Quick answer
Kitale National Polytechnic in Trans Nzoia offers Level 4 to Level 6 TVET courses in nine departments, with intakes in January, May and September. Diplomas need KCSE C minus, certificates D plain and artisan courses D minus or KCPE. The fee summary is KSh 56,420 a year, with KSh 30,000 Government capitation, leaving KSh 26,420. Apply via KUCCPS or the polytechnic's portal.
Updated 24 October 2026
Kitale National Polytechnic (KNP) is a public technical and vocational college in Kitale town, Trans Nzoia County, offering artisan, certificate and diploma courses under the competency based education and training (CBET) system. You can join it through KUCCPS placement after KCSE or by applying directly to the polytechnic for its January, May and September intakes. This guide covers the entry grades, the courses by department, what fees look like, and how to use the student portal.
In this guide
Kitale National Polytechnic at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Public national polytechnic (TVET institution) |
| Location | Kitale, Trans Nzoia County |
| Postal address | P.O. Box 2162-30200, Kitale |
| Phone | 0721 379304 or 0780 379304 |
| info@kitalenationalpolytechnic.ac.ke | |
| Intakes | January, May and September |
| Levels | Level 4 artisan, Level 5 certificate (craft), Level 6 diploma and some higher diplomas and professional courses |
| Examining bodies | TVET CDACC, KNEC, NITA and KASNEB depending on the course |
Entry requirements by level
The minimum grades follow the national TVET levels, although a department can ask for specific subject grades for competitive courses.
| Level | Typical minimum entry |
|---|---|
| Level 6 diploma | KCSE mean grade C minus (C-), or a relevant Level 5 certificate |
| Level 5 certificate (craft) | KCSE mean grade D plain, or a relevant Level 4 artisan pass |
| Level 4 artisan | KCSE D minus (D-) or E, or KCPE |
Some courses ask for more. For example, the Agriculture department lists KCSE C plain for the Diploma in Entrepreneurial Agriculture, while the general agriculture diploma takes C minus. Always confirm the subject requirements in the current course list before you apply.
Departments and courses
The polytechnic runs nine academic departments:
- Agriculture
- Business Studies
- Building and Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical and Automotive Engineering
- Information Communication Technology
- Hospitality Management
- Mathematics and Applied Sciences
- Liberal Studies
Examples of what is on offer include diplomas in business management, supply chain management, human resource management, cooperative management and secretarial studies; diplomas in analytical chemistry and applied biology; engineering diplomas and certificates in electrical, mechanical, automotive and civil work; ICT courses; hospitality courses; and professional papers such as CPA and the Accounting Technicians Diploma examined by KASNEB. The Agriculture department alone had 288 trainees in session and 116 on attachment at the time of its last published update, with courses from artisan to diploma level.
The polytechnic also runs a driving school, so you can take a driving course alongside your studies.
The current list of programmes is posted on the polytechnic’s downloads page as the September 2026 courses document, next to the KUCCPS Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 placement lists for 2026 and the August 2026 admission letter.
Kitale National Polytechnic fees
Fees at public TVET colleges are split between Government capitation and what the student or family pays. The polytechnic’s published fee summary sets the annual cost at KSh 56,420. Of that, KSh 30,000 is covered by Government capitation for eligible government sponsored students, leaving KSh 26,420 for the student to pay. Boarding is charged separately at KSh 6,000 per term, and the polytechnic asks boarders to pay full term fees before a bed is reserved.
| Fee item | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Total annual cost | 56,420 |
| Government capitation (sponsored students) | 30,000 |
| Balance payable by the student per year | 26,420 |
| Boarding, per term | 6,000 |
Examination fees for KNEC, CDACC or KASNEB are paid separately and vary by course and year of study. The polytechnic publishes a KNEC exam fee schedule on its downloads page. Treat these figures as a guide: fee summaries change between intakes, so check the latest version or call the finance office before paying.
Paying fees with HELB and scholarships
Students placed through KUCCPS can apply for Government scholarships and HELB loans under the student centred funding model through the Higher Education Financing portal. Our guide to TVET fees in Kenya explains how capitation, HELB loans and scholarships share the cost. County and constituency bursaries can also cover part of the balance.
How to apply
Through KUCCPS
KCSE candidates can choose Kitale National Polytechnic courses during the KUCCPS application window. Once placed, download the admission letter from the polytechnic’s website and report on the date given. Our step by step guide on how to apply on KUCCPS and choose courses walks you through the portal.
Direct (self sponsored) application
- Open the polytechnic’s online application portal at newportal.kitalenationalpolytechnic.ac.ke and go to Student Application.
- Pick the programme and intake. If no intakes are showing, applications for that period are closed.
- Fill in your personal details and upload your KCSE or KCPE result slip, birth certificate or ID and a passport photo.
- If the portal asks for an application fee, pay it as instructed and keep the receipt.
- Watch for the admission letter, then report with original documents and a medical form.
Using the student portal
Admitted students log in to the same portal to see their fee statement, register units, check exam results and download documents. Use the admission number and password issued at registration. If you cannot log in, contact the polytechnic on the phone numbers or email above with your admission number.
Comparing options? See the Eldoret National Polytechnic courses and Kenya Coast National Polytechnic guide. When you finish, browse entry level roles on Jobinkenya.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum grade for a diploma at Kitale National Polytechnic?
KCSE C minus, or a relevant Level 5 certificate. Some courses ask for higher grades in specific subjects.
How much are fees at Kitale National Polytechnic?
The published fee summary puts the annual cost at KSh 56,420, of which KSh 30,000 is Government capitation for sponsored students, leaving KSh 26,420. Boarding is KSh 6,000 per term.
When are the intakes?
January, May and September each year.
Where can I download the Kitale National Polytechnic admission letter?
On the downloads page of the polytechnic’s official website, which lists the admission letter for each intake.
Can I get HELB at Kitale National Polytechnic?
Yes. Government sponsored TVET students can apply for HELB loans and scholarships through the Higher Education Financing portal.
Sources: Kitale National Polytechnic official website (downloads page, Agriculture department page, contacts and fee summary); Kitale National Polytechnic online application portal; KUCCPS frequently asked questions. Checked October 2026.
Prefer WhatsApp? Follow Business Radar on WhatsApp
Weekly, free. We only use your email for this newsletter and you can unsubscribe in one click. Privacy policy.
