Water and Wastewater Laboratory Technology Program Offered at Kenya Water Institute

The Diploma in Water Treatment Technology prepares students to operate and maintain water-treatment, distribution, re-use, and disposal facilities, and to monitor water quality.

This Water and Wastewater Laboratory Technology program is designed to educate students in chemistry, microbiology, mathematics, mechanical and electrical systems, instrumentation and treatment technologies as they are applied in the water industry.

Students will also study environmental law, occupational health and safety, communications and utility management. During the hands-on lab components, students will be trained in the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of basic to advanced water systems and processes.

The syllabus has been developed on a competency-based approach so that the student is able to acquire knowledge and skills in water and waste water laboratory technology and management.

This Water and Wastewater Laboratory Technology programme is intended to impart skills, knowledge and attitudes that the student will apply to carry out routine work in water and wastewater analysis laboratories. He/she will be able to prepare and interpret the results competently.

• Upon completion of the Water and Wastewater Laboratory Technology   programme, the student should be able to:
• Apply various standard analytical techniques applied in water and wastewater quality analysis
  
• Interpret qualitative and quantitative analytical results and generate reports
  
• Observe safety precautions in the laboratory while performing various tasks and in using analytical instrumentation and equipment.
• Acquire attitudes that enhance positive contribution in the development of the community and country at large.
•  Acquire the necessary academic base for further training and contribute to the development of Science and Technology through creativity and application of the acquired knowledge and skills
• Solve water and wastewater problems using the acquired knowledge and skills in problem solving and self-reliance in the profession
• Communicate effectively on technical matters related to the job and the environment.

The minimum requirements for admission into the Technician Diploma programme in Water and Wastewater Laboratory Technology are as follows:

• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with an aggregate mean grade C- (minus), or
  
• An approved equivalent qualification may be from Kenya or from other countries.
• A minimum grade of C – or equivalent in each of the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry or Physical Sciences.

(NB Equation of international academic qualifications shall be done in consultation with the Kenya National Examinations Council)

This Water and Wastewater Laboratory Technology program takes three academic years with two graded Industrial attachment sessions in the third semester of the first year and the third semester of the second year, each lasting 12 continuous weeks.

Each academic year consists of 980 hours including theory, practicals, and self-study. The ratio of practice to theory is 40%: 60%. Industrial attachment is a core component of the program, consisting of 420 hours per session.

Year 1 Semester 2 Courses

• Algebra and Trigonometry
• Physics
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Water Laboratory Practice and Management
• Water supply Technology
• Communication Skills
• Information Technology
• Mechanical Workshop Technology
• Environmental Science
• Calculus I
• Biology

Year 1 Semester 2 Courses

• Calculus II
• Water Quality
• Physical Chemistry
• Geology
• Hydrology
• Hydraulics I
• Waste Water Technology I
• Microbiology I
• Physics Techniques

Year 2 Semester 1 Courses

• Probability and Statistics
• Chemistry  Techniques
• Water and Environmental Law
• Water Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry I (Hydrocarbons and polymers)
• Electrical Technology I
• Separation Techniques

Year 2 Semester 2 Courses

• Numerical Methods & Power Series
• Hydrogeology
• Biological Techniques  I
• Water Resources Management
• Principles of Spectroscopy
• Organic Chemistry II (Alcohols, Carbonyl compounds)
• Environmental Toxicology

Year 3 Semester 1 Courses

• Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy
• Environmental Management 
• Electroanalytical Techniques
• Biological Tech II
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Industrial WW Management
• Entrepreneurship and Business Plan
• Legislation and Ethics for WRM

Year 3 Semester 2 Courses

• Community Development in WRM
• Chromatographic Techniques
• Integrated WRM
• Water Quality Management
• Biochemical Techniques
• Project
• Project Planning and Management

Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) was established by the KEWI Act 2001 is mandated to offer training, administer examinations offer research and consultancy services in the wider water sector in Kenya.

KEWI has earned the recognition of being a leading institution in producing high caliber human capital for the water sector in ... read more