Gichugu Technical and Vocational College, based in Kianyaga, Kirinyaga County, is a state-of-the-art public TVET institution established to address the skills gap in Kenya’s labor market. Registered and licensed by TVETA under the TVET Act No. 29 of 2013, GTVC offers programs examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC). The college is equipped with modern workshops, laboratories, and ICT facilities, providing an ideal environment for hands-on learning.
GTVC’s mission is to empower students with technical and innovative skills for sustainable livelihoods, aligning with Kenya’s economic development goals. The college has recently introduced new courses, such as machine operator and driving programs, in collaboration with private sector partners like Machere College, to enhance the employability of its graduates. With a focus on agriculture, ICT, and supply chain management, GTVC serves as a vital educational hub in Kirinyaga County, a region known for its agricultural productivity and growing industrial base.
Why Choose Gichugu Technical and Vocational College?
GTVC stands out as a premier TVET institution for several reasons:
- Market-Driven Programs: Courses are tailored to meet the needs of Kenya’s growing sectors, including agriculture, ICT, and supply chain management.
- Flexible Entry Requirements: Programs cater to students with varying academic backgrounds, from KCSE D- for artisan courses to C- for Level 5 and 6 programs.
- Affordable Education: As a public institution, GTVC offers competitive fees, with funding options through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and county bursaries.
- Modern Facilities: The college boasts well-equipped workshops, laboratories, and ICT infrastructure to support practical training.
- Strategic Location: Located in Kianyaga, GTVC is accessible to students from Kirinyaga and neighboring counties, with proximity to agricultural and industrial hubs.
- Community Impact: GTVC collaborates with initiatives like the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) to provide entrepreneurship training and equipment, such as sewing and knitting machines, to support local youth.
Full List of Courses Offered at GTVC for 2025/2026
Below is the comprehensive list of programs offered at Gichugu Technical and Vocational College for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, as provided by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). The programs are categorized by level (Level 4, Level 5, and Level 6) and include their respective programme codes.
Level 6 (Advanced Technical) Courses
Level 6 courses are designed for students with prior qualifications or experience, offering advanced training for technical and managerial roles. These require a minimum KCSE mean grade of C- or a relevant certificate.
- Agriculture Extension Level 6 (Programme Code: 5410B89)
- Description: Focuses on advanced agricultural advisory services, farm management, and agribusiness.
- Career Paths: Agricultural extension officer, farm manager, agribusiness consultant.
- Supply Chain Management Level 6 (Programme Code: 5410F16)
- Description: Covers advanced logistics, procurement, inventory management, and supply chain optimization.
- Career Paths: Supply chain manager, logistics supervisor, procurement officer.
- Information Communication Technology (ICT) Level 6 (Programme Code: 5410F67)
- Description: Provides advanced training in IT systems, networking, cybersecurity, and software development.
- Career Paths: Network administrator, IT manager, cybersecurity analyst.
Level 5 Courses
Level 5 courses are intermediate programs requiring a minimum KCSE mean grade of D (plain) or equivalent, offering skills for technical roles or further studies.
- Plumbing Level 5 (Programme Code: 5410935)
- Description: Trains students in advanced plumbing systems, pipe fitting, and sanitation.
- Career Paths: Plumbing technician, sanitation specialist, pipe fitter.
- Supply Chain Management Level 5 (Programme Code: 5410941)
- Description: Focuses on intermediate logistics, procurement, and inventory management.
- Career Paths: Logistics coordinator, procurement assistant, warehouse supervisor.
- Information Communication Technology (ICT) Level 5 (Programme Code: 5410F68)
- Description: Covers intermediate IT skills, including networking, software applications, and IT support.
- Career Paths: IT support specialist, network technician, system administrator.
Level 4 (Artisan) Courses
Level 4 courses are open to candidates with a KCSE mean grade of D- or lower, or those with relevant practical experience, providing entry-level skills for immediate employment.
- Plumbing Level 4 (Programme Code: 5410A67)
- Description: Provides foundational skills in plumbing, pipework installation, and sanitation.
- Career Paths: Plumber, pipe fitter, sanitation worker.
- Agriculture Extension Level 4 (TVET-CDACC) (Programme Code: 5410A70)
- Description: Focuses on basic agricultural advisory services and farm management techniques.
- Career Paths: Agricultural assistant, farm supervisor, community agriculture worker.
Additional Courses at GTVC
In addition to the KUCCPS-listed programs, GTVC has introduced new courses to meet emerging market demands, as noted by the Kenya News Agency on May 20, 2025:
- Machine Operator Course: Trains students in operating industrial machinery, enhancing employability in manufacturing and construction sectors.
- Driving Course: Provides skills for professional driving, including commercial and heavy machinery operation, in collaboration with Machere College.
These courses are subject to confirmation from the college’s admissions office, as they may be offered as short-term or specialized programs.
Admission Requirements
GTVC’s programs are designed to be inclusive, accommodating students with varying academic qualifications:
- Level 6 Courses: Minimum KCSE mean grade of C- or a relevant Level 5 certificate.
- Level 5 Courses: Minimum KCSE mean grade of D (plain) or a relevant Level 4 certificate.
- Level 4 (Artisan) Courses: Open to candidates with a KCSE mean grade of D- or lower, or those with relevant practical experience.
