Kandara Technical and Vocational College (KTVC), located in Kiranga Shopping Centre, Kandara Sub-County, Murang’a County, Kenya, is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution committed to nurturing technical skills and competence. Registered under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) with registration number TVETA/PUBLIC/TVC/0054/2021, KTVC was launched on August 7, 2019, by Hon. Alice Muthoni, the Member of Parliament for Kandara Constituency, and officially opened by H.E. William Samoei Ruto, then Deputy President, on March 6, 2020. Situated 10 km off the Thika–Kenol highway along the Makenji-Kandara road, the college occupies a 5-acre plot and operates under the mentorship of Michuki Technical Training Institute until December 2, 2021. With modern facilities and a focus on industry-relevant training, KTVC is a hub for technical education in Murang’a County. This article provides a detailed overview of all 35 courses offered at KTVC for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, as listed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), along with additional TVETA-approved trade test programs, admission requirements, application processes, career prospects, and more.
Why Choose Kandara Technical and Vocational College?
KTVC is a center of excellence in Murang’a County, offering accessible, high-quality technical training aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030. Its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and community support make it an ideal choice for KCSE graduates and other learners. Key reasons to choose KTVC include:
- TVETA Accreditation: All programs are accredited, ensuring compliance with national standards.
- Modern Facilities: Equipped with workshops for engineering, ICT labs, fashion design studios, and hospitality training centers.
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Courses focus on construction, technology, business, and hospitality, meeting local and national job market demands.
- Affordable Fees: Subsidized through KUCCPS and supported by HELB loans, Murang’a County bursaries, and TVET grants.
- Flexible Entry Requirements: Inclusive admission criteria for diploma, certificate, and artisan programs.
- Community Support: Initiatives like the Kandara MP’s sponsorship of registration fees for January 2025 intake enhance accessibility.
- Innovative Programs: Offers unique opportunities like free JITUME/AJIRA online work training to promote digital entrepreneurship.
Full List of Courses Offered at Kandara Technical and Vocational College for 2025/2026
KTVC offers 35 programs through KUCCPS for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, categorized into diploma (Level 6), certificate (Level 5), and artisan (Level 4) levels, examined by KNEC or TVET-CDACC. Additionally, TVETA-approved trade test programs under the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) are available. Below is a comprehensive table of KUCCPS-listed programs, followed by trade test programs.
| # | Programme Code | Programme Name | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4505336 | Civil Engineering Level 6 | Diploma |
| 2 | 4505556 | Diploma in Food and Beverage Production, Sales and Services | Diploma |
| 3 | 4505557 | Diploma in Fashion Design | Diploma |
| 4 | 4505607 | Diploma in Electrical & Electronics Engineering (Telecommunication Option) | Diploma |
| 5 | 4505703 | Land Survey Technician Level 6 | Diploma |
| 6 | 4505705 | Diploma in Building Technology | Diploma |
| 7 | 4505706 | Diploma in Civil Engineering | Diploma |
| 8 | 4505729 | Electrical Engineering Level 6 | Diploma |
| 9 | 4505751 | Diploma in Business Management | Diploma |
| 10 | 4505758 | Diploma in Information Communication Technology (ICT) | Diploma |
| 11 | 4505777 | Certificate in Business Management | Certificate |
| 12 | 4505798 | Certificate in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) | Certificate |
| 13 | 4505801 | ICT Technician Level 5 | Certificate |
| 14 | 4505802 | Certificate in Computerized Secretarial Studies | Certificate |
| 15 | 4505803 | Diploma in Land Surveying | Diploma |
| 16 | 4505807 | Business Management Level 5 | Certificate |
| 17 | 4505810 | Business Management Level 6 | Diploma |
| 18 | 4505818 | Certificate in Electrical Installation Level Five (TVET-CDACC) | Certificate |
| 19 | 4505831 | Craft Certificate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power Option) | Certificate |
| 20 | 4505847 | Certificate in Fashion Design | Certificate |
| 21 | 4505871 | Certificate in Food and Beverage Production, Sales and Services | Certificate |
| 22 | 4505872 | Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts) Level 5 | Certificate |
| 23 | 4505917 | Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Power Option) | Diploma |
| 24 | 4505939 | Certificate in Plumbing Technology | Certificate |
| 25 | 4505957 | Certificate in Supply Chain Management | Certificate |
| 26 | 4505998 | Diploma in Water Engineering | Diploma |
| 27 | 4505A02 | Artisan in Masonry | Artisan |
| 28 | 4505A03 | Artisan in Fashion Design & Garment Making | Artisan |
| 29 | 4505A41 | Artisan Certificate in Electrical Installation Level 4 (CDACC) | Artisan |
| 30 | 4505A61 | Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts) Level 4 | Artisan |
| 31 | 4505A67 | Artisan in Plumbing Technology | Artisan |
| 32 | 4505A90 | Artisan in Food and Beverage | Artisan |
| 33 | 4505B96 | Diploma in Food and Beverage Production and Service | Diploma |
| 34 | 4505C11 | Plumbing Artisan Level 4 | Artisan |
| 35 | 4505E69 | Food and Beverage Sales and Service Management Level 6 | Diploma |
TVETA-Approved Trade Test Programs (NITA)
In addition to KUCCPS programs, KTVC offers short, skill-based trade test courses accredited by TVETA and examined by NITA, each with limited enrollment for quality training.
