The requirement for plant operators is increasing in Kenya. These professionals oversee and upkeep machinery at power stations, chemical plants, oil refineries, and various manufacturing facilities. To enter this field, you must first undertake relevant studies. plant operator course in a reputable institution.
Operators of industrial equipment utilize large machinery for tasks such as digging, lifting, and transporting materials within manufacturing facilities and processing plants. These professionals may also be found at construction sites and farms. Prior to enrolling in a training program for this role, it’s beneficial to identify which specific type of machine you want to focus on. While some might concentrate on operating excavators, others could opt for massive cranes or alternative kinds of equipment.
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To become a certified plant operator, you're required to enroll in a college or vocational school to obtain the necessary credentials. Here’s everything you need to understand regarding the plant operator program, including prerequisites, costs, and educational facilities that provide this course.
Criteria for enrolling in a plant operator program
A plant operator oversees the day-to-day operations of earthmoving machines and lifting equipment. As a plant operator, you will learn how to operate different types of machinery and equipment.
Some equipment are used in construction, while others are used in factories and agriculture. If you want to become a plant operator, you must complete training with a registered institution. You will receive a certificate after completing the programme.
It is important to note that the requirements vary from one college to the other. Below are the general requirements to pursue this course.
- A legitimate state-issued identification card
- A valid driver's license (Applicants without a license are required to undertake a one-month driving programme)
NB: Academic credentials such as KCPE and/or KCSE might or might not be necessary.
Course duration
The course for plant operators is categorized as a brief program. This training can be completed within a period of one to three months.
The length varies depending on the institution you select. Following completion of your course, you'll need to undertake an internship.
Plant operator course fees
The fees for this course vary depending on the institution of your choice. The amount may also vary depending on the types of machines you wish to specialise in.
Certain educational institutions mandate charges for lodging (specifically for residents), whereas some do not provide housing facilities at all. Typically, the tuition costs fall within the range of KES 60,000 to 120,000.
Plant operator schools in Kenya
Several organizations provide the plant operator course. Some are relatively recent ventures, whereas others have been around for quite some time and boast an excellent track record. Here’s a glance at the leading institutions where you can sign up for this program.
1. Requirements and details for the KIHBT plant operator program
KIHBT stands for Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology. This public organization offers top-notch education in fields related to infrastructure.
The facility provides the plant operator course at the Ngong Campus. This particular course is conducted every two months and lasts for a duration of two months from start to finish.
KIHBT provides trainees with the necessary knowledge and abilities to handle different types of road construction equipment and machines.
The prerequisites for enrolling in the KIHBT plant operator course consist of possessing a valid identification document along with a valid driving license. The curriculum covers the following skill sets and subject matters:
- Selection of Plants and Their Applications
- Routine upkeep of equipment and minor fixes
- Highway code and safety
- Machine operation and control
- Good workmanship and precision
2. The Sensei Institute of Technology plant operations course
The Sensei Institute of Technology is a contemporary educational facility providing instruction in various technical abilities. It provides programs focused on areas such as driving, culinary arts, information communication technology (ICT), mechanical work, electrical and electronic systems, operating machinery, and both building and construction disciplines.
The institution offers the plant operator course on the Nairobi and Nakuru campuses. The campuses are well-equipped with forklifts, motor graders, cranes, motor rollers, dumpers, excavators, farm tractors, paver machines, track shovels, and backhoe loaders, among other machines.
The requirements for this course are a valid driver's license and a valid national identity card. Trainees must also report carrying four coloured passport-size photos and a pair of training boots.
Below are other course details you should know. Note that intakes are done every first week of the month (all months of the year).
| Programme | Duration | Fees in KES |
| Standard course (3 machines) | 1 month | 68,000 |
| Premium Course (6 machines) | 2 months | 104,000 |
- A boarding fee of KES 7,000 per month for food and accommodation is also charged. Non-citizens are required to pay an extra 20% on the fee charged.
- Once you successfully complete the course, you'll be awarded an NTSA-recognized certification indicating your proficiency with particular machinery you've been trained on.
3. Kilimambogo Highways Construction and Technologies (KIHCATEC)
Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology (KIHBTECH), a privately owned institution, provides various courses focused on construction and building. The facility boasts up-to-date machinery and tools for hands-on learning. Here are the criteria needed to enroll in the plant operator program:
- Fully filled application form
- Photocopy of national ID or passport
- 2 passport size photos
- Safety boots for training
- Personal items such as bedding, towels, eating tools, container, hygiene products, etc.
Trainees must acquaint themselves with the operation and usage of various machinery as they specialize in certain areas. The facility provides several kinds of equipment, outlined below.
- Front-end loaders
- Bulldozers
- Asphalt pavers and rollers
- Cranes
- Forklifts
- Backhoes
- Dump trucks
- Excavators
- Road Graders
- Tractors
- Pile drivers
- Compactors
4. The International Plant Machinery Training & Technical Institute (IPMTTI)
Which schools offer plant operator courses in Kenya?l Institute (IPMTTI) is an NTSA-approved driving school. It offers extensive technical training in plant operation, mechanics, and motor vehicle driving.
The plant operator program educates participants about the workings and management of plants. Students acquire both theoretical understanding and practical skills related to operating and managing large machinery. At IPMTTI, this training lasts for two months.
What is the duration of a plant operator training program?
The course takes between one and three months to complete in Kenya, depending on your preferred institution.
What are the qualifications for a plant operator?
The primary requirements are a valid national ID/ passport and a driver's license. Some institutions may have additional requirements.
Which schools offer plant operator course in Kenya?
The institutions that offer this course include International Plant Machinery Training Technical Institute, Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology, Sensei Institute of Technology, and Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology.
What is the salary of a plant operator in Kenya?
Operators in Kenya’s plants receive salaries ranging from KES 17,836 to 80,309 monthly. Typically, newcomers start with lower pay compared to more experienced colleagues.
Is the plant operation business viable in Kenya?
Indeed, the course has good demand within the nation. Many factories, building sites, and farming areas require skilled plant operators.
Should you wish to pursue a career as a plant operator, you'll need to enroll in a plant operation program at an accredited facility. It is our sincere hope that you will find employment in plant management and upkeep following your completion of this training.
Recently, Ainoti.co.ke released a compilation of six-month diploma programs available in Kenya along with the institutions that offer these courses. According to ministry guidelines, diploma courses in Kenya typically last between two and three years.
Nevertheless, numerous brief diploma programs are available for completion within half a year. The admission criteria differ based on the particular course you aim to take.
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