KCSE results guide · Updated October 2026
Courses for D Plain, D+ and D− in Kenya: What You Can Study After KCSE (2026)
By Divine Mercy Kathagutari Technical Training Institute · 7 min read
Quick answer
A low KCSE grade is not the end of your education. With D plain or D+ you can join Level 5 technical courses. With D− or E you can join Level 4. With KCPE or KCSE you can start at Grade 3. At DMKTTI these include Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Design, ICT and Catering.
Every year, thousands of Kenyan students open their KCSE results and feel their options have closed. They have not. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) was built for learners who want a practical skill, a recognised certificate and a quick route to income. This guide explains which courses match your grade, what each can lead to, and how to apply.
Which courses match your KCSE grade?
| Your grade | Level you can join | Typical duration | Examples at DMKTTI |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCPE / KCSE (any grade) | Grade 3 | 6 months | Hairdressing, Beauty, Tailoring |
| D− and E | Level 4 | 1 year | Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Design, ICT Technician, Food & Beverage Production |
| D+ and D plain | Level 5 | 2 years | Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Design, ICT Technician, Food & Beverage Production |
| C− and above | Level 6 | Up to 3 years | Hairdressing, Fashion Management, Food Technology, Computer Programming, Computer Science |
Durations vary by course. Confirm the exact length and availability with Admissions before you apply.
Courses you can do with D plain or D+ (Level 5)
This is the entry grade for Level 5, which gives you a stronger qualification than Grade 3 or Level 4 and a clear path to Level 6. Popular choices:
- Hairdressing: a recurring-demand trade you can practise in a salon or run yourself.
- Beauty Therapy: skincare, makeup, nails and massage for spas and your own studio.
- Fashion Design & Garment Making: design, cut and sew for individuals, schools and boutiques.
- ICT: computer skills for offices, data work and digital services.
- Catering & Food Production: cooking and baking for hotels, events and food businesses.
Courses you can do with D− or E (Level 4)
Level 4 is a strong starting point. The same five trades are available, and you can progress to Level 5 once you complete the course and meet the next entry requirement. Many learners treat Level 4 as the first step in a ladder, not the end.
Courses you can do with any KCPE or KCSE certificate (Grade 3)
If your grade is lower, or you want to start earning quickly, Grade 3 courses run for about six months in trades such as hairdressing, beauty and tailoring. They are practical and focused on skills you can use straight away.
Which course should you pick?
- Love people and style? Choose Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy.
- Creative and good with your hands? Choose Fashion Design & Garment Making.
- Curious about computers? Choose ICT.
- Enjoy food and hosting? Choose Catering & Food Production.
- Want to own a business? Any of these can be started with modest equipment and grown over time.
Will a low grade stop me from earning well?
In skills-based trades, clients and employers judge you by the quality of your work, your hygiene and professionalism, and how reliable you are. A recognised certificate opens doors, and your portfolio, attachment record and reputation build income over time. Many successful stylists, tailors, caterers and technicians started with modest grades and grew through practice.
How to apply: step by step
- Pick your course and level. Match your grade to the table above.
- Gather your documents. Academic certificate or result slip, National ID or birth certificate, and passport photos.
- Apply. Use the online application or visit the Admissions Office in Siakago.
- Confirm your intake. Intakes run in January, May and September.
- Report and begin. Start practical training and prepare for industrial attachment.
For funding and placement, ask Admissions about the options that apply to your course, and check the latest government guidance, as these can change.
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”. We offer practical workshops, supervised industrial attachment and NITA/CDACC-examined courses, and we welcome applicants from every county in Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
What courses can I do with a D plain in KCSE?
With a D plain you can join Level 5 courses in technical trades, such as Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Design, ICT Technician and Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts), or start at Level 4 or Grade 3 and progress. D+ and D plain is the entry grade for Level 5 at DMKTTI.
What courses can I do with a D+ in KCSE?
D+ and D plain are grouped together for Level 5 entry at DMKTTI, so you can apply for Level 5 courses in hairdressing, beauty therapy, fashion design, ICT and culinary arts.
What can I study with D minus or E?
D− and E qualify for Level 4 courses, such as Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Design, ICT Technician and Food and Beverage Production. You can then progress to Level 5 and Level 6.
Can I join a technical college without passing KCSE?
Yes. Grade 3 courses accept KCPE or KCSE certificates, so you can start a practical trade such as hairdressing, beauty or tailoring even with a low grade.
Is a TVET certificate as good as a university degree?
They serve different goals. A TVET certificate builds job-ready practical skills and a route to self-employment, and you can keep progressing through levels. Many trades pay on skill and reputation, not only on the paper you hold.
Can I move up to a higher level later?
Yes. You can start at Grade 3 or Level 4 and progress to Level 5 and Level 6 in the same trade, subject to the entry requirements for each level.
Can I apply to DMKTTI from another county?
Yes. DMKTTI welcomes applicants from every county in Kenya. The campus is in Siakago, Embu County. Contact Admissions to plan your travel and accommodation.
When are the intakes and how do I apply?
Intakes run in January, May and September. Apply online through the Admissions page, or visit the office in Siakago with your academic certificate, National ID or birth certificate and passport photos.
Your results do not define your future
Pick a skill, train hard, and build a career. Call 0703 270 154 / 0796 114 091 or apply today for the next intake.