- Additional Requirements: Some programs, such as agriculture extension, may require specific subject grades (e.g., D+ in Biology or Agriculture).
Application Process
Students can apply to GTVC through two primary channels:
- Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS):
- Visit the KUCCPS Student Portal at students.kuccps.net.
- Log in using your KCSE index number and password.
- Select GTVC and your 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.
- The KUCCPS application window typically opens in February–March for the September intake.
- Direct Application:
- Obtain application forms from GTVC’s campus in Kianyaga or download them from the college website (if available) or www.tveta.go.ke.
- Submit completed forms to the admissions office at P.O. Box 4 – 10302, Kianyaga, or via email (contact the admissions office for details).
- Contact the college at +254711360404 for inquiries.
Funding Options
GTVC students can access financial support through:
- HELB Loans and Bursaries: Available for Level 5 and 6 students. Applicants must complete the TVET Loan & Bursary Application Form (TLAF) on the HELB website (www.helb.co.ke), submit two signed copies, and retain one for records. Orphans and students from disadvantaged backgrounds are prioritized.
- Kirinyaga County Bursaries: Students from Kirinyaga County can apply for bursaries through the County Government of Kirinyaga.
- NG-CDF Bursaries: Available through the Gichugu Constituency Development Fund, which also supports short courses like machine operation and driving.
- Scholarships: Limited scholarships may be offered through TVETA, MSEA, or partner organizations like the Youth Fund and Uwezo Fund.
Why TVET Education Matters in Kenya
TVET institutions like GTVC are critical to Kenya’s economic development, addressing the skills gap in key industries. According to TVETA, the TVET sector is governed by the TVET Act No. 29 of 2013, which emphasizes quality, relevance, and accessibility in training programs. GTVC’s courses align with the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework, ensuring graduates are job-ready or equipped to start their own businesses. The World Economic Forum notes that only 2% of Kenyan youth have formal vocational training, highlighting the importance of institutions like GTVC in increasing access to skills development.
Key Benefits of TVET Education
- Practical Skills: Hands-on training prepares students for immediate employment.
- Flexible Entry: Lower entry requirements make TVET accessible to a broader population.
- Industry Relevance: Programs align with Kenya’s economic priorities, such as agriculture and technology.
- Entrepreneurship: Courses like agriculture extension and supply chain management empower students to launch their own ventures.
GTVC’s Role in Kirinyaga County
Located in Kianyaga, GTVC serves as a vital educational hub in Kirinyaga County, a region known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in tea, coffee, and rice farming. The college contributes to regional development by:
- Empowering Youth: Providing skills training to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance.
- Supporting Vision 2030: Training professionals for agriculture, infrastructure, and technology sectors.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with MSEA and NG-CDF to provide entrepreneurship training and equipment, such as sewing machines, to support local businesses.
- Inclusivity: Offering courses for students with varied academic backgrounds, including those from marginalized communities.
The college’s recent introduction of machine operator and driving courses, as reported by the Kenya News Agency, reflects its commitment to meeting emerging market demands and enhancing employability.
Career Opportunities for GTVC Graduates
GTVC’s programs are designed to produce graduates who are competitive in Kenya’s job market or capable of starting their own businesses. Below are potential career paths for each program category:
- Agriculture Extension: Agricultural extension officers, farm managers, agribusiness consultants, community agriculture workers.
- Supply Chain Management: Supply chain managers, logistics coordinators, procurement officers, warehouse supervisors.
- Information Communication Technology (ICT): IT support specialists, network administrators, cybersecurity analysts, system administrators.
- Plumbing: Plumbers, pipe fitters, sanitation technicians.
- Machine Operation: Machine operators in manufacturing, construction, or agricultural industries.
- Driving: Professional drivers for commercial vehicles, heavy machinery operators.
Challenges and Opportunities in Kirinyaga County
Kirinyaga County is a hub of agricultural activity, with a growing industrial and technological base. However, challenges such as youth unemployment and limited access to technical training persist. GTVC addresses these issues by offering programs that align with local needs, such as agriculture extension and plumbing, while new courses like machine operation and driving cater to emerging industries. The county government’s focus on education, combined with initiatives like the MSEA’s Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation Project (KJET), enhances GTVC’s role in fostering economic growth.
How to Contact Gichugu Technical and Vocational College
For more information or to apply, reach out to GTVC through:
- Physical Address: Kianyaga, Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 4 – 10302, Kianyaga.
- Phone: +254711360404.
- Email: Contact the admissions office via the college website or TVETA portal.
- Website: Check the college website (if available) or www.tveta.go.ke for updates.
Gichugu Technical and Vocational College is a cornerstone of technical education in Kirinyaga County, offering a diverse range of Level 4, Level 5, and Level 6 courses for the 2025/2026 academic cycle. With programs in agriculture extension, supply chain management, ICT, and plumbing, GTVC equips students with practical skills for immediate employment or entrepreneurship. Its affordable fees, flexible entry requirements, and access to HELB funding make it an inclusive and accessible institution. By aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the CBET framework, GTVC prepares graduates to contribute to national and regional development. Apply today through KUCCPS or directly at GTVC to embark on a rewarding career path in Kenya’s dynamic job market.
