Where to find jobs after completing a welding course in Kenya

After completing your welding certification from CDACC, KNEC, or other institutions, you’re probably wondering where to start your job search in Kenya’s competitive market. This comprehensive guide reveals the most promising sectors, companies, and platforms where welders are actively recruited, plus insider tips on securing employment or starting your own welding business.

Welding is one of the most marketable technical skills in Kenya today. With construction, transport, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors growing steadily, certified welders are in constant demand. But after completing a course, many graduates ask: Where can I find welding jobs in Kenya? This guide will help you discover the top places, platforms, and industries hiring welders, whether you want formal employment or self-employment.

Why Welding Is a Smart Career Choice

Welding plays a key role in nearly every construction or metalwork-related activity in Kenya. Welders fix structures, build metal frames, repair machines, and install gates and pipes. Whether you studied at a TVET, a polytechnic, or through NITA certification, your welding skills can lead to good-paying, long-term job opportunities.

Benefits of pursuing welding jobs in Kenya:

• High demand in multiple industries

• Potential for self-employment

• Low startup costs for personal businesses

• Opportunities to work locally or abroad

Where to Find Welding Jobs in Kenya

1. Construction Companies

Construction firms are some of the biggest employers of welders. Projects include:

• Residential and commercial buildings

• Bridges and flyovers

• Gates, staircases, and railings

• Roofing and structural beams

How to get hired:

• Visit construction sites with your certificate

• Network with foremen or site managers

• Apply to companies like Epco Builders, Cementers Ltd, and Seyani Bros

2. Manufacturing and Fabrication Companies

Metal fabrication and manufacturing firms need skilled welders for:

• Machine parts assembly

• Metal product manufacturing

• Repair and maintenance

Companies hiring welders include:

• Numerical Machining Complex (Nairobi)

• Steel Structures Ltd

• Devki Group

• Tononoka Group

• Bidco Africa (for plant maintenance roles)

3. Automotive and Transport Sector

Welders are in demand in:

• Vehicle body-building workshops

• Garages and auto repair shops

• Matatu modification yards

Where to look:

• Industrial areas in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret

• Auto parts suppliers or custom shops

• Vehicle assembly companies like Isuzu East Africa

4. Government Institutions and Parastatals

Some government agencies and county governments hire welders for maintenance and infrastructure work.

Look for jobs in:

• Kenya Railways

• Kenya Ports Authority

• Kenya Power

• Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA)

• County public works departments

Tip: Monitor official county websites and the Public Service Commission portal for openings.

5. NGOs and Youth Employment Programs

Some NGOs and non-profits offer job placements or business tools to skilled youth.

Check organizations like:

• Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project (KYEOP)

• Ajira Digital (for online/offline gigs)

• Uwezo Fund and Youth Enterprise Fund (for startup capital)

6. Job Websites and Online Platforms

Several Kenyan job boards regularly post welding vacancies:

Top platforms include:

• BrighterMonday

• Fuzu

• MyJobsInKenya

• Corporate Staffing Services

• County job portals

• Facebook job groups (e.g., “Jobs in Kenya for Welders”)

Tip: Create a professional CV and upload it on these platforms with your welding certificate attached.

7. Self-Employment and Small Welding Businesses

If you prefer to be your own boss, welding offers great opportunities for entrepreneurship.

Start a small business doing:

• Gate and grill fabrication

• Furniture welding (beds, chairs, shelves)

• Mobile welding services

• Construction subcontracts

What you need to start:

• A welding machine (costs around Ksh 10,000–40,000)

• Basic safety gear (gloves, apron, helmet)

• Business license from your county government

• Word-of-mouth marketing or social media presence

8. TVET College Career Offices and Alumni Networks

Many TVET institutions support students after graduation. Ask your college about:

• Job placement programs

• Internship-to-employment partnerships

• Employer visits and recruitment days

• Referrals through alumni associations

Colleges like Kabete National Polytechnic, Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology, and Kenya Coast Polytechnic often connect graduates with companies.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired

• Build a solid portfolio – Take photos of your work and show them to employers

• Network often – Attend trade shows, seminars, or community forums

• Improve your skills – Learn MIG, TIG, or pipe welding to stand out

• Get licensed – Ensure your training is recognized by KNEC, NITA, or CDACC

• Show up early – Many jobs are found by visiting sites directly

Estimated Salaries for Welders in Kenya

• Entry-level welders: Ksh 15,000 – 25,000/month

• Experienced welders: Ksh 30,000 – 60,000/month

• Self-employed welders: Can earn Ksh 50,000+ depending on jobs

• Specialised welders (e.g., underwater or industrial): Ksh 70,000+

Conclusion

After completing your training, finding welding jobs in Kenya is a realistic and rewarding step. Opportunities are everywhere – from construction sites to car garages and government projects. Whether you choose employment or start your own business, welding offers stable income, independence, and a valuable trade skill.

Action Tip: Print copies of your CV and certificate, visit local construction sites or workshops, and introduce yourself. Your first welding job might be just one handshake away.