Quick answer
Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic in Vihiga offers Level 3 to Level 6 courses in engineering, business, ICT, agriculture, science, health and hospitality, plus KASNEB CPA. Diplomas need KCSE C or C-, certificates KCSE D. Intakes are January, May and September. Admissions: 0712 604 008, admissions@kfnp.ac.ke.
Updated 24 October 2026
Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic (KFNP) is a public technical and vocational college at the Kaimosi Mission Complex on the Kisumu-Chavakali-Kapsabet road in Vihiga County. It grew out of Friends College Kaimosi, which is why you will still see the old name, and older fck.ac.ke email addresses, on some documents. Today the polytechnic runs artisan, certificate and diploma programmes across agriculture, engineering, business, ICT, hospitality, applied sciences and health, plus KASNEB and other professional courses.
The course details below come from the polytechnic’s own programmes brochure, and the contacts from its official website. Courses and intakes can change between years, so confirm the course you want with the admissions office before you pay any fees.
In this guide
- How the levels work
- Electrical and electronics engineering courses
- Mechanical and automotive engineering courses
- Building and civil engineering courses
- Business studies and professional courses
- ICT and library courses
- Agriculture, applied science and health courses
- Hospitality, fashion and beauty courses
- Intakes and how to apply
- Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic contacts
- Frequently asked questions
How the levels work
KFNP lists its programmes by competency based (CBET) level, which is how most Kenyan TVET colleges now describe their courses. The brochure uses these entry rules:
| Level | What it is | Minimum entry | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Artisan / short skills course | Open entry | 3 months |
| Level 4 | Artisan certificate | KCSE (any grade) | 6 months |
| Level 5 | Certificate | KCSE D (plain) | 12 months |
| Level 6 | Diploma | KCSE C- or C, depending on course | 15 to 21 months |
Engineering, building and most science diplomas ask for KCSE C, while business, ICT, hospitality, agriculture and social work diplomas mostly ask for C-. A Level 5 certificate is the usual route if your grade is below the diploma cut-off, because finishing it lets you progress to the diploma later.
Electrical and electronics engineering courses
| Course | Level | Entry | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technology (Power) | 6 | KCSE C | 21 months |
| Telecommunication Technology | 6 | KCSE C | 21 months |
| Instrumentation and Control Technology | 6 | KCSE C | 21 months |
| Electrical Engineering Technology (Power) | 5 | KCSE D | 12 months |
| Solar PV System Installation Technology | 5 | KCSE D | 12 months |
| Telecommunication Technology | 5 | KCSE D | 12 months |
| Electrical Installation, Solar PV Installation, Instrumentation and Control Operations | 4 | KCSE | 6 months |
| Electrical Installation, Solar PV Installation, Electrical Machine Winder | 3 | Open | 3 months |
Mechanical and automotive engineering courses
This is one of the bigger departments. Diplomas at Level 6 (KCSE C, 21 months) are offered in Mechanical Plant, Automotive Mechatronics, Mechanical Production, Construction Plant and Autobody Technician. Level 5 certificates (KCSE D, 12 months) cover Automotive Mechatronics, Mechanical Production, Construction Plant and Welding and Fabrication.
The six month Level 4 courses are Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Motor Vehicle Electrician, Manual Metal Gas and Arc Welding, TIG and MIG welding, Mechanical Production Machine Operator, Spray Painting and Panel Beating, Motorcycle Mechanics and Auto Glazier. Three month open entry courses include motor vehicle mechanics, motor vehicle electrician, arc welding, gas welding, panel beating and spray painting.
Building and civil engineering courses
| Course | Level | Entry | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 6 | KCSE C | 21 months |
| Building Technology | 6 | KCSE C | 21 months |
| Quantity Surveying | 6 | KCSE C | 21 months |
| Building Technology | 5 | KCSE D | 12 months |
| Plumbing | 5 | KCSE D | 12 months |
| Plumbing, Masonry | 4 | KCSE | 6 months |
| Plumbing, Masonry, Painting | 3 | Open | 3 months |
Business studies and professional courses
The business department runs its own certificates and diplomas and also prepares students for national professional exams.
