Nestled in the heart of Kakamega County, Bushiangala Technical Training Institute (BTTI) stands as a beacon of opportunity for Kenyan youth and professionals seeking practical, hands-on skills to thrive in today’s dynamic job market. As a public institution under the Ministry of Education, BTTI has built a reputation for delivering quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs since its inception as a skills upgrading center in 1991. Fast forward to 2025, and the institute is gearing up for its 2025/2026 academic cycle, offering an impressive array of courses tailored to meet industry demands.
Why Bushiangala Technical Training Institute Matters in 2025
Located off the Sigalagala-Bukura road, about 10 kilometers from Sigalagala and 18 kilometers from Kakamega town, BTTI is more than just a training hub—it’s a launchpad for Kenya’s workforce. Originally supported by the European Economic Commission and Voluntary Service Overseas, the institute transitioned to full Ministry of Education oversight in 2008. Today, it spans 12 hectares and continues to expand, reflecting its growing role in Kenya’s TVET ecosystem.
The Kenya Private Schools Association notes that over 2.1 million primary and 277,000 secondary students are enrolled in private institutions nationwide, many of whom seek vocational pathways post-KCSE. BTTI fills this gap with programs accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by bodies like the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). For business professionals, this means a steady pipeline of skilled talent in fields like engineering, ICT, and business management—sectors critical to Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals.
So, what’s on offer for the 2025/2026 cycle? Let’s break it down.
Full List of Diploma Courses at Bushiangala Technical Training Institute
BTTI’s diploma programs are designed for students with a minimum KCSE grade of C- (minus), offering advanced training over 9 terms (roughly 3 years). Here’s the complete lineup for 2025/2026:
- Diploma in Social Work and Community Development
- Prepares students for roles in NGOs, community projects, and social services.
- Diploma in Accountancy
- Focuses on financial reporting and auditing—ideal for aspiring accountants.
- Diploma in Automotive Engineering
- Covers vehicle design, repair, and maintenance for the booming transport sector.
- Diploma in Civil Engineering
- Trains engineers for infrastructure projects like roads and buildings.
- Diploma in Applied Biology
- Targets lab-based careers in research and biotech industries.
- Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
- Equips students for quality control and chemical analysis roles.
- Diploma in Computer Science
- Dives into programming, systems design, and IT solutions.
- Diploma in Electrical & Electronics
- Offers skills in power systems and electronics repair.
- Diploma in Supplies Chain Management
- Focuses on logistics and procurement—key for Kenya’s trade hubs.
- Diploma in Supplies Management
- Similar to Supply Chain but with a broader management lens.
- Diploma in Business Management
- Prepares students for leadership roles in SMEs and corporates.
- Diploma in Information Communication Technology (ICT)
- Covers networking, software, and IT support.
- Diploma in Community Development
- Complements social work with a focus on grassroots impact.
- Diploma in Human Resource Management
- Trains HR professionals for recruitment and employee management.
- Diploma in Secretarial Studies and Office Management
- Blends admin skills with modern office tech.
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Production and Service
- Targets hospitality pros in Kenya’s thriving tourism sector.
Fresh Insight: With Kenya’s construction sector growing at 6.2% annually (KNBS, 2023), diplomas like Civil Engineering and Automotive Engineering are goldmines for job seekers.
Certificate and Craft Courses at Bushiangala Technical Training Institute
For those with a KCSE D (plain) or below, BTTI’s certificate and craft courses offer accessible entry points into skilled trades. These programs typically span 6 terms (2 years) and include:
- Certificate in Automotive Engineering
- Basic vehicle repair and maintenance skills.
- Craft in Building Technology
- Hands-on training in construction techniques.
- Craft in Business Single and Group
- Foundational business skills for entrepreneurs.
- Craft in Business Management
- Practical management for small businesses.
- Certificate in Fashion Design and Garment Making
- Sewing and design for Kenya’s textile industry.
- Certificate in Food and Beverage
- Entry-level skills for catering and hospitality.
- Certificate in Human Resource Management
- Basics of HR for office roles.
- Craft in Information Communication Technology
- Intro to IT systems and support.
- Certificate in Information Technology
- Core computer skills for digital jobs.
- Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology
- Lab assistance training for schools and industries.
- Craft Certificate in Plumbing
- Pipework and water system skills.
- Craft Certificate in Supplies Chain Management
- Logistics basics for warehouse roles.
