Kiptaragon Technical and Vocational College (KTVC), located in Nakuru County, is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution dedicated to equipping youth with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Established to address the skills gap in the agriculturally and industrially diverse region of Nakuru, 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) or the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) where applicable. Situated in a region known for its maize, dairy, and horticulture farming, as well as tourism and manufacturing, KTVC provides training in engineering, ICT, hospitality, business, social work, and beauty, aligning with Nakuru’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 Kiptaragon Technical and Vocational College?
KTVC is strategically positioned to serve Nakuru County, a region with a growing demand for skilled professionals in construction, hospitality, and technology. 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, computer labs, and kitchens facilitate hands-on learning in fields like plumbing, food production, and ICT.
- Accessible Location: Located in Nakuru County, KTVC is accessible to students from the Rift Valley region, with proximity to Nakuru City’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 Nakuru 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 24 programmes for the 2025/2026 cycle, helping you navigate your path to a rewarding career.
Full List of Courses Offered at Kiptaragon 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 diploma, certificate, artisan, and Level 4–6 programmes in engineering, ICT, hospitality, business, social work, and beauty.
Diploma Programmes
- Diploma in Banking & Finance (Code: 3936741)
- Duration: 2.5 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent; credits in Mathematics are preferred.
- Overview: Teaches banking operations, financial management, and investment, with practical case studies tailored to Nakuru’s commercial sector.
- Career Prospects: Bank officers, financial advisors, or investment analysts.
- Diploma in Information Communication Technology (Code: 3936758)
- Duration: 2.5 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent.
- Overview: Covers network management, programming, and IT support, supporting Nakuru’s growing digital economy.
- Career Prospects: IT technicians, network administrators, or software support specialists.
- Diploma in Building Technology (Code: 3936876)
- Duration: 2.5 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent; credits in Mathematics are preferred.
- Overview: Covers construction techniques, building design, and project management, with practical training in workshops.
- Career Prospects: Construction managers, site engineers, or building inspectors.
Level 6 Programmes
- Accountancy Level 6 (Code: 3936841)
- Duration: 2.5 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent; credits in Mathematics are preferred.
- Overview: Advanced financial accounting, auditing, and budgeting, with practical applications.
- Career Prospects: Accountants, financial analysts, or auditors.
- Social Work and Community Development Level 6 (Code: 3936G49)
- Duration: 2.5 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent.
- Overview: Advanced community mobilization, social work practices, and development projects, with fieldwork in Nakuru’s rural communities.
- Career Prospects: Social workers, community development officers, or NGO programme managers.
Level 5 Programmes
- Building Technician Level 5 (Code: 3936773)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Intermediate construction techniques and building materials, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Construction assistants or progression to Level 6 studies.
- Food Production (Culinary Arts) Level 5 (Code: 3936872)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Intermediate food preparation, culinary techniques, and kitchen management, with practical training in modern kitchens.
- Career Prospects: Chefs, kitchen supervisors, or catering assistants.
- ICT Technician Level 5 (Code: 3936C12)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Intermediate ICT skills, including computer applications and network support, with practical lab work.
- Career Prospects: IT support assistants, network technicians, or progression to Level 6 studies.
- Food Science and Processing Technology Level 5 (Code: 3936F61)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Intermediate food processing, quality control, and preservation techniques, with practical training aligned with Nakuru’s agro-processing sector.
- Career Prospects: Food technologists, quality control technicians, or processing plant supervisors.
- Electrical Installation Level 5 (Code: 3936F97)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Intermediate electrical installation and maintenance techniques, with hands-on training.
- Career Prospects: Electricians, electrical technicians, or apprentices.
Certificate Programmes
- Certificate in Building Technology (Code: 3936774)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic construction techniques and building materials, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Construction assistants or progression to diploma studies.
- Certificate in Computer Studies (Code: 3936800)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic computer applications and IT skills, with practical lab work.
- Career Prospects: IT support assistants, data entry clerks, or progression to diploma studies.
- Certificate in Food and Beverage Production, Sales and Services (Code: 3936871)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic food preparation, beverage service, and hospitality skills, with practical training in kitchens.
- Career Prospects: Kitchen assistants, catering staff, or progression to Level 5 studies.
- Certificate in Plumbing and Pipe Fitting (Code: 3936937)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic plumbing and pipe fitting skills, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Plumbers, pipe fitters, or plumbing assistants.
- Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology (Code: 3936948)
- Duration: 2 years
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCSE Mean Grade D (plain) or equivalent; credits in Biology or Chemistry are preferred.
- Overview: Basic laboratory techniques, equipment handling, and scientific analysis, with practical lab work.
