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Career & Employment

Full List of Courses Offered at Kisumu National Polytechnic: Everything You Need to Know

  • BY waceke
  • June 16, 2025
kisumu polytechnic

Kisumu National Polytechnic (TKNP), situated in Kisumu County, Kenya, is a leading Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution under the Ministry of Education. Established in 1988 as a technical training institute and upgraded to a national polytechnic in 1997, TKNP is renowned for its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders. With 11 academic departments and over 123 accredited programs, TKNP offers artisan, certificate, diploma, and professional courses in fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, hospitality, and applied sciences. This comprehensive guide details the full list of courses offered for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, entry requirements, application processes, and why TKNP is a top choice for students seeking quality TVET education.

Why Choose Kisumu National Polytechnic?

Located 3 km east of Kisumu City and 342 km from Nairobi, TKNP is strategically positioned in a vibrant academic and economic hub within the Great Lakes Region. As an ISO 9001:2008-certified institution, TKNP is committed to providing affordable, accessible, and quality training. Here’s why TKNP stands out:

  • Accredited Programs: Courses are accredited by TVETA, KNEC, KASNEB, CDACC, and City & Guilds, ensuring global recognition.
  • Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET).
  • Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art laboratories, workshops, ICT centers, and a student portal (elearning.kisumupoly.ac.ke).
  • Affordable Education: Government capitation, HELB loans, and bursaries make education accessible.
  • Flexible Intakes: January, May, and September 2025 intakes cater to diverse schedules.
  • Vibrant Student Life: Opportunities in sports, drama, music, and events like the TVET Skills Competition.

TKNP’s focus on innovation and practical skills has positioned it as a center of excellence, consistently recording high pass rates in internal and external examinations.

Full List of Courses Offered at Kisumu National Polytechnic for 2025/2026

Below is the complete list of 123 programs offered at TKNP for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, as provided by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). Courses are categorized into artisan, certificate, diploma, and professional levels across departments such as engineering, business, applied sciences, health sciences, hospitality, and creative arts.

Artisan Courses (Level 3 and 4)

Artisan courses are entry-level programs for students with a KCSE certificate or KCPE qualification, emphasizing practical skills for immediate employment.

  1. Artisan Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics (Code: 1074A29)
  2. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Level 4 (Code: 1074A95)
  3. Industrial Plant Operations & Maintenance Level 4 (Code: 1074B08)
  4. Office Assistant Level 4 (Code: 1074F73)
  5. Aquaculture Level 3 (Code: 1074L89)
  6. Fisheries Technology Level 3 (Code: 1074L90)
  7. Automotive Mechanics Level 3 (Code: 1074L91)
  8. Plumbing Level 3 (Code: 1074F93)
  9. Spinning Machine Operation Level 4 (Code: 1074L61)
  10. Weaving Machine Maintenance Operation Level 4 (Code: 1074L65)

Certificate Courses (Level 5 and Below)

Certificate courses require a minimum KCSE grade of D plain or an artisan certificate, providing foundational skills for technical and vocational careers.

  1. Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Code: 1074769)
  2. Baking Technology Level 5 (Code: 1074770)
  3. Certificate in Business Management (Code: 1074777)
  4. Certificate in Cooperative Management (Code: 1074807)
  5. Certificate in Electrical Installation Level 5 (TVET-CDACC) (Code: 1074818)
  6. Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Code: 1074820)
  7. Electrical Operations (Power Option) Level 5 (Code: 1074840)
  8. Fisheries Technology Level 5 (Code: 1074864)
  9. Certificate in Food Preparation and Culinary Arts (Code: 1074872)
  10. Certificate in Human Resources Management (Code: 1074888)
  11. Craft in Information Communication Technology (Code: 1074889)
  12. Certificate in Information Studies (Code: 1074890)
  13. Certificate in Information Technology (Code: 1074891)
  14. Automotive Technician Level 5 (TVET-CDACC) (Code: 1074927)
  15. Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Code: 1074920)
  16. Certificate in Sales and Marketing (Code: 1074947)
  17. Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology (Code: 1074948)
  18. Social Work Level 5 (Code: 1074950)
  19. Craft in Social Work and Community Development (Code: 1074956)
  20. Certificate in Supply Chain Management (Code: 1074957)
  21. Certificate in Tour Guiding and Operations (Code: 1074969)
  22. Aquaculture Level 5 (Code: 1074759)
  23. Sales and Marketing Level 5 (TVET-CDACC) (Code: 1074918)
  24. Automotive Engineering Level 5 (Code: 1074C03)
  25. Craft Certificate in Automotive Engineering Level 5 (TVET-CDACC) (Code: 1074C04)
  26. Cooperative Management Level 5 (Code: 1074H49)
  27. Food Production (Culinary Arts) Level 5 (Code: 1074L67)
  28. Science Laboratory Technology Level 5 (Code: 1074L68)
  29. Aquaculture Level 4 (Code: 1074L44)
  30. Fisheries Technology Level 4 (Code: 1074L45)
  31. Food Preparation Craft (Code: 1074L46)
  32. Automotive Engineering Craft (Code: 1074L47)
  33. Baking Technology Craft (Code: 1074L48)
  34. Building Technology Craft (Code: 1074L49)
  35. Business Management Craft (Code: 1074L50)
  36. Electrical and Electronics Technology (Power) Craft (Code: 1074L51)
  37. Electrical and Electronics Technology (Telecommunication) Craft (Code: 1074L52)
  38. Food and Beverage Production and Service Craft (Code: 1074L53)
  39. Human Resource Management Craft (Code: 1074L54)
  40. Craft in Information Studies (Code: 1074L55)
  41. Craft in Mechanical Engineering (Code: 1074L56)
  42. Craft in Road Construction (Code: 1074L57)
  43. Craft in Secretarial Studies (Code: 1074L58)
  44. Craft in Community Health and Development (Code: 1074L59)

