Big news for students eyeing a diploma from Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions: the government has officially shortened the duration of diploma courses to just one and a half years. This announcement, made by TVET Principal Secretary Esther Thaara Muoria during a recent media interview, signals a significant shift in how quickly young Kenyans can gain practical skills and enter the workforce.
PS Muoria emphasized that the government’s goal is to make TVETs more responsive to the needs of young people and the job market. With 240 TVETs already established across the country, the government is closing in on nationwide coverage, with only about 50 constituencies yet to have their own institutions. This expansion is part of a broader effort to transform TVETs into powerful engines of opportunity and economic growth.
TVET diploma programs are open to students with a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) and above. Unlike traditional academic pathways, TVET courses are all about hands-on training, preparing learners for specific trades and professions. This approach is designed to bridge the skills gap in Kenya’s job market, making graduates more employable and ready to contribute to the economy right away.
The range of courses available at TVET institutions is impressively diverse. Students can pursue diplomas in engineering fields like electrical, mechanical, civil, and marine engineering, or opt for construction trades such as masonry, carpentry, and plumbing. There are also programs in ICT, hospitality and tourism, business and management, health and social sciences, creative arts, and agriculture.
For those interested in applying, the process is straightforward. Prospective students should keep an eye on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal, where application windows are announced by the government.
This move to shorten diploma courses means students can now gain valuable, market-ready skills in less time, accelerating their journey from the classroom to a fulfilling career. It’s a win for young Kenyans, for employers, and for the country’s economic development as a whole.
