The Kenya School of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (KSTVET), formerly known as the Kenya Technical Trainers College (KTTC), is a premier public institution under the Ministry of Education’s Directorate of Technical Education and Vocational Training. Located in Gigiri, Nairobi, along Limuru Road adjacent to the United Nations Office, KSTVET has been a cornerstone of technical education since its establishment in 1978 through a partnership between the Kenyan government and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Renowned for its motto, The Home of Technical Education, KSTVET specializes in training technical trainers and instructors to meet the growing demand for skilled educators in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Kenya. This comprehensive guide details the KSTVET fees structure for the 2025-2026 academic year, covering regular and school-based programs, admission requirements, course offerings, and contact information, optimized for prospective students and educators seeking career-oriented technical training.
Why Choose Kenya School of TVET?
KSTVET stands out as a center of excellence for training TVET practitioners, offering programs that emphasize pedagogical skills, innovation, and practical application. Its strategic focus on skilling, reskilling, and upskilling technical trainers aligns with Kenya’s vision to bridge the skills gap in sectors like construction, automotive, health, and hospitality. Here’s why KSTVET is a top choice:
- Specialized Trainer Education: Offers Diploma in Technical Trainer Education (DTTE) and Certificate in Instructor Training (CIT), equipping graduates to teach in TVET institutions.
- Flexible Learning Modes: Provides face-to-face, online, and school-based programs to accommodate working professionals and full-time students.
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Courses are designed to meet labor market demands, with specializations in fields like architecture, civil engineering, and nutrition.
- Government Support: Affordable fees, government scholarships, and HELB loans make education accessible.
- Modern Facilities: Well-equipped workshops, ICT labs, and a library support hands-on learning.
KSTVET Fees Structure for 2025-2026
KSTVET’s fees structure is tailored to its programs, including the Diploma in Technical Trainer Education (regular and school-based) and the Certificate in Instructor Training. Fees vary by mode of delivery (face-to-face, online, or supervised teaching practice) and intake (January, April, or September). Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees for the 2025-2026 academic year, based on the latest available data.
Diploma in Technical Trainer Education (Regular Program)
The regular program, with intakes in January and September, is designed for full-time students and spans four terms, including a supervised teaching practice in Term 4. The total cost for the program is approximately KSh 100,900.
| Term | Mode of Delivery | Fees (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Face-to-Face | 37,958 |
| Term 2 | Online | 26,139 |
| Term 3 | Face-to-Face | 34,803 |
| Term 4 | Supervised Teaching Practice | 0 |
| Total | 100,900 |
Notes:
- The supervised teaching practice in Term 4 incurs no additional tuition fees, as it focuses on practical application in real-world settings.
- Fees exclude accommodation and meals, which are charged separately (see Additional Costs section).
Diploma in Technical Trainer Education (School-Based Program)
The school-based program, with an April intake, is ideal for working professionals, offering flexibility through holiday-based learning. The program is structured into modules across three terms, with a total cost of approximately KSh 98,500.
| Term | Module | Mode of Delivery | Fees (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Module 1 | Face-to-Face | 20,558 |
| Term 1 | Module 2 | Face-to-Face | 17,400 |
| Term 2 | Module 3 | Online | 26,139 |
| Term 3 | Module 4 | Face-to-Face | 17,402 |
| Term 3 | Module 5 | Face-to-Face | 17,401 |
| Term 4 | Supervised Teaching Practice | – | 0 |
| Total | 98,500 |
Notes:
- Students must pay at least 50% of the module fees at the start of each module, with the balance due before end-of-module exams.
- The school-based program aligns with school holidays (April, August, December), allowing teachers to balance work and study.
Certificate in Instructor Training
The Certificate in Instructor Training is designed for certificate or craft-level holders aiming to teach artisan and craft courses in TVET institutions. The program spans three terms, with a total cost of approximately KSh 67,611.
| Term | Module | Mode of Delivery | Fees (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Module 1 | Face-to-Face | 35,303 |
| Term 2 | Module 2 | Face-to-Face | 32,308 |
| Term 3 | Supervised Teaching Practice | – | 0 |
| Total | 67,611 |
Notes:
- The supervised teaching practice in Term 3 is free of tuition charges.
- Fees cover tuition only and exclude additional costs like accommodation.
Additional Costs
- Application Fee: KSh 1,500 (non-refundable), payable before submitting the application.
- Accommodation: KSTVET offers on-campus hostels allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis to students who have cleared full term fees. Boarding fees are affordable but not included in the tuition fees (contact the Finance Office for details).
- Meals: Subsidized meals are available for daily commuters and boarders at an additional cost.
- Learning Materials: Textbooks, stationery, and specialized equipment (e.g., for technical courses) are not covered in the fees.
