Quick answer
The Eldoret National Polytechnic offers over 120 courses in ten departments, from Level 4 artisan (KCSE D-) and Level 5 certificates (D plain) to Level 6 diplomas (C-) and KNEC higher diplomas. Intakes are in January, May and September. Apply through KUCCPS or directly on tenp.ac.ke for KSh 750.
Updated 18 October 2026
The Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) offers more than 120 courses across ten departments, from Level 4 artisan courses for KCSE D- holders up to KNEC higher diplomas for people who already hold a diploma. Level 6 diplomas need a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus), Level 5 certificates need D plain (D+ for some agriculture and electrical courses), and Level 4 courses need D-. There are three intakes a year, in January, May and September, and you can join through KUCCPS or by applying directly online for a KSh 750 fee.
The course list below comes from the polytechnic’s own brochure for courses starting in September 2026, published on its website at tenp.ac.ke. Intakes, the application fee, hostel charges and payment methods come from the polytechnic’s official FAQ page. Where something is not published, we say so, because a wrong fee or grade can cost you a whole intake.
In this guide
- About The Eldoret National Polytechnic
- Course Levels and How Long They Take
- Department of Agriculture and Environmental Studies
- Department of Applied Sciences
- Department of Building and Civil Engineering
- Department of Business Studies
- Department of Computing and Informatics
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Department of Health Sciences
- Department of Hospitality and Institutional Management
- Department of Liberal Studies
- Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering
- Eldoret City Campus (Zion Mall) Courses
- Recognition of Prior Learning
- Eldoret National Polytechnic Fees
- Intakes
- How to Apply
- Contacts
- Frequently asked questions
About The Eldoret National Polytechnic
According to the polytechnic’s About page, the institution started in 1985 and was formally set up as Eldoret Polytechnic in 1987 through Legal Notice No. 120 under the Education Act. On 22 August 2014 it was elevated to a national polytechnic through Legal Notice No. 114 under the TVET Act, 2013. It is a public TVET institution under the Ministry of Education’s State Department for TVET, and its website reports more than 17,200 trainees and over 300 trainers. The Chief Principal is Dr Charles Koech.
The main campus is about 4km from Eldoret City CBD along the Eldoret-Kisumu Road in Uasin Gishu County. A second site, the Eldoret City Campus at Zion Mall in town, runs the higher diplomas and several evening and weekend business, ICT and cosmetology classes for working students.
Course Levels and How Long They Take
Most courses now follow the competency-based (CBET) curriculum and are assessed by the polytechnic itself (shown as TENP in its brochure), by TVET CDACC, or jointly. A few professional and older courses are examined by KNEC, KASNEB, KISEB or HRMPEB. The brochure gives CBET course length in modules, not years:
- Level 6 (diploma): KCSE C- (minus), usually 6 or 7 modules.
- Level 5 (certificate): KCSE D plain (D+ for agriculture, food technology, environmental technology and electrical courses), usually 3 to 4 modules.
- Level 4 (artisan): KCSE D- (minus), usually 2 modules.
- Higher diplomas: a pass in a related diploma, 2 years, examined by KNEC.
The brochure does not say how many months a module runs, or whether industrial attachment is counted inside it, so ask the registrar for the full calendar before you plan. There is no degree programme in the September 2026 brochure.
Department of Agriculture and Environmental Studies
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and Extension Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Environmental Technology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Food Technology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Agriculture and Extension Level 5 | KCSE D+ | 4 modules | TENP |
| Environmental Technology Level 5 | KCSE D+ | 4 modules | TENP |
| Food Technology Level 5 | KCSE D+ | 4 modules | TENP |
| Livestock Feed Production Level 4 | KCSE D- | 2 modules | TENP |
The polytechnic’s older online course catalogue also listed Agripreneurship Level 6, Dairy Plant Management (Levels 4 to 6) and General Agriculture Level 4, with D plain for some Level 5 courses. These do not appear in the September 2026 brochure, so confirm with the department whether they are running.
Department of Applied Sciences
This is where ENP’s two higher national diplomas sit, alongside less common diplomas such as Mining, Leather and Geophysical Exploration Technology.