| Course | Level | Entry | Duration | Exam body |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accountancy (CAMS) | 5 | KCSE D | 1 year | KASNEB |
| Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) | 6 | KCSE C- | 2 years | KASNEB |
| CPA | 7 | KCSE C+ | 3 years | KASNEB |
| APS-K and CPSP-K (procurement) | 6 and 7 | KCSE C- / C+ | 3 years | KISEB |
| HRM certificate and CHRP | 5 and 7 | KCSE D / C+ | 2 to 3 years | HRMPEB |
| Supply Chain Management | 4, 5, 6 | KCSE D- to C- | 6 to 18 months | KFNP |
| Human Resource Management | 5 and 6 | KCSE D / C- | 12 to 18 months | KFNP |
| Accountancy, Project Management | 6 | KCSE C- | 18 months | KFNP |
| Business Management | 5 and 6 | KCSE D / C- | 12 to 18 months | KFNP |
| Office Administration | 5 and 6 | KCSE D / C- | 12 to 18 months | KFNP |
The professional courses can be taken full time or part time. If you are going the KASNEB route, our KASNEB contacts guide explains how to reach the exam body about registration and exam bookings.
ICT and library courses
ICT Technician is offered at Level 4 (6 months), Level 5 (KCSE D, 12 months) and Level 6 (KCSE C-, 18 months). Library Information Systems runs at Level 5 (KCSE D, 12 months) and Level 6 (KCSE C-, 15 months). The polytechnic also offers two month short courses in computer packages, accounting packages, PC maintenance, networking, web design, graphic design, programming, technical drawing, photography and bakery.
Agriculture, applied science and health courses
The agriculture department offers Agriculture and Extension, Agripreneurship and Horticulture at diploma (KCSE C-) and certificate (KCSE D) level, plus short courses such as kienyeji poultry production. Applied and health sciences cover Science Laboratory Technology, Applied Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Applied Statistics, Dairy Processing, Dairy Plant Management, Food Technology, Meat Processing, Nutrition and Dietetics and Community Health. Most diplomas here take 21 months and the certificates 12 months.
Hospitality, fashion and beauty courses
The hospitality school runs Food and Beverage Production (cook, technician and manager levels), Catering and Accommodation, Food and Beverage service, Tour and Travel, Wildlife Guide, Fashion Design, Footwear Production, Leather Goods and Cosmetology from Level 3 to Level 6. Three month open entry courses include Barista, Baker and Mixology. Social Work and Community Development is offered as a 12 month certificate and a 21 month diploma, with short Home Based Care and Assistant Care Giver courses.
Intakes and how to apply
KFNP takes students in January, May and September. You can apply directly to the polytechnic by filling the online form or the admission form on its website, or apply through KUCCPS if you want a government sponsored place, which also lets you apply for a HELB loan.
When you report, the brochure asks you to carry two passport size photos and copies of your ID, birth certificate, KCPE certificate or result slip, KCSE certificate or result slip, and any earlier TVET certificate. The fee structure, medical form, data capture form and trainee handbook are on the downloads page of kfnp.ac.ke.
For a sense of what public TVET colleges charge and how government capitation and HELB cover part of it, read our TVET fees guide. First time HELB applicants can follow how to apply for HELB for the first time, and you can track a loan on the HELB student portal.
Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic contacts
| Office | Contact |
|---|---|
| Main office | 0704 686 363 |
| Admissions (call, SMS or WhatsApp) | 0712 604 008 |
| General email | info@kfnp.ac.ke |
| Admissions email | admissions@kfnp.ac.ke |
| Registrar (academic) | Regacad@kfnp.ac.ke |
| Town campus | 0724 506 448, 0724 456 987, 0716 753 292 |
| Postal address | P.O. Box 150-50309, Tiriki |
Comparing polytechnics? See our lists of Eldoret National Polytechnic courses and Kenya Coast National Polytechnic courses. Once you finish, you can look for technician and artisan openings on Job in Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic?
The main campus is at the Kaimosi Mission Complex on the Kisumu-Chavakali-Kapsabet road in Vihiga County. It also has a town campus in Mbale.
What grade do I need for a diploma at KFNP?
Engineering, building and most science diplomas need KCSE C. Business, ICT, hospitality, agriculture and social work diplomas mostly need C-.
When are the KFNP intakes?
The polytechnic admits students in January, May and September.
Does KFNP offer CPA?
Yes. The business department prepares students for KASNEB’s CAMS, ATD and CPA, full time or part time. CPA needs KCSE C+.
What is the KFNP admissions number?
Call, SMS or WhatsApp 0712 604 008, or email admissions@kfnp.ac.ke. The main office line is 0704 686 363.
Sources: Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic programmes brochure and the contact and downloads pages on kfnp.ac.ke. Courses, entry grades and fees can change; confirm with the polytechnic before you apply.
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