400 Artisans Receive NCA Certification as BioTank Africa Takes Fundi Training Nationwide

KITENGELA, Kenya — More than 400 fundis, plumbers and contractors received technical certification from the National Construction Authority (NCA) at a Fundi Forum in Kitengela on Friday, as BioTank Africa launched a county-by-county training drive targeting construction artisans across Kenya.

The event, held at Danka Plaza, focused on practical skills in biodigester installation, maintenance and site safety, as well as business skills to help artisans formalise their enterprises and attract clients. BioTank Africa had announced ahead of the event that the Kitengela edition would be its largest yet.

The training comes as demand for onsite sanitation remains high in Kenya. According to the latest Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) impact report, only about 9 per cent of Kenya's population, or roughly five million people, is connected to sewer systems.

BioTank Africa Founder and General Manager Edwin Kirugo said fundis play a critical role in ensuring sanitation systems are properly installed.

“Our fundis are our primary brand ambassadors on the ground, making sure every installation protects public health and meets strict quality standards,” Kirugo said.

He said taking the forum to different counties would bring technical training closer to areas experiencing rapid construction growth.

Fundis urged to embrace compliance

Speaking at the forum, James Karatu, President of the Real Building Workers Association of Kenya (REBWAK), urged artisans to take licensing and compliance seriously.

“Fundis should be agents of compliance, because if you build without proper licences, you are the one who will be arrested,” Karatu said.

He also encouraged fundis to improve their financial literacy, noting that many artisans depend on daily wages and struggle to manage their earnings.

Kirugo said changing technology and increasingly informed customers meant artisans could no longer rely solely on experience.

“A fundi of today is one who is always learning, keeps up with changing technology, maintains high standards, and is trustworthy,” he said.

Womenincreasingly entering the trade

The forum also highlighted the growing participation of women in construction trades.

Nellygrace Korika, a 25-year-old plumber from Njiru, Nairobi, said she attended the event to improve her skills and build professional connections.

“As women, we can also be good plumbers. I came here to learn and network,” she said.

For Hassan Isadia, a plumber from Eldoret with a decade of experience, the forum has become an important source of skills and business opportunities. He said he had attended the training for four consecutive years.

“This training has helped me grow my business. I get more customers as I get the latest skills. I am happy I got certification today from NCA,” Isadia said.

BioTank Africa said the Kitengela event marks the beginning of a wider county-by-county rollout aimed at building a larger network of trained and accredited construction artisans across Kenya.

The initiative comes as Kenya's fast-growing towns increasingly depend on decentralised wastewater systems where sewer networks are limited.

Interested in learning more about Biotank Africa Biodigesters? Read more