Kiharu Technical and Vocational College (KTVC), located in Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County, is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution committed to equipping youth with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Established to address the skills gap in Central Kenya, KTVC is registered under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and offers competency-based education and training (CBET) programmes accredited by the TVET Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (TVET-CDACC) and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). Situated in a region renowned for its agricultural productivity, particularly in tea and coffee farming, KTVC provides training in hospitality, business, electrical engineering, and construction, aligning with Murang’a’s economic landscape. This article details the full list of courses offered at KTVC for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, admission requirements, programme durations, and career prospects, optimized for readers seeking comprehensive information on technical education.
Why Choose Kiharu Technical and Vocational College?
KTVC is strategically positioned to serve Murang’a County, a region with a growing demand for skilled professionals in hospitality, business, and technical trades. Here’s why KTVC is an excellent choice:
- Competency-Based Curriculum: Programmes align with industry needs, ensuring graduates are job-ready, as mandated by TVET-CDACC.
- Practical Training: Modern workshops and kitchens facilitate hands-on learning in fields like culinary arts, electrical installation, and masonry.
- Accessible Location: Located in Kiharu, KTVC is easily accessible to students from Murang’a and neighboring counties, with proximity to Nairobi’s economic opportunities.
- Flexible Entry Requirements: Artisan, certificate, and Level 4–6 programmes cater to diverse academic backgrounds, from KCPE to KCSE C-.
- Funding Support: Students can access Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans and Murang’a County bursaries to cover fees and upkeep.
- Multiple Intakes: Admissions occur in January, May, and September, offering flexibility for applicants.
This guide explores KTVC’s 9 programmes for the 2025/2026 cycle, helping you navigate your path to a rewarding career.
Full List of Courses Offered at Kiharu Technical and Vocational College (2025/2026)
Below is the complete list of programmes offered at KTVC for the 2025/2026 academic year, as per the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) data. The college offers certificate, artisan, and Level 4–6 programmes in hospitality, business, electrical engineering, and construction.
Level 6 Programmes
- Business Management Level 6 (Code: 5210810)
- Duration: 2.5 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent.
- Overview: Advanced training in business operations, marketing, and management principles, with practical case studies tailored to Murang’a’s commercial sector.
- Career Prospects: Business managers, entrepreneurs, or corporate administrators in local businesses and cooperatives.
Level 5 Programmes
- Business Management Level 5 (Code: 5210807)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Intermediate business management, marketing, and entrepreneurship skills, with practical applications.
- Career Prospects: Business assistants, entrepreneurs, or progression to Level 6 studies.
- Electrical Installation Level 5 (Code: 5210818)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Intermediate electrical installation and maintenance techniques for residential and commercial settings, with hands-on training in modern labs.
- Career Prospects: Electricians, electrical technicians, or apprentices in Murang’a’s construction sector.
- Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts) Level 5 (Code: 5210872)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Intermediate culinary arts, food production, and kitchen management, with practical training in modern kitchens.
- Career Prospects: Chefs, kitchen supervisors, or catering assistants in hotels and restaurants.
- Hairdressing Level 5 (Code: 5210885)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Intermediate hairdressing and salon management skills, with practical training in salon settings.
- Career Prospects: Hairdressers, salon managers, or entrepreneurs in Murang’a’s beauty industry.
Certificate Programmes
- Craft in Catering & Accommodation (Code: 5210779)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic skills in catering, food service, and accommodation operations, with practical training in hospitality settings.
- Career Prospects: Catering assistants, hotel staff, or progression to higher hospitality programmes.
Artisan and Level 4 Programmes
- Building Artisan (Masonry) Level 4 (Code: 5210A02)
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic masonry techniques for construction projects, with hands-on training in workshops.
- Career Prospects: Masons, construction workers, or progression to Level 5 programmes.
- Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts) Level 4 (Code: 5210A47, 5210A61)
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic culinary arts and food production skills, with practical training in kitchens.
- Career Prospects: Kitchen assistants, caterers, or progression to Level 5 programmes.
Additional Programmes
KTVC may offer short courses to enhance specific skills, though not listed in the KUCCPS 2025/2026 cycle:
- Examples:
- Computer Applications
- Basic Entrepreneurship Skills
- Customer Service in Hospitality
- Duration: A few weeks to months
- Entry Requirements: Vary by course; typically KCSE certificate or relevant experience.
