BARINGO, Kenya — The government has introduced a standardised annual fee of Sh67,189 for all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes across the country, a move aimed at expanding access to skills-based education.
The new fee structure, which includes assessment charges, will take effect in May 2026, according to Julius Migos Ogamba, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Education (Kenya).
Ogamba announced the change on March 6 during the first graduation ceremony of Baringo National Polytechnic since the institution was elevated to national polytechnic status.
“In addition, we are undertaking reforms in TVET financing to enhance access to TVET programmes. Following extensive consultations with TVET sub-sector stakeholders, the government has rationalised TVET fees to promote access to TVET offerings,” Ogamba said.
“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,” he added.
Milestone graduation
The ceremony marked a historic moment for the institution as it celebrated its first cohort of graduates following its transition to national polytechnic status.
Ogamba congratulated the graduates and noted they were completing their studies at a time when technology and economic demands are rapidly evolving.
TVET is central to development
The Education CS emphasised that TVET institutions play a critical role in advancing Kenya’s development goals, including Kenya Vision 2030 and the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
He highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring graduates are equipped with practical and market-relevant skills.
“One of the most significant reforms has been the strengthening of Competency-Based Education and Training,” Ogamba said.
The Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) model focuses on hands-on training, practical assessment and industry relevance rather than theory-heavy instruction.
“Under CBET, trainees are evaluated on what they can do, not just what they know,” he said, adding that the reform is intended to address the long-standing skills mismatch between training institutions and labour market demands.
Investment in training infrastructure
The government is also strengthening partnerships between TVET institutions and industry to improve workplace training and ensure programmes align with market needs.
As part of these efforts, Baringo National Polytechnic is among 69 institutions set to receive mechanical engineering equipment from AVIC International of China.
The institution will also receive refrigerators from GIZ and food-and-beverage training equipment from Colleges and Institutes Canada.
Expanding financial support
Ogamba said the government is also working to expand access to scholarships, loans, and capitation through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
Discussions are ongoing with the National Treasury (Kenya) to bridge funding gaps and support more students seeking technical training.
He urged TVET institutions to regularly update their courses to include emerging areas such as ICT, digital skills, renewable energy, and climate-smart technologies.
The CS also encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning and use their skills to create employment opportunities for themselves and their communities.
