Comprehensive Guide to Kenya TVET Sh105000 Fees: Why Some Pay Huge Amount, What’s Really Happening

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Comprehensive Guide to Kenya TVET Sh105000 Fees: Why Some Pay Huge Amount, What’s Really Happening

Kenya TVET sh105000 Fees: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is one of the most practical pathways for young Kenyans to gain skills and enter the job market. It focuses on hands-on training in fields such as engineering, ICT, business, hospitality, agriculture, health, and creative arts—areas that employers need.

However, TVET fees have recently become a major concern. Many students and parents are discussing costs of up to KSh 105000 per year—much higher than before. This guide explains how TVET fees work, the official funding system, why costs have gone up for some people, and what you can do about it. The information is based on official sources, recent reports, and public discussions as of early 2026.

What is TVET and Why Does It Matter?

TVET teaches real-world skills rather than theory alone. It follows the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) approach, where you learn step-by-step and get certificates you can use right away for jobs or self-employment. Courses come in different levels:

Artisan — 6–12 months (after KCSE D- or below)
Craft Certificate — 1–2 years (KCSE D plain)
Diploma — 2–3 years (KCSE C- or craft certificate)
Higher Diploma — 1–2 years (after diploma)

Popular fields include:

Engineering (electrical, mechanical, automotive)
ICT and cybersecurity
Business and management
Hospitality and tourism
Agriculture and agribusiness
Health (lab tech, nutrition)
Fashion, beauty, and design

Kenya has over 2,000 TVET institutions — national polytechnics, technical institutes, vocational centers, and private colleges.

How Do You Join a TVET Program?

Two main ways:

Government-sponsored — Apply through KUCCPS (kuccps.net) after KCSE results. You get placed based on your grades and choices.
Self-sponsored — Apply directly to the college (higher fees, no automatic government help).

Many programs now use a modular system — you study and pay for one module at a time, which gives flexibility but affects total costs.

The Official Funding System: Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM)

In 2023, the government introduced the Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM) for universities and TVET. It aims to help students based on their families’ needs rather than giving fixed amounts to institutions.

Here’s how it works:

You apply via the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal (hef.co.ke).
A Means Testing Instrument (MTI) checks your family’s financial situation and places you in one of five bands (Band 1 = most needy, Band 5 = least needy).
Funding comes from three parts:
- Government scholarship (free money)
- HELB loan (you repay later)
- Household contribution (what your family pays)

The official tuition fee for government-sponsored TVET students is KSh 67,189 per year (2025/2026 figure). This is the base amount the government uses to calculate support. Needy students get more scholarships and less family contribution. For example:

Very needy (Band 1) → family pays only ~KSh 5,000
Less needy (Band 5) → family pays ~KSh 18,000

HELB can also provide loans for tuition and upkeep.

Important: This KSh 67,189 covers tuition only. Accommodation, tools, exams, and materials incur additional costs (typically KSh 50,000–100,000 per year).

Why are some students paying Kenya TVET sh105000 fees?

Although the official figure is KSh 67,189, many learners report paying much more—often KSh 105,000 or more per year.

Here’s why:

The CBET system went fully modular in 2025.
Many colleges now charge KSh 35,000 per module (tuition, materials, and assessment).
A whole year often has 3 modules → 3 × KSh 35,000 = KSh 105,000.
Some reports mention even higher totals (up to KSh 115,000–130,000) when extras are added.
Government capitation (subsidy) doesn’t always cover the full modular rate for new students or specific programs.

This change has caused:

Complaints from students and parents
Lower enrollment in public TVETs
More dropouts (some tutors say up to 50% in specific colleges)
Warnings from unions like KUTVET that Kenya could face a shortage of skilled workers

Public figures, including senators, have called for reviews and lower fees.

Where Can You Get Help Paying Fees?

Several options exist:

HELB loans & scholarships — Apply at helb.co.ke or hef.co.ke (up to KSh 40,000–60,000 for TVET).
County & CDF bursaries — Usually KSh 5,000–20,000.
NGOs, churches, and private sponsors.
Work-study programs are available in some colleges.

Apply early, submit accurate MTI details, and appeal if you think your band is wrong.

Practical Tips for Students and Parents

Go for KUCCPS placement if possible—you get better access to funding.
Always ask the college for the exact fee structure before enrolling.
Budget for extras (hostel, tools, exams) — they add up fast.
Check official websites regularly:
If fees feel too high, talk to the college administration or your local MP.

Conclusion on Kenya TVET sh105000 Fees

Kenya TVET sh105000 fees: TVET remains one of Kenya’s best options for practical, job-ready skills, mainly as the government aims to enroll 2 million trainees by the end of 2026. But the jump to modular fees (around KSh 105,000 in many cases) has made it harder for ordinary families. While the official SCFM base is still KSh 67,189, the actual cost depends on your college, program, and whether you’re taking modular courses.

Policies can change, so always verify the latest details directly from official sources or your institution before committing money. If you’re planning to join TVET, start early, apply for funding, and don’t hesitate to ask questions — it’s worth it for your future.

Comprehensive Guide to Kenya TVET Sh105000 Fees: Why Some Pay Huge Amount, What’s Really Happening