Civil jobs in Nairobi are driven by road works, affordable housing projects, real estate developments, water projects, and infrastructure upgrades. Opportunities exist at all skill levels — from engineers to technicians and site workers.
1️⃣ Types of Civil Jobs in Nairobi
🔹 A. Civil Engineer Jobs (Degree Level)
Common roles
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Civil Engineer
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Site Engineer
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Structural Engineer
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Project Engineer
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Resident Engineer
Typical requirements
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Degree in Civil Engineering or related field
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Registered or registerable with EBK (Engineers Board of Kenya)
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1–5+ years experience (entry roles may accept interns/trainees)
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Knowledge of AutoCAD, structural drawings, BOQs
Where they work
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Construction companies
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Real estate developers
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Government projects (roads, housing)
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Consulting engineering firms
🔹 B. Diploma & Technician Civil Jobs
Common roles
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Civil Engineering Technician
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Site Supervisor / Foreman
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Clerk of Works
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Survey Assistant
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Material Technician
Typical requirements
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Diploma/Certificate in Civil Engineering or Building Construction
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TVET/NITA training (advantage)
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Practical site experience
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National ID
Good news:
Many diploma holders get hired faster than degree holders because they are more site-oriented.
🔹 C. Site & Skilled Construction Jobs (ID Only or Minimal Requirements)
These are very common around housing and road projects.
Roles
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Masons
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Steel fixers
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Carpenters
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Concreting workers
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General labourers
Requirements
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National ID
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Physical ability to work
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Experience (formal papers often not required)
👉 These jobs are usually hired directly at construction sites.
2️⃣ Where Civil Jobs Are Found in Nairobi
📍 A. Construction & Engineering Companies
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Road contractors
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Housing developers
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Commercial building contractors
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Water & sewerage project firms
👉 Many hire without advertising widely.
📍 B. Government & Public Projects
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Affordable Housing Projects
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Roads & Infrastructure projects
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County & National Government works
Jobs include
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Engineers
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Clerks of Works
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Technicians
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Inspectors
📍 C. Real Estate Developers
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Apartments
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Gated communities
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Commercial buildings
They need:
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Site engineers
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Supervisors
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Technicians
3️⃣ HOW TO GET A CIVIL JOB (Step-by-Step)
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Right CV
Your CV should include:
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Education (degree/diploma/certificate)
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Site experience (very important)
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Software skills (AutoCAD, Excel – if applicable)
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Projects you’ve worked on
👉 Even site attachments and internships count.
✅ Step 2: Apply the Right Way (Very Important)
🔹 For Engineers & Technicians
Use:
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Job boards (BrighterMonday, Fuzu, MyJobMag)
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Company websites
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LinkedIn
📌 Apply early — civil jobs close fast.
🔹 For Site Jobs (Masons, Labourers, Technicians)
Best method: Physical application
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Go directly to construction sites
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Ask for the site supervisor or foreman
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Carry:
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National ID
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Simple CV or experience summary
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💡 Many workers are hired same day.
✅ Step 3: Network Aggressively
Civil jobs rely heavily on connections.
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Talk to site engineers and supervisors
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Join construction WhatsApp groups
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Tell people what role you are looking for
📌 One recommendation can get you hired instantly.
✅ Step 4: Start Small, Grow Fast
Many successful engineers started as:
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Site assistants
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Interns
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Supervisors
👉 Once on site, opportunities grow quickly.
4️⃣ Tips That Increase Your Chances
✔ Be ready for site work, not office only
✔ Be flexible on location (projects move)
✔ Have safety knowledge (helmet, boots, PPE)
✔ Be honest about your skills
✔ Show willingness to learn
5️⃣ Summary Table
| Job Level | Examples | Requirements | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer | Site Engineer, Civil Engineer | Degree + EBK | Online + networking |
| Technician | Clerk of Works, Supervisor | Diploma/Certificate | Online + site visits |
| Skilled Worker | Mason, Steel fixer | ID + experience | Walk-in on sites |
| Labourer | General worker | ID only | On-site hiring |
