In Kenya, the demand for plant operators is steadily increasing. These are the people who keep the gears turning in power plants, chemical factories, oil refineries, and other industrial settings.
To become a plant operator, your first step is to get trained at a reputable institution. This course will teach you the skills you need to manage and maintain the equipment that keeps everything running smoothly. It’s a hands-on career that plays a crucial role in keeping industries up and running.
Below is a list of the best plant operator schools in Kenya.
1. International Plant Machinery Technical Institute
The International Plant Machinery Technical Institute (IPMTTI), located in Thika, Kenya, is a leading institution dedicated to providing comprehensive training in plant operation, plant mechanics, and motor vehicle driving. Recognized by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), IPMTTI focuses on equipping students with the technical skills required for the booming construction and infrastructure industries. The institute offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet industry demands. With modern equipment and highly skilled instructors, IPMTTI is committed to delivering quality education that gives students a competitive edge in the job market.
Courses Offered:
- Plant Operator: Training in operating heavy machinery such as graders, excavators, backhoes, forklifts, wheel loaders, and vibrating rollers.
- Plant Mechanics: Focuses on diagnosing, servicing, and repairing heavy plant machinery..
Program Structure: The Plant Operator course is a full-time program that lasts for 2 months. For students without a valid driver’s license, a one-month driving course is mandatory. The program includes both theoretical instruction and practical training.
Fees: Fee details are available upon request. Interested students should contact the institute directly for more information.
Location: IPMTTI is located in Landless, Thika, off Garissa Road, Kenya.
How to Apply: Applications can be submitted online through the IPMTTI website, or students can visit the institution’s offices for further assistance.
Contacts:
- Phone: +254 725 782 912 | +254 723 909 804
- Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
2. Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology
Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology (KIHBTECH) is a leading institution in Kenya offering specialized training in plant operations and construction-related courses. Located in Thika, along the Thika-Garissa Road, KIHBTECH is renowned for its hands-on training approach, using modern equipment to prepare students for the demands of the construction and infrastructure industries. The school offers comprehensive courses that equip students with the skills needed to operate a wide range of heavy machinery, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation.
Courses Offered:
- Advanced Plant Operator Course: Training on equipment such as front-end loaders, bulldozers, forklifts, cranes, and more.
- Additional Courses: Include plant mechanics and driving courses tailored for the construction industry.
Program Structure: The Advanced Plant Operator course runs for 2 months, with monthly intakes starting in the first week of each month. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
Fees: The fee for the Advanced Plant Operator course is approximately KES 81,100. Additional costs may apply for specific courses.
Location: Thika, along Thika-Garissa Road, Kwaheri stage, Kenya.
How to Apply: Interested applicants can apply online through the KIHBTECH website.
Contacts:
- Phone: 0708 308 780 | 0704 201 901 | 0713 035 717 | 0711 899 829
- Email: [email protected]
3. Kenya Institute Of Highways & Building Technology
The Kenya Institute Of Highways & Building Technology (KIHBT) is one of Kenya’s most established institutions for training in infrastructure and construction-related fields. Founded in 1948 as a division within the Public Works Department, KIHBT has grown to become a leading center for technical training in plant operations, road construction, and related disciplines. With campuses in Nairobi, Kisii, and Ngong, KIHBT offers practical, hands-on training designed to meet the needs of the country’s growing infrastructure sector. The institute is recognized for producing highly skilled professionals who are well-equipped to handle the demands of the industry.
Courses Offered:
- Plant Operator Course: Covers the operation of various road construction equipment and machinery, including maintenance, safety, and machine control.
Program Structure: The Plant Operator course is conducted every two months at the Ngong Campus, with a strong emphasis on practical training. The course duration ranges from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the specific area of focus.
Fees: The fees for specific courses, such as the Plant Operator course, are available upon request. Students are encouraged to contact the institute directly for detailed fee structures.
Location: KIHBT operates across multiple campuses, including Nairobi, Ngong, and Kisii, with the Ngong Campus primarily handling plant operator training.
How to Apply: Applications can be made online via the KIHBT website or through the eCitizen portal.
Contacts:
- Phone: 020 2465760 / 020 2465761
- Email: [email protected]
4. Nairobi Technical Training Institute
Nairobi Technical Training Institute (NTTI) is one of Kenya’s premier institutions for technical and vocational education, established in 1951. Located in Nairobi, the institute has a rich history of providing quality training in various technical fields, including mechanical and chemical engineering, which are critical to the infrastructure and industrial sectors. NTTI is recognized for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and the development of skilled professionals who are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the modern workforce. The institute offers a range of programs, including those focused on plant operation, ensuring that students gain practical, hands-on experience with the latest technologies and equipment.
Courses Offered:
- Plant Operations: Training in the operation of various machinery used in construction and roadwork, with a strong focus on safety, maintenance, and efficiency.
Program Structure: The plant operations course is part of the broader mechanical engineering department and is designed to be practical and hands-on. Students receive training on the latest machinery and technology relevant to the field.
Fees: Fees vary depending on the specific course and duration. Prospective students are advised to contact the institute directly for detailed fee structures.
Location: NTTI is located on Mogira Road, off Park Road, in Ngara, Nairobi.
How to Apply: Applications can be submitted through the NTTI website or by visiting the institute’s admissions office.
Contacts:
- Phone: 0721 233394 | 020 8034403
- Email: [email protected]
5. Sensei Institute of Technology
Sensei Institute of Technology is a premier technical training institution in Kenya, known for its practical approach to education, particularly in the fields of plant operation, mechanics, and construction. With campuses in Nairobi and Nakuru, Sensei Institute offers industry-aligned programs that equip students with hands-on skills necessary for the modern job market. The institute is accredited by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), ensuring that its courses meet the highest standards. Sensei is committed to providing students with real-world experience, making it a top choice for those looking to excel in the technical and construction industries.
Courses Offered:
- Plant Operator Course: Training on various machinery, including motor graders, excavators, bulldozers, mobile cranes, and farm tractors.
Program Structure:
The Plant Operator course is offered in two formats: Standard Course: Covers training on 3 machines over 1 month, and Premium Course: Covers training on 6 machines over 2 months.
Both programs start in the first week of every month and include practical training on various earth-moving and lifting machines.
Fees:
- Standard Course: Ksh 68,000 for day scholars; an additional Ksh 7,000 per month for boarders (food and accommodation).
- Premium Course: Ksh 104,000 for day scholars; Ksh 118,000 for boarders.
Location: Sensei Institute of Technology has campuses in Nairobi (Kitengela) and Nakuru.
How to Apply:
Applications can be made online through the Sensei Institute website.
Contacts:
- Phone: Nairobi: 0717 951 055 | Nakuru: 0729 891 301
- Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a plant operator course take?
In Kenya, the duration of a plant operator course typically ranges from one to three months, depending on the institution you choose.
What are the qualifications for a plant operator?
To enroll, you generally need a valid national ID or passport, along with a driver’s license. Some schools might also have additional criteria.
Which schools offer a plant operator course in Kenya?
The course is available at several institutions, including the International Plant Machinery Training Technical Institute, Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology, Sensei Institute of Technology, Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology and the Nairobi Technical Training Institute.
How much is a plant operator paid in Kenya?
In Kenya, plant operators typically earn between KES 20,000 and 80,000 per month. Entry-level operators usually start at the lower end of this range, while experienced operators earn more.
Is plant operation marketable in Kenya?
Yes, plant operation is in demand in Kenya. There is a consistent need for skilled plant operators in factories, construction sites, and agricultural settings. Taking a plant operator course from a recognized institution can pave the way for job opportunities in plant management and maintenance.