Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges train artisans, technicians and technologists in Kenya. Public TVET institutions, including national polytechnics, technical training institutes and vocational colleges, are funded through government capitation, HELB loans and household contributions. This guide covers what TVET costs in 2026, who regulates the colleges, how KUCCPS places students, entry requirements, the main course groups and how to pay.
TVET fees in 2026
A standardised fee of KSh 67,189 a year applies to public TVET programmes, covering tuition, assessment and registration. Boarding, meals, tools, uniforms and materials are extra and vary by college and course. Because government capitation and HELB support cover a large share of the cost for KUCCPS-placed trainees, the amount a family pays out of pocket is usually much lower than the full fee.
| Cost item | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition, assessment and registration (KSh 67,189 a year) | Shared between government capitation, a HELB loan and the household |
| Boarding and meals | Household, where the college offers them |
| Tools, protective clothing and materials | Household |
| Attachment travel and upkeep | Household |
Who runs TVET in Kenya
The State Department for TVET in the Ministry of Education oversees public technical colleges and their funding. The TVET Authority (TVETA), created under the TVET Act of 2013, licenses and accredits institutions and programmes. The TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC) develops competency-based curricula and assesses and certifies trainees, while the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examines courses that still follow the older curricula.
How many colleges place students through KUCCPS
The KUCCPS portal lists 437 colleges that accept students through central placement, alongside 77 universities. They include:
| Oversight | Colleges on KUCCPS |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Education (polytechnics, technical training institutes, teacher colleges) | 279 |
| Ministry of Health (mainly Kenya Medical Training College campuses) | 98 |
| TVET institutes run by universities | 35 |
| Other ministries | 22 |
National polytechnics
National polytechnics are the largest public TVET institutions and offer courses up to higher diploma level. The KUCCPS portal lists 25:
- Baringo National Polytechnic
- Bumbe National Polytechnic
- Bungoma National Polytechnic
- Eldoret Polytechnic
- Jeremiah Nyagah National Polytechnic
- Kabete National Polytechnic
- Kaiboi National Polytechnic
- Kenya Coast National Polytechnic
- Kiambu National Polytechnic
- Kisii National Polytechnic
- Kisumu Polytechnic
- Kitale National Polytechnic
- Mawego National Polytechnic
- Meru National Polytechnic
- Michuki National Polytechnic
- Nairobi National Polytechnic
- North Eastern National Polytechnic
- Nyamira National Polytechnic
- Nyandarua National Polytechnic
- Nyeri National Polytechnic
- Ol'lessos National Polytechnic
- Rift Valley National Polytechnic
- Siaya National Polytechnic
- Sigalagala National Polytechnic
- Taita Taveta National Polytechnic
Colleges by county
Every county has at least one college on the KUCCPS portal. Number of colleges per county, with links to each county’s schools and colleges guide:
| County | Colleges on KUCCPS |
|---|---|
| Baringo | 8 |
| Bomet | 6 |
| Bungoma | 14 |
| Busia | 11 |
| Elgeyo Marakwet | 7 |
| Embu | 7 |
| Garissa | 7 |
| Homa Bay | 11 |
| Isiolo | 2 |
| Kajiado | 5 |
| Kakamega | 20 |
| Kericho | 9 |
| Kiambu | 15 |
| Kilifi | 9 |
| Kirinyaga | 4 |
| Kisii | 12 |
| Kisumu | 11 |
| Kitui | 14 |
| Kwale | 7 |
| Laikipia | 5 |
| Lamu | 3 |
| Machakos | 12 |
| Makueni | 9 |
| Mandera | 5 |
| Marsabit | 3 |
| Meru | 20 |
| Migori | 11 |
| Mombasa | 11 |
| Murang’a | 12 |
| Nairobi | 30 |
| Nakuru | 16 |
| Nandi | 8 |
| Narok | 9 |
| Nyamira | 7 |
| Nyandarua | 8 |
| Nyeri | 12 |
| Samburu | 2 |
| Siaya | 16 |
| Taita Taveta | 7 |
| Tana River | 4 |
| Tharaka Nithi | 4 |
| Transnzoia | 5 |
| Turkana | 8 |
| Uasin Gishu | 14 |
| Vihiga | 8 |
| Wajir | 6 |
| West Pokot | 3 |
Entry requirements
KUCCPS places students in TVET programmes at three main levels, each with its own minimum KCSE grade:
| Level | Usual minimum KCSE mean grade | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | C- (minus) | 2–3 years |
| Craft certificate | D (plain) | 1–2 years |
| Artisan certificate | D- (minus) | Up to 1 year |
Some programmes, especially health courses at KMTC, set higher subject grades. Certificate holders can progress to a diploma, and diploma holders can join related degree programmes at universities with credit transfer.