Diploma Courses (Level 6)

Diploma courses require a minimum KCSE grade of C- or a relevant certificate, offering advanced training for professional roles.

  1. Diploma in Social Work & Community Development (Code: 1074552)
  2. Diploma in Sales and Marketing (Code: 1074555)
  3. Diploma in Food & Beverage Management (Code: 1074556)
  4. Diploma in Architecture (Code: 1074702)
  5. Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Plant) (Code: 1074708)
  6. Diploma in Applied Biology (Code: 1074711)
  7. Diploma in Environmental Science (Code: 1074713)
  8. Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (Code: 1074714)
  9. Diploma in Computer Studies (Code: 1074716)
  10. Diploma in Project Management (Code: 1074727)
  11. Diploma in Transport Management (Code: 1074734)
  12. Diploma in Housekeeping and Laundry (Code: 1074735)
  13. Mechatronics Technology Level 6 (Code: 1074740)
  14. Diploma in Supply Chain Management (Code: 1074746)
  15. Diploma in Information Science Level 6 (TVET-CDACC) (Code: 1074750)
  16. Diploma in Business Management (Code: 1074751)
  17. Diploma in Human Resource Management (Code: 1074789)
  18. Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology (Code: 1074793)
  19. Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences (Code: 1074794)
  20. Diploma in Land Surveying (Code: 1074803)
  21. Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Production) (Code: 1074808)
  22. Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Instrumentation Option) (Code: 1074817)
  23. Diploma in Library and Information Studies (Code: 1074833)
  24. Diploma in Building Technology (Code: 1074876)
  25. Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (Code: 1074883)
  26. Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology (Code: 1074895)
  27. Diploma in Secretarial Studies (Code: 1074901)
  28. Automotive Engineering Level 6 (Code: 1074908)
  29. Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power Option) (Code: 1074928)
  30. Diploma in Information Studies (Code: 1074933)
  31. Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Level 6 (Code: 1074938)
  32. Diploma in Petroleum Geoscience (Code: 1074976)
  33. Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (Code: 1074C22)
  34. Diploma in Housekeeping Management (Code: 1074F33)
  35. Electrical Engineering (Power Option) Level 6 (Code: 1074F45)
  36. Accountancy Level 6 (Code: 1074F58)
  37. Human Resource Management Level 5 (Code: 1074F59)
  38. Electrical Installation Level 6 (Code: 1074F87)
  39. Project Management Level 6 (Code: 1074G01)
  40. Baking Technology Level 6 (Code: 1074J39)
  41. Fashion Design Technology Level 6 (Code: 1074L81)
  42. Industrial Plant Operations and Maintenance Level 6 (Code: 1074L82)
  43. Science Laboratory Technology Level 6 (Code: 1074L83)
  44. Diploma in Cooperative Management (Code: 1074L69)
  45. Diploma in Counselling (HIV Testing and Counselling in Community and Clinical Setting) (Code: 1074L70)
  46. Diploma in Counselling (Chemical Dependency and Addictions) (Code: 1074L71)
  47. Diploma in Entrepreneurship Development (Code: 1074L72)
  48. Diploma in Food and Beverage Production, Sales, and Service Management (Code: 1074L73)
  49. Diploma in Pastry Technology (City & Guilds) (Code: 1074L74)
  50. Diploma in Accounting Technicians (Code: 1074L75)
  51. Diploma in Credit Management (Code: 1074L76)
  52. Diploma in Associate in Procurement and Supply (Code: 1074L77)
  53. Diploma in Associate Purchase and Supply (Code: 1074L78)
  54. Diploma in Road Transport Management (Code: 1074L79)
  55. Diploma in Tour Guiding Management (Code: 1074L80)
  56. Supply Chain Management Level 6 (Code: 1074875)

Professional and Trade Test Courses

These courses cater to students seeking specialized certifications or professional qualifications.

