Gilgil Technical and Vocational College (TVC), located in Nakuru County, Kenya, stands as a beacon of technical skills training, empowering youth and fostering innovation for self-reliance and development. Established under the Ministry of Education and registered by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) on October 31, 2022, Gilgil TVC offers market-driven programmes designed to equip students with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. This article provides a detailed overview of the courses offered at Gilgil TVC for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, admission requirements, application processes, funding options, and the institution’s role in Kenya’s TVET landscape.
About Gilgil Technical and Vocational College
Gilgil TVC is strategically located in Gilgil Constituency, Elementaita Ward, Kiambogo Location, Munanda Village, Nakuru County. Built on a 10-acre plot, the college’s modern infrastructure, including a twin workshop completed in June 2022, supports its mission to deliver quality technical and vocational education. Officially commissioned by President Dr. William Samoei Ruto in January 2024, the institution operates under the mentorship of Nairobi Technical Training Institute’s Board of Governors and aligns with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act of 2013. Its programmes are accredited by TVETA, ensuring compliance with national standards and relevance to industry needs.
Gilgil TVC’s motto, “Technical Skills for Self-Reliance & Development,” reflects its commitment to addressing youth unemployment and supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Big Four Agenda. By offering competency-based education and training (CBET) courses, the college prepares students for both formal employment and entrepreneurial ventures in sectors like hospitality, automotive engineering, ICT, and fashion design.
Why Choose Gilgil TVC?
Choosing a TVET institution like Gilgil TVC offers numerous benefits for students seeking practical, industry-relevant skills. Here are key reasons to consider enrolling:
- Market-Driven Curriculum: Courses are designed to meet current industry demands, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
- Affordable Education: TVET programmes are cost-effective compared to university degrees, with funding options like HELB loans and bursaries available.
- Flexible Entry Requirements: Many courses do not require high KCSE grades, making them accessible to a wide range of students.
- Hands-On Training: Emphasis on practical skills through workshops and industrial attachments enhances employability.
- Government Support: As a public institution under the Ministry of Education, Gilgil TVC benefits from government backing and accreditation by TVETA.
Full List of Gilgil TVC Courses for 2025/2026
Gilgil TVC offers a diverse range of programmes for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, catering to various interests and career paths. Below is the comprehensive list of courses, including programme codes, names, and institution type, as provided by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). Note that KCSE cutoff grades for 2022, 2023, and 2024 are not specified, indicating flexible entry requirements typical of TVET institutions.
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Sales Management
- Programme Code: 5280556
- Institution Type: Ministry of Education
- Description: This diploma equips students with skills in food and beverage service, sales, and management, ideal for careers in hospitality, hotels, and catering industries. Students learn menu planning, customer service, and operational management.
- Career Opportunities: Restaurant manager, catering supervisor, food and beverage consultant.
- Certificate in Automotive Engineering
- Programme Code: 5280769
- Institution Type: Ministry of Education
- Description: This certificate programme focuses on vehicle maintenance, repair, and diagnostics, preparing students for the automotive industry. It covers engine systems, electrical systems, and safety standards.
- Career Opportunities: Auto mechanic, service technician, automotive parts specialist.
- ICT Technician – Level 6 (CBET)
- Programme Code: 5280853
- Institution Type: Ministry of Education
- Description: A competency-based education and training (CBET) course, this programme trains students in information and communication technology, including networking, software installation, and IT support.
- Career Opportunities: IT technician, network administrator, technical support specialist.
- Fashion and Design Level 4
- Programme Code: 5280A07
- Institution Type: Ministry of Education
- Description: This course introduces students to fashion design principles, garment construction, and textile technology, fostering creativity and technical skills for the fashion industry.
- Career Opportunities: Fashion designer, tailor, textile technician.
- Fashion and Design Technology Level 4
- Programme Code: 5280G15
- Institution Type: Ministry of Education
- Description: Similar to the Fashion and Design Level 4 course, this programme emphasizes advanced techniques in design technology, including pattern drafting and fashion illustration.
- Career Opportunities: Fashion technologist, pattern maker, design consultant.
- Fashion Design (Dressmaking) Level 3
- Programme Code: 5280G16
- Institution Type: Ministry of Education
- Description: A foundational course in dressmaking, focusing on basic sewing techniques, garment construction, and design fundamentals for entry-level roles in fashion.
- Career Opportunities: Dressmaker, tailor, fashion assistant.
- Food & Beverage (Sales & Service) Level 5
- Programme Code: 5280G31
- Institution Type: Ministry of Education
- Description: This CBET course trains students in advanced food and beverage service techniques, customer interaction, and sales strategies, preparing them for supervisory roles in hospitality.
- Career Opportunities: Food and beverage supervisor, restaurant server, event caterer.
