3.   Spray Painting (Grade III,II,I)-NITA

Automotive spray painters simply spray paint vehicle bodywork and are hired by small Jua Kali operators as well as large vehicle fabrication companies/panelbeating firms in Kenya.

Each level takes 6 months and students are expected to pass a grade test exam before proceeding to the next level.

4.   Solar Power Installation Technician (T1 & T2)-KEREA

A solar PV technician helps construct and mount active systems, which need solar collectors, pumps, concentrators, and fans.

The World is moving towards ‘green’ energy and demand for professional solar installers is expected to maintain an upward trajectory for the next few years meaning more opportunities for trainees.

You’re awarded a KEREA (Kenya Renewable Energy Association) certificate at the end of the two level course.

5.   Electrical Wireman (Grade 3, 2, 1)-NITA

Electrical wiremen are skilled in connecting electrical systems to the main power source and in distributing power throughout assigned facilities.

Their standard roles include installing conduits, lighting fixtures, and various electrical outlets.

They might also inspect and service electrical motors and related equipment besides installing alarm systems and/or electrical control panels.

Lastly, you will be inspecting, maintaining, and repairing existing electrical systems.

Where to study for these courses in Kenya

These programmes are available in colleges like:

• Kabete Technical Training Institute
• Kaiboi Technical Training Institute
• Keroka Technical Training Institute
• Kiirua Technical Training Institute
• Kitale Technical Training Institute
• Aldai Technical training Institute
• Bondo Technical Training Institute
• Bunyala Technical and Vocational College
• Bushiangala Technical Training Institute
• Coast Institute of Technology
• David M.Wambuli Technical and Vocational College
• Emining Technical Training Institute
• Jeremiah Nyagah Technical Training Institute(Formerly Rwika Technical institute)
• Karumo Technical Training Institute
• Katine Technical Training Institute
• Naivasha Technical and Vocational College
• Kiambu Institute of Science & Technology
• Kipsinende Technical and Vocational College
• Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind
• Michuki Technical Training Institute
• Mukiria Technical Training Institute
• Ol’lessos Technical Training Institute
• Sang’alo Institute of Science and Technology
• Siaya Institute of Science & Technology
• Sigalagala National Polytechnic

Best Courses For Grade D: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

I will now answer some of the questions I’m regularly asked regarding the courses you can pursue with grade D in Kenya.

Is catering marketable in Kenya?

Of course, yes. However, to secure a job quickly, it’s always advisable to offer more than what your competition is able to.

For example, you can introduce a new menu in an establishment or market yourself as a customer service champion.

That way, you’ll attract more employers and businesses looking for new talent to generate new business.

Don’t forget that you can start and thrive in your own catering business.

Is food and beverage marketable in Kenya?

Well, it’s a question of how you market yourself and not if the course is marketable.

In short, you’ll land lucrative job openings in top-rated establishments with proper packaging and marketing of your skills.

You can, for instance, create demand for your services if you invent a new way of serving that impresses clients during your industrial attachment.

Other ways of self-promotion would be by organizing food and beverage expos or approaching senior managers (working for your targeted employer) and proposing new ideas.

Do colleges accept D grades?

Sure, yes. Colleges in Kenya accept grade D, D-, and even E (artisan courses).

You will obviously not be admitted to prestigious diplomas like in Clinical Medicine but there are countless courses (You have already read about them) you can register for with these grades.

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D plain courses in Zetech university [All D courses]

D plain courses in Chuka university [10+ courses you can pursue at Chuka Uni]

D+ courses in university of Nairobi [All you need to know]

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