  1. Certified Public Accountants – Professional (Code: 1074L84)
  2. Metal Processing Technology NVCET (Code: 1074L85)
  3. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology NVCET (Code: 1074L86)
  4. Boiler Operation Trade Test (Code: 1074L87)
  5. Plant Operation Trade Test (Code: 1074L88)
  6. Spinning Machine Maintenance Technician Level 5 (Code: 1074L62)
  7. Spinning Machine Technician Level 6 (Code: 1074L63)
  8. Weaving Machine Maintenance Technology Level 5 (Code: 1074L64)
  9. Weaving Machine Maintenance Technician Level 6 (Code: 1074L66)

Entry Requirements for Kisumu National Polytechnic Courses

Entry requirements vary by course level and are set by the Ministry of Education. Below is a general guide:

  • Artisan Courses:
    • KCSE certificate or KCPE with relevant subject passes.
    • No minimum grade required for most programs.
  • Certificate Courses:
    • Minimum KCSE grade of D plain or an artisan certificate.
    • Technical courses (e.g., Automotive Engineering) may require D in Mathematics and Physics.
  • Diploma Courses:
    • Minimum KCSE grade of C- or a relevant certificate.
    • Health sciences (e.g., Pharmaceutical Technology) require C plain in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
    • Engineering diplomas (e.g., Mechanical Engineering) require C- in Mathematics and Physics.
    • Specific courses like Diploma in Counselling may require a C plain in English.
  • Professional Courses:
    • Vary by program (e.g., CPA requires C+ in KCSE with C+ in Mathematics and English).

Prospective students should verify requirements on the TKNP website (kisumupoly.ac.ke) or contact the admissions office.

How to Apply to Kisumu National Polytechnic

TKNP offers three intakes annually (January, May, September) for flexibility. Applications can be submitted via KUCCPS or directly to the institute.

Application Process

  1. Via KUCCPS:
    • Visit the KUCCPS portal (students-new.kuccps.net).
    • Log in using your KCSE index number, year, and password.
    • Select Kisumu National Polytechnic and your preferred course.
    • Submit your application and pay the required fee.
    • Government-sponsored students are eligible for funding.
  2. Direct Application:
    • Download the application form from kisumupoly.ac.ke or collect it from the Admissions Office.
    • Submit the completed form with:
      • KCSE/KCPE result slips or certificates
      • School leaving certificate
      • Birth certificate
      • National ID
      • Application fee receipt (pay via KCB Branch Account 1103855980 or Cooperative Bank Kisumu Branch Account 01129012042200)
    • Send to: The Kisumu National Polytechnic, P.O. Box 143-40100, Kisumu.

Application Deadlines

  • Check kisumupoly.ac.ke for specific deadlines for 2025/2026 intakes.
  • Early application is advised for competitive programs like Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pharmaceutical Technology.

Fee Structure for 2025/2026

Fees vary by course and sponsorship type. Below is an overview based on available data:

  • Government-Sponsored Students:
    • Approximately KSh 26,420 per year, with government capitation.
    • Eligible for HELB loans and bursaries.
  • Self-Sponsored Students:
    • Approximately KSh 56,420 per year.
    • Additional costs for materials in technical courses (e.g., engineering, baking technology).
  • Accommodation:
    • Optional, at approximately KSh 30,000 per term (excluding meals).

For precise fees, contact TKNP at info@kisumupoly.ac.ke or 057-2501501.

Funding and Scholarships

TKNP students can access various funding options:

  • HELB Loans and Bursaries: Apply via the Higher Education Funding Portal (HEF) for TVET loans.
  • Government Capitation: Covers part of tuition for government-sponsored students.
  • Constituency Bursaries: Available through local CDF offices.
  • Private Scholarships: NGOs and corporate sponsors may support needy students.

The government’s funding model assesses neediness levels for equitable support. Apply early to secure funding.

Facilities and Student Life at Kisumu National Polytechnic

TKNP’s 20-acre campus offers modern facilities to enhance learning and innovation:

  • Laboratories and Workshops: For engineering, health sciences, and applied sciences.
  • ICT and E-Learning Center: Supports digital learning via elearning.kisumupoly.ac.ke.
  • Hostels: Affordable accommodation options.
  • Student Portal: Access results, timetables, and updates.
  • Co-Curricular Activities: Sports, drama, music, and participation in TVET skills competitions.

Career Prospects After Graduating from TKNP

TKNP graduates are highly employable due to the institute’s practical, industry-aligned training. Career paths include:

  • Engineering: Mechanical engineers, automotive technicians, land surveyors.
  • Health Sciences: Pharmacists, medical lab technologists, counsellors.
  • Business: Supply chain managers, accountants, HR professionals.
  • Hospitality: Chefs, tour guides, hotel managers.
  • Applied Sciences: Environmental scientists, laboratory technologists.

Graduates can also pursue further studies at universities or start businesses with entrepreneurship skills.

Contact Information

For inquiries, contact Kisumu National Polytechnic:

  • Address: P.O. Box 143-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
  • Phone: 057-2501501, 057-2501502, 0723 446773

Kisumu National Polytechnic is a cornerstone of TVET education in Kenya, offering 123 diverse programs for the 2025/2026 academic cycle. With a focus on practical skills, modern facilities, and accessible funding, TKNP prepares students for careers in engineering, health sciences, business, hospitality, and more. Whether you’re a KCSE graduate or seeking artisan training, TKNP provides a pathway to success. Apply today to join a world-class polytechnic nurturing industry leaders