- Career Prospects: Skill enhancement for professionals or entry into specialized roles.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
General Admission Requirements
- Level 6 Programmes: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent.
- Level 5 Programmes: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Certificate Programmes: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Artisan and Level 4 Programmes: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Short Courses: Vary by programme; typically require a KCSE certificate or relevant experience.
- Additional Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, English, or relevant subjects are advantageous for business and technical courses.
Application Process
- Obtain Application Form: Download from the KTVC website (not publicly available; check with the college) or collect from the admissions office in Kiharu, Murang’a.
- Pay Application Fee: Deposit KShs 1,000 (non-refundable) to the designated KTVC bank account (details available upon request from the admissions office).
- Submit Application: Include photocopies of academic certificates, national ID, and the application fee receipt. Submit to Kiharu Technical and Vocational College, P.O. Box not publicly available, Kiharu, Murang’a.
- Intake Periods: January, May, and September.
- KUCCPS Applications: Apply through the KUCCPS portal (students.kuccps.net) using your KCSE and KCPE index numbers.
Funding Opportunities
- HELB Loans and Bursaries: Available for TVET students to cover fees and upkeep. Apply via the HELB portal (www.helb.co.ke).
- Murang’a County Bursaries: The county government provides financial support for TVET students, with significant funds allocated annually.
- Scholarships: Limited scholarships may be available through KTVC or partner organizations. Contact the admissions office for details.
Fee Structure and Accommodation
Fee Structure
- Level 6 Programmes: Approximately KShs 60,000–80,000 per year.
- Level 5 Programmes: Approximately KShs 40,000–60,000 per year.
- Certificate and Level 4 Programmes: Approximately KShs 30,000–40,000 per year.
- Artisan Programmes: Approximately KShs 20,000–30,000 per year.
- Short Courses: KShs 10,000–30,000, depending on duration. For the latest fee structure, contact KTVC’s admissions office (contact details not publicly available; check with the college).
Accommodation
- Limited on-campus hostels may be available, or students can access affordable accommodation in Kiharu’s urban setting.
- Cost: Approximately KShs 20,000–30,000 per semester for hostels (subject to availability).
- Confirm availability before payment.
KTVC’s Role in Technical Education and Industry Impact
KTVC plays a pivotal role in Murang’a County’s TVET landscape, a region with a population of over 1 million and a strong agricultural base, particularly in tea and coffee farming. The college supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 by providing skills in hospitality, business, and technical trades, aligning with Murang’a’s economic activities, including small-scale industries and trade. Graduates contribute to:
- Hospitality: Enhancing catering and accommodation services in Murang’a’s growing hospitality sector, driven by local tourism and business activities.
- Business: Supporting entrepreneurship and management in the region’s commercial hubs, including cooperatives and agribusinesses.
- Construction and Electrical Engineering: Meeting the demand for skilled artisans in Murang’a’s infrastructure development, including housing and power systems.
- Beauty Industry: Promoting entrepreneurship in hairdressing and salon services.
Career opportunities include:
- Public Sector: County governments, ministries, and parastatals.
- Private Sector: Hotels, restaurants, construction firms, and beauty salons.
- Self-Employment: Entrepreneurship in catering, hairdressing, or technical services.
- NGOs: Roles in community development and business support initiatives.
Why KTVC Stands Out in 2025/2026
KTVC’s focus on competency-based education, modern facilities, and alignment with TVET-CDACC standards ensures graduates meet industry expectations. Its location in Kiharu, near Murang’a’s agricultural and commercial hubs, positions students to tap into local economic opportunities. With flexible entry requirements, multiple intakes, and access to HELB and county bursaries, KTVC is accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
Kiharu Technical and Vocational College offers 9 programmes for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, ranging from artisan courses like Building Artisan (Masonry) Level 4 to Level 6 programmes like Business Management Level 6. Its commitment to practical training and industry relevance makes it an ideal choice for students seeking skills in hospitality, business, electrical engineering, or construction. Whether you aim to become a chef, electrician, or business manager, KTVC provides the foundation for a successful career.
For more information or to apply, contact KTVC’s admissions office.