- GTT III in Carpentry & Joinery: Max. 20 trainees. Covers woodworking and furniture making. Career Prospects: Carpenter, furniture maker.
- GTT III in Welding: Max. 15 trainees. Trains in welding techniques for metalwork. Career Prospects: Welder, fabricator.
- GTT III in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy: Max. 25 trainees. Focuses on hair styling and beauty services. Career Prospects: Hairdresser, beautician.
- GTT III in Motor Vehicle Mechanics: Max. 15 trainees. Covers vehicle repair and maintenance. Career Prospects: Auto mechanic, garage technician.
Program Categories and Descriptions
Diploma Programs (Level 6)
Diploma programs require a minimum KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) and last 2–3 years. They provide advanced technical and professional skills.
- Engineering: Includes Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering (Power and Telecommunication Options), Building Technology, Land Surveying, Land Survey Technician, Water Engineering. Focuses on construction, electrical systems, and surveying. Career Prospects: Civil engineer, electrical engineer, land surveyor, water technician.
- ICT: Diploma in Information Communication Technology (ICT). Covers software development, networking, and cybersecurity. Career Prospects: IT specialist, network administrator.
- Business: Includes Business Management, Food and Beverage Sales and Service Management. Focuses on management, entrepreneurship, and hospitality services. Career Prospects: Business manager, hospitality manager.
- Hospitality: Includes Food and Beverage Production, Sales and Services, Food and Beverage Production and Service. Covers culinary arts and hospitality management. Career Prospects: Chef, restaurant manager.
- Fashion Design: Diploma in Fashion Design. Focuses on garment design and textile technology. Career Prospects: Fashion designer, textile specialist.
Certificate Programs (Level 5)
Certificate programs require a minimum KCSE mean grade of D (plain) and last 1–2 years. They provide foundational skills for entry-level jobs.
- Business: Includes Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Computerized Secretarial Studies. Career Prospects: Office assistant, logistics clerk, secretary.
- Engineering: Includes Electrical Installation, Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power Option), Plumbing Technology, Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts). Career Prospects: Electrician, plumber, cook.
- ICT: Includes Information and Communication Technology, ICT Technician. Career Prospects: IT support technician, data entry clerk.
- Fashion Design: Certificate in Fashion Design. Career Prospects: Tailor, garment maker.
- Hospitality: Certificate in Food and Beverage Production, Sales and Services. Career Prospects: Catering assistant, waiter/waitress.
Artisan Programs (Level 4)
Artisan programs are designed for students with a KCSE mean grade of D- (minus) or below, lasting 6 months to 1 year. They focus on practical skills.
- Engineering and Construction: Includes Masonry, Electrical Installation, Plumbing Technology, Plumbing Artisan. Career Prospects: Mason, electrician, plumber.
- Hospitality: Includes Food and Beverage, Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts). Career Prospects: Cook, kitchen assistant.
- Fashion Design: Artisan in Fashion Design & Garment Making. Career Prospects: Tailor, garment maker.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by program level:
- Diploma (Level 6): Minimum KCSE mean grade of C- (minus). Engineering and ICT programs may require D+ in Mathematics and Physics.