- Other Fees: May include examination fees, student ID, and activity fees, detailed in the KSTVET fee booklet available on the official website (www.kstvet.ac.ke).
Payment Policies
- Payment Deadlines: At least 50% of term/module fees must be paid at the start of each term/module, with the balance due before end-of-term/module exams.
- Payment Methods: Fees are payable via bank deposit or electronic transfer to the following account:
- Bank Details: Available on the KSTVET website or from the Finance Office. Cash and personal cheques are not accepted.
- Flexible Payment Plans: Students can pay in installments to ease the financial burden.
- Scholarships and Loans: KSTVET offers limited full scholarships for the Diploma in Technical Trainer Education (September intake) for students with a diploma or higher national diploma from a Kenyan TVET institution and exemplary performance. HELB loans and government scholarships are available through KUCCPS.
- Late Payments: Penalties may apply for payments made after the second week of the term/module.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in KSTVET programs, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Certificate in Instructor Training:
- Minimum KCSE grade of C- or equivalent.
- Level 5 or Craft Certificate in a technical field (e.g., plumbing, electrical engineering, hairdressing).
- Diploma in Technical Trainer Education:
- Minimum KCSE grade of C+ or equivalent.
- Level 6 Diploma or undergraduate degree in a technical field (e.g., nutrition, building technology, hospitality).
- Application Process:
- Visit www.kstvet.ac.ke and click “Join Now” to access the Campuscura online application portal.
- Complete the application form, attach academic documents, and pay the KSh 1,500 application fee.
- Specify the area of specialization (e.g., Nutrition and Dietetics, Civil Engineering).
- Await official communication on application status.
- Intakes:
- Regular Program: January and September.
- School-Based Program: April.
- Additional intakes (e.g., May) may be announced on the KSTVET website.
Academic Programs and Departments
KSTVET focuses on training technical trainers and instructors through its eight academic departments, offering specialized programs tailored to industry needs. Key programs include:
- Diploma in Technical Trainer Education (DTTE):
- Specializations: Architecture, Building Technology, Civil Engineering, Highway Engineering, Land Survey, Water Engineering, Nutrition and Dietetics, Hospitality, Supply Chain Management, and more.
- Duration: 2 years (4 terms, including teaching practice).
- Outcome: Graduates are qualified to teach diploma-level courses in TVET institutions.
- Certificate in Instructor Training (CIT):
- Specializations: Aligned with the candidate’s prior technical training (e.g., hairdressing, automotive engineering).
- Duration: 1.5 years (3 terms, including teaching practice).
- Outcome: Graduates can teach artisan and craft courses in TVET institutions.
- Short Courses and CPD:
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs, foreign languages, cybersecurity for TVET trainers, and recognition of prior learning (RPL) initiatives.
Departments:
- Health and Applied Sciences
- Building and Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Business Studies
- ICT and Foreign Languages
Learning Modes:
- Face-to-Face: Traditional classroom learning with hands-on training.
- Online: Flexible learning for Term 2 (regular program) and Module 3 (school-based program).
- Supervised Teaching Practice: Practical training in real-world TVET settings.
Facilities and Student Life
KSTVET’s Gigiri campus offers modern facilities to support technical training:
- Academic Facilities: Workshops, ICT labs, and a library.
- Accommodation: On-campus hostels for boarders.
- Student Activities: Participation in national events like the World Skills Competition and tree-planting campaigns.
- Support Services: Career guidance, counseling, and academic advising.
Contact Information
For inquiries about fees, admissions, or programs, contact KSTVET:
- Address: P.O. Box 44600 – 00100, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
- Phone: +254 707 444 222 (Safaricom), +254 786 444 600 (Airtel)
- Email: info@kstvet.ac.ke
- Website: www.kstvet.ac.ke
- Social Media: Facebook (@Kenya School of TVET), LinkedIn (Kenya School of TVET)
- Location: Along Limuru Road, next to the United Nations Office, Nairobi (Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8BMkA7n2ZBd9Uube6)
Why KSTVET’s Fees Are a Worthwhile Investment
KSTVET’s fees, ranging from KSh 67,611 (Certificate) to KSh 100,900 (Diploma), are competitive for specialized TVET trainer education. Key benefits include:
- Career Opportunities: Graduates are equipped to teach in TVET institutions or start their own businesses.
- Affordability: Government scholarships, HELB loans, and flexible payment plans make education accessible.
- Industry Relevance: Programs align with Kenya’s labor market demands, ensuring employability.
- Global Recognition: Accredited by TVETA, KSTVET qualifications are recognized locally and regionally.
KSTVET continues to shape Kenya’s technical education landscape by training skilled instructors and trainers. With flexible learning options, affordable fees, and a focus on practical skills, it is an ideal choice for aspiring TVET educators. For more details, visit www.kstvet.ac.ke or contact the admissions office.