- Certificate in Social Work and Community Development
- Entry-level community support skills.
- Certificate in Welding and Fabrication
- Metalwork for construction and manufacturing.
- Craft in Single and Group Secretarial Studies
- Admin and clerical training.
Data Point: Over 59,000 private school students sat for KCSE in 2024, with many eyeing TVETs like BTTI for practical skills).
Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) Courses
BTTI embraces Kenya’s Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework, offering leveled courses from Level 4 (artisan) to Level 6 (diploma-equivalent). These programs align with the CBC’s focus on skills over theory:
- Level 6 (Diploma Equivalent):
- Building Technician Level 6
- Human Resource Management Level 6
- ICT Technician Level 6
- Office Administration Level 6
- Biotechnology Technician Level 6
- Supply Chain Management Level 6
- Science Laboratory Technician Level 6
- Analytical Chemistry Level 6
- Water Engineering Level 6
- Food and Beverage Sales and Service Management Level 6
- Community Health Level 6
- Electrical Engineering Level 6
- Automotive Engineering Level 6
- Computer Science Level 6
- Fashion Design Management Level 6
- Hair Dressing Level 6
- Beauty Therapy Level 6
- Level 5 (Craft Equivalent):
- Building Technician Level 5
- ICT Technician Level 5
- Electrical Installation Level 5
- Electrical Operator Level 5
- Fashion Design Level 5
- Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts) Level 5
- Hairdressing Level 5
- Supply Chain Management Level 5
- Welding and Fabrication Technology Level 5
- Social Work and Community Development Level 5
- Office Administration Level 5
- Science Laboratory Technology Level 5
- Automotive Technician Level 5
- Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development Level 5
- Plumbing Level 5
- Beauty Therapy Level 5
- Level 4 (Artisan Equivalent):
- Masonry Level 4
- Fashion and Design Level 4
- Motor Cycle Mechanics Level 4
- Carpentry and Joinery Level 4
- Beauty Therapy Level 4
- ICT Technician Level 4
- Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts) Level 4
- Plumbing Level 4
- Welding (Manual Metal Arc and Gas Metal Arc) Level 4
- Social Work & Community Development Level 4
- Electrical Installation Level 4
- Hairdressing Level 4
- Automotive Engineering Level 4
Insight: CBET’s modular approach lets students progress at their own pace, a game-changer for Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum graduates entering TVETs in 2025.
Artisan Courses at Bushiangala Technical Training Institute
For those with KCPE or lower qualifications, artisan courses provide a fast track to employment. These short-term programs (1–2 years) include:
- Artisan in Electrical Installation
- Artisan in Garment Making
- Artisan Masonry
- Artisan Plumbing
- Artisan Craft in Welding and Fabrication
Pro Tip: With Kenya’s informal sector employing 83% of the workforce (KNBS, 2023), artisan skills like plumbing and welding are in high demand.
How to Apply for Bushiangala Technical Training Institute Courses
Ready to join? Here’s the process for the 2025/2026 cycle:
- Via KUCCPS:
- Visit www.kuccps.ac.ke.
- Check program codes (e.g., 1190552 for Social Work Diploma).
- Apply within the KUCCPS window (typically January–March 2025).
- Minimum entry: C- for diplomas, D for certificates, open for artisans.
- Direct Application:
- Download forms from www.bushiangalatechnical.ac.ke.
- Submit with KCSE/KCPE certs, ID, and KES 500 fee to P.O. Box 2227-50100, Kakamega.
- SMS option: Send name, course, grade, and contact to 0702092440.
Fees: Range from KES 20,000–50,000 per term, depending on the course. HELB loans and bursaries are available for TVET students.
Why Choose Bushiangala Technical Training Institute?
- Market-Relevant Skills: Courses align with Kenya’s Big Four Agenda (e.g., manufacturing, housing).
- Affordable Fees: Competitive pricing compared to universities.
- Job Placement: Over 70% of TVET grads find work within a year (TVETA, 2023).
- Location: Accessible from Kakamega town, with a serene learning environment.
Data Insight: Kenya’s TVET enrollment grew by 12% in 2023, signaling a shift toward vocational training as a career booster.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Challenges: Limited slots (e.g., 20 trainees max for Electrical Engineering) mean stiff competition.
- Opportunities: CBET’s flexibility and new courses like Sustainable Agriculture tap into emerging sectors.
