Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish.
What this career actually involves
Key tasks
- Service, clean, or supply restrooms
- Gather and empty trash
Skills and strengths
- Clear communication
- Listening
- Core strength
- Close visual accuracy
Typical work environment
Buildings/Facilities; Outdoor grounds; Client sites; Physical and shift-based work
Employment type
Private sector; Public sector; Self-employment/Contract depending role
Study routes from KCSE onward
Kenya-specific pathways, drawn from KUCCPS and the relevant professional regulator.
Pathway after KCSE
KCSE → No single compulsory course or relevant training → practical experience/attachment → entry role → Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners → senior/specialist/management or self-employment
Typical training route
Diploma/Level 6, TVET or specialist professional/technical training
Representative KUCCPS pathway
NO SINGLE KUCCPS PROGRAMME REQUIRED
Entry requirements
Not a course-regulated occupation. Entry depends on employer requirements, demonstrated skill and experience. If pursuing TVET, KUCCPS level bands apply.
Training duration
Varies from short courses/on-the-job training to 1-3 year TVET programmes
Helpful KCSE subjects
Related courses
- No single compulsory course
- relevant certificate/diploma, apprenticeship, employer training or short professional courses can help
Institutions offering this route
Examples, not an exhaustive list.
- Varies by skill area
- public TVET colleges, vocational centres and employer-based training can be relevant
Professional regulator
No single statutory professional regulator identified for this general title
Demand and the effect of AI
Kenya demand
Medium - steady service demand; supervisory, horticulture, facilities and technical skills improve progression.
Future outlook / AI impact
Stable / relatively lower GenAI exposure — physical, site-specific work is harder to automate with generative AI. Digital diagnostics, planning and smart tools will increasingly augment skilled workers.
Possible specialisations
- Airport Attendant
- Alley Cleaner
- Blinds Cleaner
- Blinds Washer
- Brass Cleaner
This occupation is primarily skills/experience-led rather than tied to one specific degree.
Could this career suit you?
May suit you if the day-to-day work interests you and you are willing to build the required practical skills; useful strengths include Clear communication, Listening, Core strength.
Weighing this against something else?
Put them side by side on subjects, entry requirements, duration and outlook.
Related careers
Roles that share skills, subjects or study routes with this one.
Sources
Occupation data: O*NET 37-2011.00. Kenya pathway: KUCCPS / regulator. Last verified 24 August 2026.
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