The Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST), located in Nakuru County, stands out as a leading Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution in Kenya. Established in 1979, RVIST is strategically positioned 10 kilometers west of Nakuru town along the Nakuru-Njoro Road. Its rich history, state-of-the-art facilities, and a broad range of courses have made it a reputable institution for anyone looking to develop practical skills and academic knowledge in diverse fields.
RVIST offers over 66 distinct courses across multiple academic levels, including Higher National Diploma, Diploma, Craft, and Artisan programs. The institution caters to students seeking both full-time and part-time education, as well as offering in-service classes across its main campus and town campuses.
RVIST’s Departments
The courses offered at RVIST are divided into nine departments, each focusing on distinct sectors of the economy. These departments include:
- Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering
- Agricultural Education and Extension
- Building and Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics
- Entrepreneurship and Business Studies
- Health and Applied Sciences
- Hospitality and Tourism Studies
- Information Communication Technology (ICT)
- Liberal Studies
RVIST follows syllabi accredited by key institutions like the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE), Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB), and City and Guilds of London. Examinations are conducted by reputable bodies such as the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), City and Guilds, Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), ICDL, and others.
Health and Applied Sciences Department
This department focuses on healthcare-related programs, which are crucial in addressing the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in Kenya.
- Diploma in Medical Engineering
- Requirements: KCSE C- with D+ in relevant subjects.
- Duration: 3 years
- Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology
- Requirements: KCSE C (plain) with C in Math, English, Biology, and Chemistry.
- Duration: 3 years
- Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Requirements: KCSE C- with relevant subject passes.
- Duration: 1 year per module (total 3 modules)
Other courses include Applied Biology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Petroleum Geoscience, and Analytical Chemistry.
Electrical and Electronics Department
The Electrical and Electronics department offers courses ranging from entry-level artisan programs to advanced diploma courses. The programs prepare students for careers in electrical engineering, telecommunications, and power systems.
- Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering – Power Option
- Requirements: KCSE C-
- Duration: 1 year per module
- Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering
- Requirements: Pass in Diploma in Electrical Engineering
- Duration: 2 years
Hospitality and Tourism Studies Department
RVIST provides training for the booming hospitality and tourism industry, offering hands-on experience in areas like food production, catering, housekeeping, and tourism management.
- Diploma in Tourism Management
- Requirements: KCSE C-
- Duration: 2 years
- Craft Certificate in Food and Beverage Production
- Requirements: KCSE D+
- Duration: 1 year per module
Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering Department
This department aims to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in agriculture and mechanical engineering, fields that are critical to Kenya’s economy.
- Diploma in Agricultural Engineering
- Requirements: KCSE C-
- Duration: 3 years
- Artisan in Welding and Fabrication
- Requirements: KCSE D-
- Duration: 1 year
Information Communication Technology (ICT) Department
The ICT department equips students with the necessary skills in information technology, providing both diploma and certificate courses in various ICT disciplines.
- Diploma in Information Communication Technology (ICT)
- Requirements: KCSE C-
- Duration: 1 year per module
- Craft Certificate in Information Studies
- Requirements: KCSE D
- Duration: 1 year per module
Building and Civil Engineering Department
This department focuses on practical and theoretical skills for the construction industry, offering courses that range from artisan to diploma levels.
- Diploma in Building Technology
- Requirements: KCSE C-
- Duration: 1 year per module
- Diploma in Civil Engineering
- Requirements: KCSE C-
- Duration: 1 year per module
Business Studies Department
RVIST also provides comprehensive business courses to prepare students for the corporate world. Business Studies programs focus on key areas like human resource management, accounting, and project management.
- Diploma in Business Management
- Requirements: KCSE C-
- Duration: 6 months per module
- Diploma in Supply Chain Management
- Requirements: KCSE C-
- Duration: 6 months per module
Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) Courses
RVIST offers a variety of CBET programs, designed to meet the demand for skills-based education. These include:
- ICT Technician Level 5
- Duration: 1 year
- Dairy Farm Management Level 4
- Duration: 6 months
- Plumbing Level 3
- Duration: 3 months
RVIST remains a leading institution for students looking to pursue technical and vocational training in Kenya. With over 66 courses spread across a variety of disciplines, RVIST has a course for everyone, whether you’re interested in engineering, business, agriculture, hospitality, or healthcare. For more information on admissions and inquiries, contact RVIST via email at enquiries@rvist.ac.ke or call +254742442161.