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher National Diploma in Applied Biology | Diploma in Applied Biology | 2 years | KNEC |
| Higher National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry | Diploma in Analytical Chemistry | 2 years | KNEC |
| Chemical Engineering Technology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Science Laboratory Technology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Applied Biology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Applied Statistics Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Analytical Chemistry Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Industrial Chemistry Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Mining Technology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Leather Technology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Geophysical Exploration Technology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Geophysical Exploration Technology Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Science Laboratory Technology Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Leather Processing Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
Department of Building and Civil Engineering
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Technology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 6 modules | TENP |
| Building Technology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Civil Engineering Technology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Quantity Survey Level 6 | KCSE C- | 6 modules | TENP |
| Interior Design Level 6 | KCSE C- | 6 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Water Engineering Level 6 | KCSE C- | 6 modules | TENP |
| Land Surveying Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Land Surveying Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 3 modules | TENP |
| Construction Foreperson, Plumbing, Carpentry and Joinery, Building Technician (all Level 5) | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Construction Survey Level 4, Construction Field Testing Level 4 | KCSE D- | 2 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Carpentry and Joinery, Masonry, Plumbing (all Level 4) | KCSE D- | 2 modules | TENP |
Department of Business Studies
Business is the widest department. Besides CBET courses, it runs professional courses such as CPA, ATD, CAMS and procurement papers, plus a German language class aimed at people preparing for work abroad.
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Management Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Cooperative Management Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Human Resource Management Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 terms (sandwich) | HRMPEB |
| Road Transport Management Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Supply Chain Management (APS) Level 6 | KCSE C- | 2 years | KISEB |
| Customer Care Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Office Administration Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Accountancy Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Banking and Finance Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Diploma in Quality Management | KCSE C- | 7 terms | KASNEB |
| Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) Levels 1 and 2, full time | KCSE C- | 2 years | KASNEB |
| Associate of Procurement and Supply (APS), weekend | KCSE C- | 2 years | KISEB |
| CPA Foundation and Intermediate | KCSE C+ | 2 years | KASNEB |
| Certified Human Resource Professional (full time and weekend) | KCSE C+, Diploma in HRM | 2 years | HRMPEB |
| Certified Purchasing and Supplies of Kenya (CPSK), weekend | KCSE C+ | 2 years | KISEB |
| Cooperative Management Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Supply Chain Management Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Human Resource Management Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 1 year | HRMPEB |
| Certificate in Accounting and Management Skills (CAMS) Levels 1 and 2 | KCSE D plain | 3 terms | KASNEB |
| Storekeeping Level 4 | KCSE D- | 2 modules | TENP |
| Office Assistant Level 4 | KCSE D- | 2 modules | TENP |
| German Language (evening and weekend) | KCSE D- | 4 terms | TENP |
Department of Computing and Informatics
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TVET CDACC |
| Records and Archives Management Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Library and Information Science Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Multimedia Production Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Broadcast Journalism Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Records and Archives Management Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Information Communication Technology Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Library and Information Science Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Multimedia Production Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Software Development Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
The brochure lists Software Development Level 5 twice, once with C- and 7 modules, which looks like a Level 6 entry. The City Campus list separately shows Software Development Level 6 at C- for 7 modules.
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Electrical courses are stricter than most: on top of the mean grade, you need Maths and Physics at the same level.