- Career Prospects: Laboratory assistants, quality control aides, or progression to diploma studies.
Artisan and Level 4 Programmes
- Masonry Level 4 (Code: 3936A02)
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic masonry techniques for construction projects, with hands-on training.
- Career Prospects: Masons, construction workers, or progression to higher programmes.
- Grade III in Masonry (NITA) (Code: 3936A06)
- Duration: 6 months to 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Entry-level masonry skills, certified by NITA, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Masons, construction assistants, or progression to higher studies.
- Beauty Therapy Level 4 (Code: 3936A17)
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic beauty therapy and salon skills, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Beauty therapists, salon assistants, or entrepreneurs.
- Artisan Certificate in Electrical Installation Level 4 (CDACC) (Code: 3936A41)
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic electrical installation and maintenance skills, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Electricians, electrical assistants, or apprentices.
- Artisan in Plumbing (Code: 3936A67)
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic plumbing system installation and maintenance, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Plumbers, pipe fitters, or plumbing assistants.
- Grade III in Pipe Fitting and Plumbing (NITA) (Code: 3936A94)
- Duration: 6 months to 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Entry-level plumbing and pipe fitting skills, certified by NITA, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Plumbers, pipe fitters, or plumbing assistants.
- Office Administration Level 4 (Code: 3936B37)
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic office management and administrative skills, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Office assistants, clerks, or progression to higher studies.
- Hairdressing Level 4 (Code: 3936G18)
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic hairdressing and salon skills, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Hairdressers, salon assistants, or entrepreneurs.
- Plumbing Level 4 (Code: 3936H64)
- Duration: 1 year
- Minimum Entry Requirements: KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Overview: Basic plumbing skills for installation and maintenance, with practical training.
- Career Prospects: Plumbers or pipe fitters.
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
- Diploma and Level 6 Programmes: KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent.
- Level 5 and 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, Physics, Biology, or Chemistry are advantageous for technical and science 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 Kiptaragon, Nakuru.
- 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 Kiptaragon Technical and Vocational College, P.O. Box not publicly available, Kiptaragon, Nakuru.
- 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).
- Nakuru County Bursaries: The county government provides financial support for TVET students through the Nakuru County Education Fund.
- Scholarships: Limited scholarships may be available through KTVC or partner organizations. Contact the admissions office for details.
Fee Structure and Accommodation
Fee Structure
- Diploma and Level 6 Programmes: Approximately KShs 60,000–80,000 per year.
- Level 5 and Certificate Programmes: Approximately KShs 40,000–60,000 per year.
- Artisan and Level 4 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 are available in a serene environment conducive to learning.
- Cost: Approximately KShs 20,000–30,000 per semester (subject to availability).
- Confirm availability before payment.
KTVC’s Role in Technical Education and Industry Impact
KTVC plays a vital role in Nakuru County’s TVET landscape, a region with a population of over 2 million and a diverse economy driven by agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The college supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 by providing skills in engineering, ICT, hospitality, business, social work, and beauty, aligning with Nakuru’s economic activities, including agro-processing, tourism in Naivasha and Nakuru National Park, and infrastructure development. Graduates contribute to:
- Construction and Engineering: Supporting infrastructure projects, including buildings, roads, and electrical systems in Nakuru County.
- Hospitality and Food Processing: Enhancing food production and service in Nakuru’s tourism and agro-processing sectors.
- ICT and Business: Promoting digital literacy and entrepreneurship in Nakuru’s commercial hubs.
- Social Work: Addressing community needs through development projects in rural and urban areas.
- Beauty Industry: Fostering entrepreneurship in hairdressing and beauty therapy.
Career opportunities include:
- Public Sector: County governments, ministries, and parastatals.
- Private Sector: Construction firms, hotels, IT companies, banks, and beauty salons.
- Self-Employment: Entrepreneurship in plumbing, food processing, or beauty services.
- NGOs: Roles in community development and social work.
Why KTVC Stands Out in 2025/2026
KTVC’s focus on competency-based education, modern facilities, and alignment with TVET-CDACC and NITA standards ensures graduates meet industry expectations. Its location in Nakuru County, near Nakuru City’s commercial and industrial 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.
Kiptaragon Technical and Vocational College offers 24 programmes for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, ranging from artisan courses like Grade III in Pipe Fitting and Plumbing to Level 6 programmes like Social Work and Community Development Level 6. Its commitment to practical training and industry relevance makes it an ideal choice for students seeking skills in engineering, ICT, hospitality, business, social work, or beauty. Whether you aim to become a building technician, IT technician, or social worker, KTVC provides the foundation for a successful career.
For more information or to apply, contact KTVC’s admissions office.
