KNEC artisan courses offer practical and technical skills training designed to equip learners with job-ready competencies across various trades. These programmes primarily target individuals with a Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificate or a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) mean grade of E or higher.

Entry Requirements and Fees

Admission to KNEC artisan courses generally requires a KCPE certificate, though some institutions accept KCSE holders with at least a mean grade of E. Tuition fees are affordable compared to university fees, typically ranging between KSh 15,000 and KSh 60,000 annually. Additional costs may include examination, registration, and materials fees.

Popular Artisan Courses and Institutions

A broad spectrum of courses is available, catering to diverse interests in technical and vocational fields. Some of the prominent courses include:

  • Trade Test in Solar Photovoltaic – Offered at Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College.
  • Grade III in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy – Available at Kiirua Technical Training Institute.
  • Artisan in Arc Welding – Offered at Mathira Technical & Vocational College.
  • Artisan in General Agriculture – Available at Koshin, Kaiboi, Mawego Technical Training Institutes, among others.
  • NVCET in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning – Offered at Ugenya Technical & Vocational College.
  • Artisan in Welding & Fabrication – Available at multiple colleges including Konoin, Kipkabus, and Mathira Technical & Vocational Colleges.
  • Artisan in ICT (Information Communication Technology) – Provided at Kiirua and Mawego Technical Training Institutes.
  • Artisan in Food and Beverage – Offered at Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College, Kisii National Polytechnic, and others.
  • Trade Motor Vehicle Mechanics – Available at Ugenya Technical & Vocational College.
  • Artisan in Plumbing – Offered at Konoin Technical Training Institute, Ugenya Technical & Vocational College, and more.

Institutions Offering KNEC Artisan Courses

These courses are delivered by accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, national polytechnics, technical training institutes, and some universities across Kenya. Notable institutions include:

  • Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College
  • Kiirua Technical Training Institute
  • Mathira Technical & Vocational College
  • Koshin Technical Training Institute
  • Ugenya Technical & Vocational College
  • Konoin Technical Training Institute
  • Mawego Technical Training Institute
  • St Joseph's Technical Institute (Nyang'oma for the Deaf)
  • North Eastern Province National Polytechnic
  • Butere Technical & Vocational College

Application and Funding

Prospective students should apply directly to the institutions offering the courses of interest. Some programmes may be subsidized or offered free depending on government initiatives or scholarships available at specific colleges.

KNEC artisan courses continue to play a crucial role in Kenya’s technical education landscape by providing accessible, affordable, and practical training that meets industry needs.