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technology Level 6 | KCSE C-, with C- in Maths and Physics | 7 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Telecommunications Technology Level 6 | KCSE C-, with C- in Maths and Physics | 7 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Instrumentation and Control Engineering | KCSE C-, with C- in Maths and Physics | 7 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Biomedical Engineering Technology Level 6 | KCSE C-, with C- in Maths and Physics | 7 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Electrical Engineering Technology Level 5 | KCSE D+, with D+ in Maths/Physics | 4 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
| Electrical Installation Technology Level 4 | KCSE D- | 4 modules | TENP/TVET CDACC |
Department of Health Sciences
Health diplomas ask for a C plain mean grade and specific subject grades, and are run on a sandwich basis over 9 terms. They are also regulated by the relevant professional boards, such as the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences | KCSE C plain, with C in English or Kiswahili, Maths or Physics, Biology and Chemistry | 9 terms (sandwich) | TENP/KMLTTB |
| Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology | KCSE C plain, with C in English or Kiswahili, Maths or Physics, Biology and Chemistry | 9 terms (sandwich) | TENP/KNEC/PPB |
| Diploma in Health Records and Information Technology | KCSE C plain, with C in English or Kiswahili, C- in Maths, D+ in Biology, C- in any other subject | 9 terms (sandwich) | TENP/HRIMB |
| Community Health Level 6 | KCSE C-, with C- in English or Kiswahili, D+ in Biology, D in a science or Home Science | 7 modules | TENP |
| Nutrition and Dietetics Level 6 | KCSE C-, with D+ in English or Kiswahili, Biology and Chemistry, D in Maths, Physics, Agriculture or Home Science | 7 modules | TENP |
| Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology | KCSE C-, with C- in English or Kiswahili, D in Biology and Maths, D+ in any other subject | 4 terms (sandwich) | TENP/HRIMB |
| Community Health Level 5 | KCSE D+, with D+ in English or Kiswahili, D in Biology, D in a science or Home Science | 4 modules | TENP |
| Nutrition and Dietetics Level 5 | KCSE D plain, with D in English or Kiswahili, Biology, Chemistry and Maths | 4 modules | TENP |
Department of Hospitality and Institutional Management
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catering and Accommodation Management Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Food and Beverage Management Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Tour and Travel Management Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Fashion Design Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Catering and Accommodation Operations Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Food and Beverage Operations Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Tour Guiding Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Fashion Design Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
Department of Liberal Studies
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work and Community Development Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Counselling Psychology Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TENP |
| Child Protection Level 6 | KCSE C- | 4 modules | TENP |
| Social Work and Community Development Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| Child Protection Level 5 | KCSE D plain | 4 modules | TENP |
| HIV Testing and Counselling Services | Diploma in Social Work, Counselling Psychology or Child Protection | 1 month | NASCOP/TENP |
Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Level 6 | KCSE C- | 7 modules | TVET CDACC |
| Automotive Technology, Welding Technology, Mechanical Production Technology, Mechanical Plant Technology, Agricultural Engineering (all Level 6) | KCSE C-, with C- in Maths and C- in Physics or Chemistry | 6 modules | TENP |
| Mechanical Production Technology, Welding Technology, Mechanical Plant Technology, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Automotive Technology, Agricultural Engineering (all Level 5) | KCSE D plain, with D in Maths and D in Physics or Chemistry | 4 modules | TENP |
| Spray Painting, Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, Motor Cycle Mechanics, Motor Vehicle Electrics (all Level 4) | KCSE D-, with D- in Maths and D- in Physics or Chemistry | 2 modules | TENP |
Eldoret City Campus (Zion Mall) Courses
The town campus runs KNEC higher diplomas in the evening and at weekends, aimed at diploma holders who are already working.
| Course | Minimum entry | Duration | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Production) | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | 2 years | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Plant) | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | 2 years | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Construction (Building and Civil Engineering) | Diploma in Civil Engineering | 2 years | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Construction (Structural) | Diploma in Civil Engineering | 2 years | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Power) | Diploma in Electrical Engineering | 2 years | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Land Survey | Diploma in Land Survey | 2 years | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Water Engineering | Diploma in Water Engineering | 2 years | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management | Diploma in any business course | 2 years | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship Development | Diploma in any business course | 2 years | KNEC |
The City Campus also offers Business Management, Accountancy, Office Administration, Cooperative Management, Banking and Finance, Customer Care, ICT, Library and Information Science, Software Development, Electrical Engineering Technology and Cosmetology at Level 6 (C-), several of the same at Level 5 (D plain), CPA Foundation (C+), ATD, CAMS, and Cosmetology, Solar Photovoltaic Installation Technology and Storekeeping at Level 4 (D-).
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you already have a skill but no certificate, ENP assesses and certifies people through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The brochure lists areas such as masonry, plumbing, carpentry, steel and tile fixing, gypsum installation, cookery, baking, barista skills, bartending, motor vehicle mechanics and electrics, welding, electrical installation, fashion design, cosmetology and web development.
Eldoret National Polytechnic Fees
As of 18 October 2026, the polytechnic’s website links to a fee structures page, but it does not show a current fee structure, and the per-course fee fields in its online catalogue are blank. Students can view their own fee structure and statement on the student portal (eldopoly.ac.ke). Here is what we could confirm:
- Application fee (direct applicants): KSh 750, according to the official FAQ.
