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Welding is a highly valued skill in Kenya’s industrial, construction, and automotive sectors. It offers young people great opportunities for employment, self-employment, and even international job placements. If you’re interested in pursuing welding but worried about training costs, the good news is — there are government-funded programs for welding students in Kenya designed to support you.
In this article, we highlight top welding programs sponsored by the Kenyan government and its partners. These initiatives provide training, certification, tools, and even startup capital to qualified youth, helping them build a stable and profitable career.
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Why Welding Is a Valuable Skill in Kenya
Welders play a critical role in building infrastructure, manufacturing metal structures, repairing vehicles, and constructing water tanks and gates. As Kenya continues to invest in housing, roads, and industrial development, demand for skilled welders is growing.
Benefits of a welding career:
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High demand in both rural and urban areas
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Job-ready in less than a year
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Ideal for self-employment
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Opportunities to work abroad (e.g., Gulf countries, shipyards)
Top Government-Funded Welding Programs in Kenya
Here are the top programs that offer free or subsidized welding training across Kenya:
1. Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP)
Funded by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, KYEOP targets youth aged 18–29 with minimal education.
What it offers:
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Fully funded short welding courses (3–6 months)
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Life skills and entrepreneurship training
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Internship placement or startup support
Who qualifies:
Kenyan youth (18–29), out of school, and unemployed
Where offered:
Across many counties via TVETs, NYS, and private trainers
2. National Industrial Training Authority (NITA)
NITA is a government body that offers technical training and trade testing for welding and fabrication.
What it offers:
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Artisan and craft-level welding courses
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Government subsidized training fees
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National certification after testing
Who qualifies:
Primary or secondary school leavers
Where offered:
NITA centers in Mombasa, Kisumu, Athi River, and Nairobi
3. TVET-CDACC Certified Institutions
Many TVET institutions approved by the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) offer welding as part of their government-sponsored programs.
What it offers:
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Government-funded training through Capitation and HELB
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Artisan and craft certificate in welding and fabrication
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Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) model
Where offered:
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Mathenge Technical, Kiirua Technical, Meru National Polytechnic
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All public TVET colleges countrywide
4. NYS Vocational Training Programs
The National Youth Service (NYS) trains youth in technical skills including welding, mechanics, and construction.
What it offers:
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Free or subsidized welding training
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Residential training (food and accommodation provided)
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Military-style discipline and life skills
Who qualifies:
Youth aged 18–24 through national recruitment
Duration:
6 months to 1 year
5. Ajira Digital + Blue Collar Skills
Ajira Digital, in partnership with various government ministries and NGOs, has expanded to support blue-collar jobs.
What it offers:
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Welding and metalwork training with digital support skills
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Connection to job opportunities and online work
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Entrepreneurship guidance
Where offered:
County digital hubs, partner TVETs, and youth centers
6. County Youth Empowerment Programs
Some county governments fund local vocational courses, including welding, through their Department of Youth or Trade.
What it offers:
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Short welding courses (1–3 months)
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Free tuition and training materials
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Certification from NITA or TVET
Counties involved:
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Kiambu, Kakamega, Nakuru, Machakos, Mombasa, and others
Visit your local ward office or county youth department for updates.
How to Apply for Government-Funded Welding Courses
Step-by-step process:
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Visit the nearest public TVET or NITA center
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Inquire about ongoing intakes and available funding
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Fill in application forms (ID, KCPE/KCSE, passport photos needed)
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Apply for HELB TVET loan (optional)
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If applying through KYEOP or NYS, follow their recruitment guidelines
Important tip: Always confirm the institution is registered with TVETA.
Career Opportunities After Training
Once you complete a government-funded welding program, you can:
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Work as a welder in construction, automotive, or shipbuilding
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Start your own welding workshop
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Apply for industrial jobs locally or overseas
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Work with contractors or NGOs building infrastructure
Starting salary: Ksh 15,000 – 30,000/month (higher with experience)
Self-employment income: Ksh 500 – 3,000 per project, depending on the job
Final Thoughts
Government-funded welding programs in Kenya are a game-changer for young people who want to gain hands-on skills and earn a decent living. With free or low-cost training, national certification, and support for internships or business, these programs can help you launch a successful career in a growing industry.
Tip: Don’t wait for the perfect time. Visit your nearest training center or youth office today and ask how you can join the next intake.
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