Course groups
The KUCCPS portal groups TVET programmes into 26 diploma, 23 certificate and 14 artisan clusters. Popular groups include engineering and technology, building and construction, business, information technology, hospitality and tourism, health sciences, agriculture, fashion and textiles, hair and beauty, and food science.
Popular TVET courses
Diplomas and certificates in electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical and automotive engineering, building technology, plumbing, information and communication technology, accounting and business management, supply chain management, hospitality and catering, fashion design, and hairdressing and beauty therapy draw some of the largest intakes. Health courses, especially nursing, clinical medicine, pharmacy and medical laboratory sciences, are offered mainly at Kenya Medical Training College campuses.
Kenya Medical Training College
Most of the 98 colleges under the Ministry of Health on the KUCCPS portal are KMTC campuses spread across the counties. KMTC programmes are popular and competitive, often with higher subject grades than other TVET courses, and their fees are set by KMTC rather than by the standard TVET fee.
TVET or university?
TVET courses are shorter and cheaper than degrees and focus on practical skills that lead directly to jobs or self-employment. Many trainees later progress to a degree through credit transfer. A degree takes longer and costs more, but is required for some professions. Compare course length, total cost, entry grade and your career goal before choosing.
Funding: capitation, HELB and scholarships
Under the government funding model, KUCCPS-placed TVET trainees can receive government support through capitation and the HELB TVET scholarship and loan, with the household paying the balance. Apply to HELB as soon as you have your admission letter. Trainees in some programmes may also qualify for county bursaries and NG-CDF bursaries.
Life as a TVET trainee
TVET programmes mix classroom theory with workshop and laboratory practice, and most include an industrial attachment in a real workplace before final assessment. Competency-based courses are assessed module by module, so trainees build up certified units of competence as they go. Many colleges run hostels, and trainees in boarding colleges should budget for meals and personal items on top of fees.
How to apply
- Check your KCSE grade against the minimum for the course and level.
- Log in to the KUCCPS students’ portal during the application window and choose your courses and colleges.
- Download your admission letter once placed.
- Apply to HELB for funding.
- Report on the date in your admission letter and pay only into the college’s official account.
Confirm before paying
Your admission letter states the exact fee for your course and the college’s official bank account or paybill. Do not pay fees to an individual or to an account that is not on the letter.
Related
University and TVET fees hub · KUCCPS cut-off points · Government vs self-sponsored fees
Frequently asked questions
How much are TVET fees in Kenya in 2026?
KSh 67,189 a year for public TVET programmes, covering tuition, assessment and registration; boarding and materials are extra.
Can TVET students get HELB?
Yes. KUCCPS-placed trainees can apply for the HELB TVET scholarship and loan with their admission letter.
What is the minimum grade for a diploma?
Usually a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus); certificates usually need D (plain) and artisan courses D- (minus).
How many national polytechnics are there?
The KUCCPS portal lists 25 national polytechnics.
Who accredits TVET colleges?
The TVET Authority (TVETA), set up under the TVET Act of 2013.
Sources: Top Prime Digital, Ministry of Education, KUCCPS. Last updated October 2026.
