Certified Fundis: 400 Artisans Receive NCA Certification as BioTank Africa Launches Nationwide Training Drive

By Gedion Nzyoki -

KITENGELA, Kenya |August 28, 2026 — More than 400 local fundis, plumbers and contractors have received technical certification from the National Construction Authority (NCA) as BioTank Africa launched a nationwide, county-by-county training programme aimed at improving skills and standards in Kenya’s construction and sanitation sector.

Participants at the BioTank Africa Fundi Forum during the event. Photo: BioTank Africa Press Unit

The certification was issued on Friday morning during the fourth edition of BioTank Africa’s Fundi Forum in Kitengela, Kajiado County, which brought together artisans for practical training on modern biodigester technology, wastewater management, site safety and business development.

The Kitengela forum marked the largest edition of the initiative since its inaugural event in 2023 and signalled a shift from localised training sessions to a broader nationwide rollout targeting thousands of construction tradespeople.

Why Kitengela Was Chosen for the Training Drive

Kitengela was selected as the launch point for the expanded programme because of its rapid real estate growth and limited municipal sewer coverage.

Data from the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) cited during the event indicates that only about nine per cent of Kenya’s population, approximately five million people, is connected to a municipal sewer network. This makes onsite sanitation systems an important component of wastewater management across the country.

Speaking during the event, Edwin Kirugo, Founder and General Manager of BioTank Africa, said artisans play a critical role in ensuring wastewater systems are installed correctly and safely.

"Our fundis are our primary brand ambassadors on the ground, making sure every installation protects public health and meets strict quality standards. With over 90 percent of the country depending on onsite sanitation, the artisans we accredit today are directly building safer, cleaner communities for tomorrow. Taking this Forum county by county ensures we take world-class technical training directly to where fast-paced construction is actually happening," Kirugo said.

Edwin Kirugo, Founder and General Manager of BioTank Africa, delivers his speech during the event. Photo: BioTank Africa Press Unit

NCA Certification Targets Skills Gap

The initiative also seeks to address the gap between the growing demand for onsite sanitation systems and the level of formal technical training among construction workers.

According to data from the National Construction Authority, more than 90 per cent of Kenyan developments rely on onsite wastewater systems, while only about 30 per cent of local construction artisans have formal technical training.

At the Kitengela forum, participating artisans undertook structured practical training modules before receiving technical accreditation certificates issued by the NCA.

The certification forms part of an ongoing partnership between the regulator and BioTank Africa aimed at formalising skills while promoting proper installation, safety and environmental standards at construction sites.

James Karatu, President of the Real Building Workers Association of Kenya (REBWAK), urged fundis to take compliance seriously, warning that operating without the necessary licences could expose them to legal consequences.

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

Karatu also encouraged artisans to view themselves as agents of accountability and called for greater financial literacy among fundis, particularly those who rely on daily wages.

BioTank Africa Expands Nationwide

The training drive comes as BioTank Africa marks eight years of operations in Kenya.

The company launched its “Kuwa Mbele Jenga Easy” campaign in April and has since opened a branch in Nakuru, with plans to establish a nationwide distributor network.

According to Kirugo, the changing construction industry requires artisans to continuously update their skills and maintain high professional standards.

"When the fundi grows, the standards improve, and the customer wins. Construction and sanitation industries are evolving every day. Today's customer is more informed, and with AI, customers are the ones now searching for the fundis they want. A fundi of today is one who is always learning, keeps up with changing technology, maintains high standards, and is trustworthy. As a fundi, reputation is your capital," Kirugo stated.

The forum, dubbed Fundi Bora Kazi Bora, featured live installation demonstrations, practical business clinics and one-on-one sessions with technical experts.

The business sessions focused on helping artisans formalise their enterprises, register their trades and improve client acquisition.

Women Increasingly Joining Plumbing Trade

The event also highlighted the growing participation of women in traditionally male-dominated construction trades.

Nellygrace Korika, 25, a plumber from Njiru, Kasarani, Nairobi, said she attended the forum to acquire new skills and build professional networks.

With two years of experience in plumbing, Korika said the sector is constantly changing and requires artisans to keep learning.

"As women, we can also be good plumbers. I came here to learn and network. Plumbing is always changing, and I wanted to know what the latest innovations are, plus these events also give me jobs," Korika said.

Her participation underscored the forum’s broader objective of creating opportunities for skilled artisans while encouraging more people, including women, to enter and grow within the construction trades.

For some artisans, the Fundi Forum has become an annual opportunity to sharpen their skills and improve their businesses.

Hassan Isadia, a plumber from Eldoret with a decade of experience, has attended the forum for four consecutive years.

He said the training had helped him attract more customers by keeping him up to date with emerging technologies and techniques.

"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.

By taking the forum to different counties, BioTank Africa says it hopes to create a wider network of trained and accredited artisans capable of delivering modern wastewater solutions as Kenya’s urban areas continue to expand.

BioTank Africa’s Sustainable Wastewater Solutions

BioTank Africa manufactures and distributes ready-made plastic and concrete biodigesters designed to provide modern, cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional septic systems.

The solutions are targeted at residential, commercial and institutional users seeking efficient and sustainable ways of managing wastewater and sanitation.

The company’s product portfolio includes BioTank Biodigesters, Grease Trap Pro, Bio Clean Septic Tank Enzymes and Tazo Natural Home Cleaning Products, offering customers a range of solutions for wastewater treatment, grease management, septic system maintenance and environmentally conscious home cleaning.