Elwak Technical and Vocational College (ETVC), situated in Mandera South Sub-County, Mandera County, is a pivotal institution under Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework. Operational since 2021, ETVC is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and managed by the Ministry of Education. The college serves as a beacon of skill development in a region historically underserved by educational institutions, offering programs designed to empower youth with practical, market-driven skills. This comprehensive article provides an in-depth look at the full list of Elwak Technical and Vocational College courses for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, entry requirements, fees, application process, and career opportunities, optimized for students and professionals seeking quality TVET education in Kenya.
Why Study at Elwak Technical and Vocational College?
Located in the vibrant town of Elwak, near the Kenya-Somalia border, ETVC is strategically positioned to serve students from Mandera County and beyond. The college aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 by providing competency-based education and training (CBET) programs that prepare graduates for employment and entrepreneurship. Here are compelling reasons to choose ETVC:
- Market-Driven Courses: Programs focus on high-demand sectors like ICT, human resource management, and supply chain management.
- Affordable Education: Subsidized fees through government capitation (approximately Ksh 30,000 annually) and access to Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding.
- Modern Facilities: Equipped with computer labs, workshops, and classrooms to support hands-on learning.
- Community Impact: ETVC contributes to economic growth in Mandera by training skilled professionals who drive local development.
- Flexible Intakes: Admissions in January, May, and September cater to diverse student schedules.
With a commitment to gender-responsive and inclusive education, ETVC is an ideal choice for KCSE graduates, school leavers, and professionals seeking to upskill in Mandera County.
Full List of Elwak Technical and Vocational College Courses for 2025/2026
ETVC offers a range of certificate and craft certificate courses tailored to meet industry needs. These programs, examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) or under the CBET framework, are designed for students with KCSE mean grades of D plain or below. Below is the complete list of courses for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, as provided by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
Certificate and Craft Certificate Courses (Level 5 and Below)
- Certificate in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (Code: 4260798)
- Duration: 2 years
- Description: Covers computer applications, programming basics, and IT support, preparing students for roles in tech support and data management.
- Craft Certificate in Human Resource Management (Code: 4260888)
- Duration: 2 years
- Description: Focuses on recruitment, employee relations, and HR administration, ideal for careers in corporate and public sectors.
- Craft in Secretarial Single and Group Studies (Code: 4260949)
- Duration: 2 years
- Description: Trains students in office management, typing, shorthand, and clerical duties, suitable for administrative roles.
- Certificate in Supply Chain Management (Code: 4260957)
- Duration: 2 years
- Description: Equips learners with skills in procurement, logistics, and inventory management for supply chain careers.
- Office Administration Level 5 (Code: 4260F41)
- Duration: 1.5–2 years
- Description: A CBET program focusing on office operations, record-keeping, and customer service, preparing students for administrative roles.
- Information Communication Technology Level 5 (Code: 4260F68)
- Duration: 1.5–2 years
- Description: An advanced CBET course covering network administration, software applications, and IT troubleshooting.
Additional Courses (Based on Regional TVET Trends)
While the KUCCPS list is specific, ETVC, like other Mandera County TVETs, may offer additional artisan and short courses to address local needs, as seen in regional vocational centers. These may include:
- Artisan in Electrical Installation: Basic wiring and electrical repairs for domestic and commercial settings.
- Artisan in Welding and Fabrication: Skills for metalwork and industrial fabrication.
- Artisan in Dressmaking and Tailoring: Training in garment design and production.
- Short Courses: Computer packages, basic entrepreneurship, and mobile repair for quick skill acquisition.
For the latest course offerings, contact ETVC directly at the numbers provided below or check www.tveta.go.ke.
Entry Requirements for ETVC Courses
Entry requirements are designed to be accessible, encouraging youth from Mandera and neighboring regions to pursue technical education. Below are the general requirements:
- Certificate/Craft Certificate Courses (Level 5):
- KCSE mean grade of D plain or D-.
- Specific subjects: D in English and Mathematics for ICT and business-related courses.
- Alternative: KCPE certificate with relevant work experience for some programs.
- Artisan Courses (Level 4 and Below):
- KCSE mean grade of E or KCPE certificate.
- No specific subject requirements.
- Additional Requirements:
- Applicants must submit KCSE/KCPE certificates, birth certificates, and two passport-size photos.
- Medical certificates may be required for admission.
- Some courses may involve interviews or practical assessments.
For precise requirements, visit the KUCCPS portal (students.kuccps.net) or contact ETVC at 0721588142 or via email (to be confirmed on the official website).
