Technical and Vocational Education Training, TVET, institutions offer various certificate, diploma and craftsmanship training to students in Kenya. The beauty with TVET training institutions is that they offer flexible entry and fee requirements to students wishing to study in these institutes. TVETs are registered, accredited and regulated by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA); which is a public corporate agency established under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act No. 29 of 2013 to regulate and coordinate training in the country through licensing, registration and accreditation of programs, institutions and trainers. Section 7 of the Act, 2013 gives the powers and functions of the Authority to regulate and coordinate training; inspect, license and register and accredit training institutions; accredit and inspect programmes and courses; promote access and relevance of training programmes; determine the national technical and vocational training objectives; assure quality and relevance in programmes of training among other functions.
How to get placement
To get a place at a TVET institution, one has to apply via the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). The available programmes, institutions, minimum entry requirements and the application procedure are always available on the KUCCPS Student’s Portal accessible through the Placement Service website www.kuccps.ac.ke. KUCCPS sets an application window within which the prospective students can submit their applications. The Entry requirement for all Diploma Courses is a C- and above; D (plain) and above for Certificate while other course categories are open.
Funding.
The good news for students joining TVETs is that they can now apply for funding from the Higher Education Loans Board, HELB. They can now get Loans and Bursaries from HELB for their fees payment and upkeep.
Available programs at the Nyeri National polytechnic
Diploma
| Course (Department) | Entry Requirements | Intake | Duration | Exam Body |
| Course (Department) | Entry Requirements | Intake | Duration | Exam Body |
| Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering (ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING) | Diploma or Degree from a recognized Institution | September | 7 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Eng. (Power Option) (ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Eng. (Telecommunications Option) (ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Igher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING) | Diploma or Degree from a recognized Institution | September | 7 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Production Option) (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Plant Option) (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Building & Civil Engineering (BUILDING & CIVIL ENGINEERING) | Diploma or Degree from a recognized Institution | September | 7 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Building Technology (BUILDING & CIVIL ENGINEERING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Civil Engineering (BUILDING & CIVIL ENGINEERING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Quantity Surveying (BUILDING & CIVIL ENGINEERING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January | 3 Years | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Applied Biology (APPLIED SCIENCES) | Diploma or Degree from a recognized Institution | May | 5 Terms | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (APPLIED SCIENCES) | Diploma or Degree from a recognized Institution | May | 5 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Applied Biology (APPLIED SCIENCES) | Mean grade C- (minus) preferably with C- (minus) in Biology/Biological sciences. | May | 8 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (APPLIED SCIENCES) | Mean Grade C- (minus) preferably with C- (Minus) in Chemistry/Physical Sciences. | May | 8 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Food Technology (APPLIED SCIENCES) | Mean grade C- (minus) preferably with C- (minus) in Chemistry and Biology | May | 8 Terms | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Automotive Engineering (AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING) | Diploma or Degree from a recognized Institution | September | 7 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Automotive Engineering (AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Construction Plant Engineering (AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Tourism Management (HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Food & Beverage Management (HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Catering & Accommodation Management (HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Information Communications Technology (COMPUTER SCIENCE & NETWORKING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & May | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in ICT (COMPUTER SCIENCE & NETWORKING) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & July | 6 months/Section | KASNEB |
| Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology (HEALTH SCIENCES) | Mean grade C (Plain) with C (Plain) in Mathematics/Physics, English/Kiswahili, Chemistry and Biological Sciences. | January & May | 9 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Fashion Design & Clothing Tech. (FASHION DESIGN & BEAUTY THERAPY) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & May | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Business Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Diploma or Degree from a recognized Institution | January | 6 Terms | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Secretarial Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Diploma or Degree from a recognized Institution | January | 6 Terms | KNEC |
| Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Diploma or Degree from a recognized Institution | January | 6 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Business Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & May | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Sales and Marketing (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & May | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Supplies Chain Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & May | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Human Resource Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & May | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Co-Operative Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & May | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Accountancy (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | May | 8Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Project Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & May | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Secretarial Studies (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 3 Modules | KNEC |
| Diploma in Library & Information Studies (LIBERAL STUDIES) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & September | 7 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Community Dev. & Social Work (LIBERAL STUDIES) | Mean grade C-(minus) or Craft Certificate | January & July | 3 Modules | KNEC |
Certificates/Craft
| Course (Department) | Entry Requirements | Intake | Duration | Exam Body |
| Course (Department) | Entry Requirements | Intake | Duration | Exam Body |
| Certificate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power Option) (ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Welding and Fabrication (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Building Technology (BUILDING & CIVIL ENGINEERING) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Civil Engineering (BUILDING & CIVIL ENGINEERING) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics (AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Construction Plant Mechanics (AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Artisan in Motor Vehicle Mechanics (AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING) | KCSE D Plain | January | 2 Years | KNEC |
| Certificate in Science Lab. Technician (APPLIED SCIENCES) | KCSE D Plain | May | 8 Terms | KNEC |
| Certificate in Food & Beverage Production & Service (HOSPITALITY & TOURISM) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Catering and Accomodation (HOSPITALITY & TOURISM) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Artisan in Food & Beverage (HOSPITALITY & TOURISM) | KCSE D Plain | January | 2 Years | KNEC |
| Certificate in Information Communication Technology (COMPUTER SCIENCE & NETWORKING) | KCSE D Plain | January & May | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certified Information Communication Technologist (COMPUTER SCIENCE & NETWORKING) | KCSE D Plain | January & July | 6 Months/ Section | KASNEB |
| Certificate in Fashion Design & Clothing Tech. (FASHION DESIGN & BEAUTY THERAPY) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Secretarial Studies (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Sales and Marketing (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | KCSE D Plain | January & May | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Business Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | KCSE D Plain | January & May | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate Supply Chain Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | KCSE D Plain | January & May | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate Co-Operative Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | KCSE D Plain | January & May | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate Human Resource Management (BUSINESS DEPARTMENT) | KCSE D Plain | January & May | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Library & Information Studies (LIBERAL STUDIES) | KCSE D Plain | January & May | 2 Modules | KNEC |
| Certificate in Community Development & Social Work (LIBERAL STUDIES) | KCSE D Plain | January & September | 6 Terms | KNEC |
Short Term Courses
| Course | Department | Requirements | Duration |
| Course | Department | Requirements | Duration |
| Motor Vehicle Mech/Electrician (Grade III, II, I) (NITA) | Automotive Engineering | None | 6 Months |
| Panel Beating (Grade III, II, I) (NITA) | Automotive Engineering | None | 6 Months |
| Spray Painting (Grade III,II,I) (NITA) | Automotive Engineering | None | 6 Months |
| Secretarial Single & Group (TVET) (KNEC) | Business Department | Pass in Relevant Certificates | 6 Months |
| Accounting Technician Diploma(Be Registered With KASNEB) (KASNEB) | Business Department | KCSE C- | 5 Months |
| CPA Part I – III(Be Registered With KASNEB) (KASNEB) | Business Department | ATC Final OR C+ With C+ Eng & Maths | 5 Months |
| Cooperative Societies Extension Education | Business Department | None | |
| Solar Power Installation Technician T1 & T2 (KEREA) | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | None | |
| Electrical Wireman. Grade 3, 2, 1 (NITA) | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | None | 8 Months |
| Electrical Fitter Grade 3, 2, 1 (NITA) | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | None | 8 Months |
| Industrial Motor Rewinding (The Nyeri National Polytechnic) | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | None | 3 Weeks |
| Motor Starters Design & Fabrication (The Nyeri National Polytechnic) | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | None | 3 Weeks |
| Amplifier Design and Fabrication (The Nyeri National Polytechnic) | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | None | 3 Weeks |
| Electronics Repair (The Nyeri National Polytechnic) | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | None | |
| ICDL(international Computer Driving Licence) (ICDL Certificate) | Computer Science & Networking | None | 12 Weeks |
| Cisco IT Essentials (Cisco) | Computer Science & Networking | None | |
| Cisco CCNA 1, 2, 3, 4 (Cisco) | Computer Science & Networking | None | |
| Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy (NITA) | Fashion Design & Beauty Therapy | None | 2 Terms |
| Holiday Tuition: Mathematics ,Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Applied Sciences | Form 1, 2, 3 & 4 Secondary school | 4 Weeks. (April, August or Dec) |
| Bridging Course in Mathematics ,Physics, Chemistry, Biology & English (The Nyeri National Polytechnic) | Applied Sciences | KCSE C & D in the subjects | 4 weeks |