- Artisan in Food and Beverage
- Programme Code: 5280G34
- Institution Type: Ministry of Education
- Description: An artisan-level course focusing on basic food preparation, service, and hygiene practices, ideal for entry-level positions in the catering and hospitality sectors.
- Career Opportunities: Kitchen assistant, catering assistant, food service worker.
These programmes are examined by reputable bodies such as the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), and the Curriculum Development, Accreditation and Certification Council (CDACC), ensuring quality and recognition in the job market.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Entry Requirements
Gilgil TVC’s courses are designed to be accessible, with flexible entry requirements that accommodate various academic backgrounds. While specific KCSE cutoff grades are not listed for the 2025/2026 cycle, typical TVET entry requirements include:
- Diploma Programmes: Minimum KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) or equivalent.
- Certificate Programmes: KCSE mean grade of D (plain) or equivalent.
- Artisan and Level 3/4 CBET Courses: KCSE mean grade of D- (minus) or below, or completion of relevant artisan courses.
- Specific Requirements: Some courses, like ICT Technician Level 6, may require a background in mathematics or computer studies, while fashion design courses may prioritize creativity and basic design skills.
Prospective students should confirm exact requirements with the college’s admissions office or through the KUCCPS portal.
How to Apply
To enroll at Gilgil TVC, students must apply through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:
- Visit the KUCCPS Portal: Access the KUCCPS Student Portal at www.kuccps.ac.ke.
- Create an Account: Register using your KCSE index number, examination year, and password (typically your birth certificate number or KCPE index number).
- Select Gilgil TVC: Search for Gilgil Technical and Vocational College and choose your preferred programme from the list above.
- Submit Application: Complete the application form, verify your details, and submit before the deadline for the 2025/2026 intake.
- Check Placement Results: After processing, KUCCPS will notify you of your placement status via the portal or SMS.
- Contact the College: For direct applications or additional information, reach out to Gilgil TVC at their official contacts (P.O. Box details available on their website) or visit their campus in Munanda Village, Gilgil.
Application Deadlines
KUCCPS typically announces application windows for TVET institutions between January and March for the May intake and June to August for the September intake. For the 2025/2026 cycle, check the KUCCPS website for exact deadlines. Early application is recommended to secure a spot, as some programmes have limited slots.
Funding and Financial Support
Pursuing a course at Gilgil TVC is affordable, with various funding options available to support students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Key funding avenues include:
- Higher Education Loans Board (HELB): Students in diploma and certificate programmes are eligible for TVET loans and bursaries. To apply:
- Access the HELB website and fill out the TVET Loan & Bursary Application Form (TLAF).
- Submit two signed and stamped copies to the Dean of Students or Financial Aid Officer at Gilgil TVC.
- Retain one copy for your records.
- NG-CDF Bursaries: The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) offers bursaries for students in Gilgil Constituency, prioritizing orphans and those from low-income families. Contact the NG-CDF office in Gilgil for application details.
- County Government Scholarships: Nakuru County may provide scholarships or bursaries for TVET students. Check with the county education office for availability.
- Private Sponsorships: Some students may secure funding from NGOs, community organizations, or private sponsors.
For specific fee structures, contact Gilgil TVC’s admissions office, as fees vary by programme.
Facilities and Learning Environment
Gilgil TVC boasts modern facilities that enhance the learning experience:
- Twin Workshop: Completed in June 2022, this state-of-the-art facility supports practical training in automotive engineering, fashion design, and other technical courses.
- ICT Labs: Equipped for ICT Technician and related courses, ensuring hands-on training in computing and networking.
- Classrooms and Lecture Halls: Designed for interactive learning, with access to qualified trainers and CBET-aligned curricula.
- Library and Study Resources: Provides access to textbooks, digital resources, and study materials for all programmes.
- Industrial Attachments: Partnerships with local industries facilitate practical experience, enhancing employability.
The college’s location in Munanda Village, near Gilgil Town, offers a serene environment conducive to learning, with easy access via the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
Career Prospects and Industry Relevance
Gilgil TVC’s programmes are aligned with Kenya’s Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework, ensuring graduates are equipped with practical, job-ready skills. The college’s focus on hospitality, automotive engineering, ICT, and fashion design taps into high-demand sectors in Kenya and beyond. Graduates can pursue:
- Employment: Roles in hotels, restaurants, garages, IT firms, and fashion houses.
- Entrepreneurship: Start businesses in catering, auto repair, IT consultancy, or fashion design.
- Further Studies: Diploma holders can advance to degree programmes in related fields at universities or higher-level TVET institutions.
The college’s affiliation with KNEC, NITA, and CDACC ensures that qualifications are recognized nationally and internationally, boosting career mobility.
