Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has unveiled a uniform annual fee of Sh67,189 for all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes across Kenya.
The fee, which covers assessment charges, will be enforced starting May 2026 and is part of the government’s effort to expand access to practical skills education.
The announcement came on March 6, 2026, during the first-ever graduation ceremony of Baringo National Polytechnic since its promotion to national polytechnic status. The event brought together graduands, families, staff, and stakeholders in a landmark celebration of the institution’s growth.
“In addition, we are undertaking reforms in TVET financing to enhance access to TVET programmes. Indeed, following extensive consultations with TVET sub-sector stakeholders, the government has rationalised TVET fees to promote access to TVET offerings,” Ogamba said.
He added, “Accordingly, the consolidated fees for TVET will be Sh67,189 per year, inclusive of assessment fees. This fee structure will apply with effect from May 2026.”
Addressing the audience, Ogamba hailed the graduation as a historic milestone and congratulated the pioneering students. He noted that the graduates are stepping into the workforce at a time of rapid technological advancement and economic change.
Ogamba emphasised the critical role of TVET in supporting Kenya’s development blueprint, including Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and national industrialisation efforts. He said reforms are underway to ensure the sector produces graduates who are skilled, adaptable, and competitive.
“One of the most significant reforms has been the strengthening of Competency-Based Education and Training. This approach shifts our focus from theory-heavy instruction to hands-on skills training, practical assessment and industry relevance.
Under CBET, trainees are evaluated on what they can do, not just what they know. This reform responds directly to the long-standing skills mismatch between training institutions and the labour market,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that partnerships between TVET institutions and industry are being strengthened to enhance on-the-job training and ensure courses remain relevant to market demands.
Enhancing Institutional Capacity
Ogamba outlined government efforts to equip institutions with modern facilities, enhance digital infrastructure, train instructors, and update curricula.
Baringo National Polytechnic is among 69 institutions scheduled to receive mechanical engineering equipment from AVIC International of China. Other support includes refrigeration equipment from GIZ and food and beverage technology tools from Colleges and Institutes Canada.
He said the government is also expanding access to loans, scholarships, and capitation through the Higher Education Loans Board.
Negotiations with the National Treasury are ongoing to address funding gaps in student financing.
Ogamba urged TVET institutions to keep updating programmes to include ICT, digital skills, renewable energy technologies, and climate-smart practices. He also encouraged graduates to pursue lifelong learning and leverage their skills to create opportunities for themselves and their communities.