TVET Career Guides: Best Courses, Salaries and Where to Study in Kenya
A full TVET career guide — which Craft, Artisan and Diploma courses lead to real jobs in Kenya, what they pay, and the best TVET institutions to enrol in.
Why TVET is the smartest route in 2026
Government scholarships through HELB cover up to Ksh 30,000 per year for TVET trainees, and 80% of Kenya's new jobs are in the trades, hospitality and ICT — sectors TVET trains directly for.
High-demand TVET courses
- Electrical Installation (Craft & Diploma) — KPLC, EPRA-licensed firms, solar installers.
- Plumbing — real estate boom in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Kisumu.
- ICT Technician / Software Development — Ajira Digital, Konza, KQ.
- Food & Beverage / Tourism — five-star hotels in Nairobi, Mombasa, Naivasha, Maasai Mara.
- Welding & Fabrication — SGR, oil & gas in Turkana, construction.
- Motor Vehicle Mechanics — every county.
Top TVET institutions
Kenya Technical Trainers College, Nyeri National Polytechnic, Eldoret National Polytechnic, Kabete National Polytechnic, Kisumu National Polytechnic, Meru National Polytechnic, Sigalagala, Coast Institute of Technology.
From Craft to Engineer in 6 years
Craft (1 yr) → Diploma (2 yrs) → Higher Diploma (1 yr) → BSc Engineering (2 yrs credit transfer at JKUAT or Dedan Kimathi). Many TVET graduates finish a degree by age 24 and start earning during the diploma stage.
Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the KNEC Hub editorial team.