The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has recently announced changes to the licensing process for electricians in Kenya.
This aligns with the regulatory authority’s efforts to tackle unlicensed electricians engaging in fraudulent activities. In a notice posted on its social media page, EPRA announced the updates and encouraged interested candidates to adhere to the new requirements to obtain certification.
EPRA instructed applicants to ensure they have scanned copies of their academic documents and national ID ready before submitting their applications.
Other updates include an increase in license renewal fees. Professional electricians renewing their licenses after March 31 will face a fee that is 1.5 times higher than the standard renewal rate.
“Ensure you have scanned copies of your academic documents and national ID, and don’t forget to pay the required licensing fees,” it stated.
“It is important to note that A1, A2, B, C1, and C2 licenses renewed after March 31st will be subject to a fee that’s 1.5 times the standard renewal rate,” said EPRA.
EPRA outlined the application fees for different licensing categories: Categories A1 and A2 each require KSh 1,000, Category B requires KSh 750, Category C1 requires KSh 500, and Category C2 requires KSh 250.
To apply for an electrician license, all candidates must hold a minimum of a KCSE certificate. EPRA also mandates specific technical qualifications for each license category.
Applicants with a minimum qualification of Electrician Wireman Grade II or an equivalent certificate should start with a C2 category license. The highest license they can attain is either C1 or C2.
Applicants with a minimum qualification of Electrician Wireman Grade I or equivalent certificates should start with a C2 license, with the highest achievable license being Category B.
For those holding an Electrical Technician Part II, III, Final Craft Certificate, Diploma in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent certificates, the license starts at C2, with the highest achievable license being Category A1.
Additional technical qualifications include a Higher National Diploma or a BSc in Electrical Engineering and similar certificates. For holders of a Higher National Diploma, registration with the Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board is beneficial, while those with a BSc in Electrical Engineering should be registered as electrical engineers with the ERB.
Applications should be submitted through the ERC’s portal at portal.erc.go.ke:8443/site/login. For inquiries about electricity license applications and renewals, contact 0709 336 000 or email info@epra.go.ke.
