Nairobi county announces November licensing exams for plumbers and drainlayers

The Nairobi City County Government has invited qualified plumbers and drainlayers to register for licence examinations scheduled for November 24 and 25, 2025.

In a statement issued by the acting county secretary and head of county public service, Godfrey Akumali, the county outlined the eligibility criteria for applicants seeking to sit the tests.

“Applications for licensing are open to applicants with Government Grade II Trade Test and over three years of experience, or those with Government Grade III Test and at least five years of experience, or any acceptable equivalent qualifications,” Akumali said.

The statement further directed interested candidates to collect, complete and submit their application forms together with identification documents, academic and professional certificates, and any other relevant paperwork at City Hall Annexe, first floor, Development Control Section.

The deadline for submission is November 1, 2025.

“More information can be obtained from the above-mentioned office during normal working hours,” the county noted.

Plumbers and drainlayers play a critical role in maintaining Nairobi’s infrastructure. Their work ranges from installing and repairing water supply systems to managing drainage and sanitation networks in homes, offices and public facilities.

Licensed practitioners help ensure that households and businesses have safe, efficient and reliable access to water, while also preventing problems such as leaks, blockages and sewer overflows.

This is not the first time the county has run such an exercise.

In April 2024, Nairobi City County Government also announced a mass registration drive targeting qualified plumbers and drainlayers.

Successful applicants from that process were incorporated into the County Public Service to help address the growing demand for skilled artisan services.

That notice at the time required applicants to possess either a Government Grade II or Grade III Trade Test. Grade II candidates were expected to demonstrate at least three years of hands-on experience, while Grade III applicants needed a minimum of five years of professional practice to qualify.

The 2024 registration exercise followed the Nairobi County Assembly’s approval of the Virtual Artisan Bureau motion, an initiative designed to streamline access to artisan services for residents.

The bureau was envisioned as a centralised database to connect skilled workers with households and businesses in need of services.

Leaders argued that the motion would not only reduce the difficulties Nairobi residents face when searching for reliable artisans but also open up job opportunities for skilled professionals within the county.

Plumbers and drainlayers were among the first categories targeted, with plans to gradually expand to other artisan disciplines.

By continuing with the licensing examinations this year, Nairobi County appears keen to strengthen the pool of certified professionals available to serve the city.

The move is expected to enhance service delivery, professionalise artisan work, and give qualified individuals a platform to contribute more effectively to the county’s development agenda.