Govt Reduces Diploma Course Duration to One and a Half Year

The government has announced changes in the duration that students should take while pursuing diploma courses in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. 

During a media interview with Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, TVET Principal Secretary Esther Thaara Muoria announced that diploma TVET courses will take one and a half years to complete. 

“We register all TVET institutions; we are the regulator. We train right from the bottom level up to level 6 (diploma level). TVET courses will take a maximum of one and a half years for the Diploma level,” the PS said. 

Govt Reduces TVET Diploma Course to 1and 1/2 years

At the same time, she highlighted the government’s efforts to transform TVETs. 

“When I was appointed PS for TVET, I had a conversation with the technical officers that I found there, and we agreed that we needed to position TVET in a space where we could be confident that we were and are transforming the lives of the young people,” she stated. 

The PS also mentioned that there are currently 240 TVETs within the country, with only about 50 or 52 constituencies lacking TVETs. 

The Diploma courses in TVET institutions mainly target students with a KCSE mean grade of C- Minus and above.

Also Read: How Students Choose KUCCPS Courses for TVET and University Placement

TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) focuses on practical skills and knowledge for specific trades or vocations, preparing individuals for a specific career or occupation. 

It serves as an alternative to traditional academic routes and aims to address skills gaps in the job market. In Kenya, TVET is regulated and coordinated by the TVET Authority. 

These programs are designed to prepare individuals for employment and to enhance their capabilities in various technical and vocational fields. 

About TVET Institutions

Most of the courses offered by TVET institutions include: 

• Engineering and Technology: Electrical, mechanical, civil, and marine engineering, focusing on repair, maintenance, and fabrication.
• Construction Trades: Masonry, carpentry, plumbing, and building technology.
• ICT: Computer studies, software development, and networking.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Food and beverage production, hotel management, and tour guiding.
• Business and Management: Business administration, accounting, marketing, and human resource management.
• Health and Social Sciences: Community health, social work, and early childhood education.
• Creative Arts: Fashion design, hairdressing, beauty therapy, and graphic design.
• Agriculture: Animal health, dairy technology, and sustainable farming.

Also Read: HELB Releases Ksh1.56 Billion for University and TVET Students

To apply for TVET courses in Kenya, visit the KUCCPS portal whenever an application window is open, as announced by the government through KUCCPS.

Create or log into your account, search for courses, enter the course codes, pay the application fee, and submit your application before the deadline. Placement results will be released by KUCCPS.

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