- Certificate (Level 5): Minimum KCSE mean grade of D (plain).
- Artisan (Level 4): KCSE mean grade of D- (minus) or below. Some programs, like fashion design and food production, are open to all applicants with basic literacy skills.
- Trade Test Programs: Open to all, with no strict KCSE requirements, but basic literacy and numeracy skills are preferred.
Note: Specific programs may have additional subject requirements. Contact KTVC or check the KUCCPS portal for details.
How to Apply to Kandara Technical and Vocational College for 2025/2026
KUCCPS Application
- Visit students.kuccps.net.
- Log in using your KCSE index number (username) and KCPE index number or birth certificate number (password).
- Select Kandara Technical and Vocational College and your preferred program using the programme code.
- Submit your application and await placement results.
- Download your admission letter and apply for HELB loans or bursaries.
Direct Application
- Complete the online application form available at Google Forms link or obtain a physical form from KTVC’s campus.
- Submit the form via email (kandaratvc@gmail.com) or in person at P.O. Box 17-01020, Kenol, Murang’a.
- Pay any required application fee and await confirmation.
- Visit the campus for KUCCPS application assistance at a dedicated desk.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 0757 054 561 / 0721 447 411 / 0716 819 330
- Email: kandaratvc@gmail.com
- Address: P.O. Box 17-01020, Kenol, Murang’a County, Kenya
- Location: Kiranga Shopping Centre, Makenji-Kandara Road
- Website: kandaratech.ac.ke
Intake Periods: January, May, and September. Orientation for new students is scheduled for January 3, 2025. Apply early to secure funding and placement.
Fees and Funding Options
KTVC’s fees are subsidized for KUCCPS students, ensuring affordability. Estimated fees per semester (based on similar TVET institutions):
- Diploma: Ksh 25,000–40,000
- Certificate: Ksh 15,000–30,000
- Artisan: Ksh 10,000–20,000
- Trade Test: Ksh 5,000–15,000
Financial Aid
- HELB Loans: Available via hef.co.ke. Apply using the TVET Loan & Bursary Application Form (TLAF).
- Murang’a County Bursaries: Contact county offices for application details.
- Kandara MP Sponsorship: Registration fees for January 2025 intake are sponsored by Hon. Chege Njuguna for Kandara youths.
- TVET Grants: Government capitation for KUCCPS students.
- JITUME/AJIRA Program: Free training for online work opportunities.
- Scholarships: Available through partnerships with NGOs and private sponsors.
Note: The Diploma in Food and Beverage Production, Sales, and Services costs approximately Ksh 67,189 per year.
Career Prospects and Industry Relevance
KTVC’s programs are designed to meet the demands of Murang’a’s and Kenya’s job markets, including construction, technology, business, and hospitality. Graduates are equipped for:
- Engineering: Roles in civil engineering, electrical installation, and water engineering, supporting Kenya’s infrastructure development.
- ICT: Opportunities in tech startups, telecommunications, and government digitization projects.
- Business: Administrative and management roles in SMEs and corporate sectors.
- Hospitality: Careers in restaurants, hotels, and catering services, vital for Kenya’s tourism industry.
- Fashion Design: Entrepreneurial opportunities in garment production and textile design.
The Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum and NITA trade tests ensure hands-on skills, enhancing employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Why Kandara Technical and Vocational College?
KTVC’s strategic location, modern facilities, and community-driven initiatives, such as the Kandara MP’s sponsorship and JITUME/AJIRA training, position it as a leading TVET institution. Its growth since 2019, with over 100 trainees and a dedicated staff, reflects its commitment to excellence. With affordable fees, robust financial aid, and a focus on practical training, KTVC is an excellent choice for 2025/2026.
Kandara Technical and Vocational College offers 35 KUCCPS-listed programs and additional NITA trade test courses for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, covering engineering, ICT, business, hospitality, and fashion design. With TVETA accreditation, modern facilities, and strong community support, KTVC equips students for success in Kenya’s competitive job market. Apply through KUCCPS or directly to secure your spot and start your journey toward a rewarding career. For more details, contact KTVC at 0757 054 561 or visit their campus in Kiranga Shopping Centre.