Fees Structure and Financial Support
The approximate annual fee at ETVC is Ksh 67,189, significantly reduced by government capitation of Ksh 30,000 per student. A typical fees breakdown includes:
- Tuition Fees: Ksh 34,120
- Practical Training: Ksh 4,000
- Medical Fees: Ksh 2,000
- Activity Fees: Ksh 1,500
- Student Welfare: Ksh 1,200
- Miscellaneous: Variable (e.g., examination fees for KNEC or CBET assessments)
Additional costs may include accommodation (if available), uniforms, and tools for practical courses. Financial support options include:
- HELB Loans: Available for certificate students. Apply at www.helb.co.ke.
- Government Capitation: Automatically applied to reduce fees.
- County Bursaries: Mandera County offers scholarships for TVET students; contact the County Education Office.
- NGO Support: Organizations like USAID and local CBOs may provide sponsorships.
Accommodation options are limited, but students can access affordable private hostels in Elwak town.
How to Apply to Elwak Technical and Vocational College
ETVC offers three intakes annually (January, May, and September). Applications can be made through the following channels:
- KUCCPS Portal:
- Visit students.kuccps.net and log in using KCSE index number and password.
- Select ETVC and preferred courses from the 2025/2026 program list.
- Pay the application fee (Ksh 1,500–2,000) via M-PESA.
- Download admission letters from the portal upon selection.
- Direct Application:
- Obtain application forms from ETVC’s campus in Elwak or download from www.tveta.go.ke (if available).
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of Ksh 500–1,000 via M-PESA or bank (details available from the college).
- Submit forms with KCSE/KCPE certificates, ID, and photos to the registrar’s office.
- In-Person Application:
- Visit ETVC’s campus in Mandera South Sub-County, near Elwak town.
- Collect and submit forms at the admissions office with required documents.
For assistance, contact ETVC at 0721588142 or email the registrar (contact details to be updated on the official website). Alternatively, reach the Mandera County Education Office for guidance.
Career Opportunities for ETVC Graduates
ETVC’s programs are tailored to address local and national job market demands, particularly in Mandera’s growing trade and service sectors. Below are career paths for key courses:
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT):
- Roles: IT support technician, data entry clerk, network administrator.
- Employers: Local businesses, county government offices, NGOs like Save the Children.
- Entrepreneurship: Start cyber cafés or IT repair shops.
- Human Resource Management:
- Roles: HR assistant, payroll officer, recruitment coordinator.
- Employers: Mandera County Government, private firms, hospitals.
- Opportunities: Consultancy in HR services.
- Supply Chain Management:
- Roles: Procurement officer, logistics assistant, inventory manager.
- Employers: Trade companies, Elwak Regional Market, humanitarian organizations.
- Entrepreneurship: Start supply chain consultancies or logistics firms.
- Office Administration and Secretarial Studies:
- Roles: Office administrator, receptionist, clerical officer.
- Employers: Schools, county offices, private businesses.
- Opportunities: Freelance administrative services.
Mandera’s proximity to Somalia and Ethiopia offers cross-border trade opportunities, particularly for supply chain and ICT graduates. The county’s investment in infrastructure, such as the Elwak Regional Market, creates demand for skilled professionals. Additionally, ETVC graduates receive start-up kits upon completion, as seen in other Mandera VTCs, enabling entrepreneurship.
Facilities and Student Life at ETVC
ETVC’s campus in Elwak is equipped to support technical education, with facilities including:
- Computer Labs: For ICT and office administration training.
- Classrooms: Modern spaces for theoretical learning.
- Workshops: For practical courses like electrical installation (if offered).
- Library: Access to educational resources (under development).
Student life in Elwak is enriched by the town’s cultural diversity and economic activity, with the Elwak Regional Market providing opportunities for internships and part-time work. While on-campus accommodation is limited, affordable private hostels are available. Students can participate in community events, sports, and TVET-organized activities, fostering a sense of belonging.
Challenges and Opportunities in Mandera’s TVET Sector
Mandera County faces unique challenges in education, including limited infrastructure and historical marginalization. However, ETVC benefits from county and national government investments, such as the Sh30 million allocated for VTCs in 2022/2023. Opportunities include:
- Infrastructure Growth: Plans to establish VTCs in every sub-county, increasing access.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with NGOs and the national government for funding and equipment.
- Economic Potential: Elwak’s trade links with Somalia and Ethiopia create demand for skilled labor.
Students are encouraged to leverage these opportunities to contribute to Mandera’s development.