- College hostel: KSh 4,500 once you have registered and paid the term’s full fees, if space is available. Rooms take three or four trainees, with separate blocks for men and women. The FAQ does not say whether this is per term or per module, so confirm.
- Guest house: KSh 10,000, subject to availability.
For tuition, public TVET programmes under the current funding model use a standard annual cost of KSh 67,189, which is shared between a government scholarship, a HEF loan and the family depending on the student’s need band. See our guide to TVET fees in Kenya in 2026 for how that works. Be careful with an older ENP fee structure that still circulates online (reproduced by Education News Hub), which shows KSh 56,420 a year with KSh 30,000 government capitation. It comes from the old capitation system, which no longer applies to new students.
Exam fees, professional body fees (KASNEB, KISEB, HRMPEB) and some practical fees are charged separately. Ask the finance office for the exact figure for your course and level before you report.
How to pay
The FAQ says fees can be paid through the student portal by M-Pesa (log in with your admission number as both username and password, choose Tuition Fee, enter the amount and confirm with your M-Pesa PIN), by banker’s cheque or postal money order, or into the polytechnic’s accounts at National Bank, Co-operative Bank or Equity Bank, Eldoret branches. You must clear fees within each module, and only trainees who have paid in full can register for assessment. Confirm account details with the finance office before you deposit.
Government funding
KUCCPS-placed students can apply for a government scholarship, loan and bursary through the Higher Education Financing portal (hef.co.ke). Whatever the scholarship and loan do not cover is paid by the parent or guardian. Our HELB help page explains allocations, upkeep and how the loan is disbursed.
Intakes
ENP has three main intakes a year: January, May and September. The September 2026 classes started on Monday, 31 August 2026, according to the brochure. Dates for the January 2027 intake had not been published on the website as of 18 October 2026. The FAQ adds that if you already hold a valid admission letter, you can use it to report in a later intake, subject to the polytechnic’s rules.
How to Apply
Through KUCCPS
KCSE candidates can pick ENP diplomas and certificates on the KUCCPS student portal during the placement cycle. Search for the polytechnic under Eldoret, as some listings use the shorter name Eldoret Polytechnic. Programme codes change each cycle, so copy the code from the portal itself. After placement, download your admission letter from the KUCCPS placement page on tenp.ac.ke. If you are also weighing degree options in town, compare cut-offs on our University of Eldoret courses guide.
Direct application
- Go to tenp.ac.ke and open Online Application.
- Pick the course and check the entry requirements in the brochure.
- Fill in your personal and academic details and accept the data protection notice.
- Pay the KSh 750 application fee and submit.
- Keep your payment details and follow the reporting instructions you are sent.
You can also apply in person at the admissions office on the main campus.
Contacts
- Location: Eldoret-Kisumu Road, about 4km from Eldoret City CBD; City Campus at Zion Mall
- Postal address: P.O. Box 4461-30100, Eldoret
- Phone, SMS or WhatsApp: 0797 222 666 or 0738 092 126
- Email: admissions@tenp.ac.ke, info@tenp.ac.ke or customercare@tenp.ac.ke
- Website: tenp.ac.ke; student portal: eldopoly.ac.ke
Comparing polytechnics? See the Kenya Coast National Polytechnic course list. Graduates looking for work can browse vacancies on Job in Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum grade to join Eldoret National Polytechnic?
KCSE D- (minus) for Level 4 artisan courses, D plain for most Level 5 certificates, and C- (minus) for Level 6 diplomas. Health diplomas such as Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pharmaceutical Technology need a C plain with specific subject grades.
Does Eldoret National Polytechnic offer degrees?
Its September 2026 brochure lists no degree programmes. The highest awards are KNEC higher diplomas and higher national diplomas, which need a related diploma to join.
How much is the application fee?
KSh 750 for direct applications, according to the polytechnic’s FAQ. KUCCPS applicants pay the KUCCPS fee instead.
When does Eldoret National Polytechnic admit students?
In January, May and September. The September 2026 intake began on 31 August 2026.
Does ENP have hostels?
Yes, but space is limited. Hostel rooms cost KSh 4,500 and guest house rooms KSh 10,000, allocated after you register and pay fees. The polytechnic also shares a list of private hostels for students who live out.
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