Career guide · Updated October 2026
Best Technical & Vocational Courses to Study in Kenya (2026 Guide)
By Divine Mercy Kathagutari Technical Training Institute · 8 min read
Not every successful career starts at a university. In Kenya, thousands of young people build steady incomes through technical and vocational education and training (TVET): they learn a practical skill, earn a recognised certificate, and either get hired or start a business of their own. If you have finished KCSE, or you are an adult looking for a skill that pays, this guide will help you choose.
In short
Five practical courses stand out for school leavers and career changers across Kenya: Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Design & Garment Making, ICT, and Catering & Food Production. Each can lead to a job or a business, and each is available at DMKTTI in Siakago, Embu County, to learners from any county.
Why choose TVET in Kenya?
- You learn by doing. Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) means you practise each skill until you can perform it to industry standard.
- Flexible entry. You can start from Grade 3 or Level 4 and climb to higher levels in the same trade.
- National recognition. Courses examined by NITA and CDACC carry certificates employers recognise across the country.
- Faster route to income. Shorter programmes and industrial attachment help you start earning sooner.
- Self-employment ready. Many trades can be started with modest equipment and grown over time.
How to choose the right course
Ask yourself four questions before you apply:
- What do I enjoy doing with my hands, with people or with technology?
- What grade did I get, and which entry level fits it?
- Is there demand for this skill where I plan to live and work?
- Do I want a job, my own business, or both?
The five courses compared
1. Hairdressing
Hair care is a recurring need, so clients keep coming back. You learn cutting, styling, colouring, braiding, weaving, wig making, scalp care and salon management. Graduates work in salons and hotels, run mobile styling services for weddings and events, or open their own salon. See the Hairdressing course.
2. Beauty Therapy
Skincare, makeup, nails, massage and waxing are in steady demand as more people spend on grooming and wellness. You can work in spas and salons, or build a studio or mobile brand. See the Beauty Therapy course.
3. Fashion Design & Garment Making
People always need clothes, from school uniforms to wedding outfits. You learn illustration, pattern drafting, tailoring, dressmaking and machine maintenance, plus the business side. A machine and a few tools are enough to take your first orders. See the Fashion Design course.
4. Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Almost every office needs staff who can manage documents, data and email. ICT gives you computer fundamentals, Microsoft Office, graphic design basics, maintenance and data management, and it is a stepping stone to programming or computer science. See the ICT course.
5. Catering & Food Production
Hotels, schools, institutions and event organisers all need trained cooks and caterers. You learn food preparation, baking and pastry, hygiene, menu planning and catering management, then work in a kitchen or start a food business. See the Catering course.
Entry requirements at a glance
| Level | Entry requirement | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | KCPE / KCSE | 6 months |
| Level 4 | D− and E | 1 year |
| Level 5 | D+ and D plain | 2 years |
| Level 6 | C− and above | Up to 3 years |
Durations vary by course, so confirm the exact level and length with Admissions before you apply.
How to turn a skill into income
- Get certified. A NITA/CDACC certificate builds trust with clients and employers.
- Use your attachment well. Treat industrial attachment as a long job interview and build a portfolio.
- Start small. Take your first clients from your network, then reinvest earnings.
- Be visible. Use WhatsApp and social media to show your work and take bookings.
- Keep learning. Progress to the next level or add a second skill, such as beauty with hairdressing.
Why study at DMKTTI?
Divine Mercy Kathagutari Technical Training Institute is a Catholic TVET college in Siakago, Embu County, guided by the motto “Growth to Responsibility”. Students train in practical workshops, complete supervised industrial attachment and sit NITA/CDACC examinations. We welcome applicants from every county in Kenya, with intakes in January, May and September.
Frequently asked questions
Which technical courses are best to study in Kenya?
The best course is the one that matches your interests, your grades and local demand. Hairdressing, beauty therapy, fashion design, ICT and catering are popular because they are practical, widely needed and can lead to self-employment.
Can I join a TVET course with a low KCSE grade?
Yes. Entry points start at Grade 3 (KCPE or KCSE) and Level 4 (D− and E), and rise to Level 6 (C− and above). You can start at your level and progress upward.
Are TVET certificates recognised in Kenya?
Courses examined by NITA and CDACC are national qualifications, so they are recognised by employers across Kenya.
Can I apply to DMKTTI from outside Embu County?
Yes. DMKTTI welcomes applicants from every county. The campus is in Siakago, Embu County. Contact Admissions to plan your travel and accommodation.
When are the intakes?
DMKTTI runs intakes in January, May and September.
Ready to start?
Intakes run every January, May and September. Call 0703 270 154 / 0796 114 091, or apply online today.