The government has announced a new standardised fee structure for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Kenya, setting the annual charge at Sh67,189. The consolidated fee, which includes assessment costs, will take effect from May 2026 and is intended to make skills‑based training more affordable and accessible to students nationwide.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba unveiled the new policy on March 6, 2026, during the first graduation ceremony of Baringo National Polytechnic since its elevation to national status. The event marked a historic milestone for the institution, celebrating its inaugural cohort of graduates alongside families, staff, and stakeholders.
Ogamba explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with TVET stakeholders and was part of broader reforms aimed at rationalizing financing in the sector. “The government has consolidated TVET fees to promote access to training opportunities. Accordingly, the annual fee will be Sh67,189, inclusive of assessment charges, beginning May 2026,” he said.
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Ogamba emphasized that TVET remains central to Kenya’s development agenda, including Vision 2030, the Bottom‑Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and the country’s industrialisation plan. He noted that reforms are designed to produce graduates who are not only technically skilled but also adaptable and competitive in a fast‑changing global economy.
One of the most significant changes, Ogamba highlighted, is the strengthening of Competency‑Based Education and Training (CBET). This approach shifts emphasis from theory‑heavy instruction to practical, hands‑on learning and industry relevance. Under CBET, trainees are assessed on what they can do rather than what they know, directly addressing the long‑standing mismatch between institutional training and labour market demands.
To support this transition, the government is investing in modern tools, digital infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum updates. Partnerships between TVET institutions and industry are also being reinforced to ensure workplace experience and alignment with real job market needs. Ogamba urged institutions to continuously update their courses to include ICT, digital skills, renewable energy, and climate‑smart practices.
Baringo National Polytechnic, one of 69 institutions benefiting from new equipment allocations, is set to receive mechanical engineering tools from AVIC International of China. The school will also acquire refrigeration units from GIZ and food and beverage equipment from Colleges and Institutes Canada, boosting its training capacity.
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In his address to the graduates, Ogamba congratulated them for completing their studies at a time of rapid technological and economic change. He encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning and use their skills to create opportunities for themselves and their communities. “TVET is a key driver of development, and your role as graduates is to harness your training to contribute to Kenya’s growth,” he said.
Ogamba further assured students that the government is expanding access to scholarships, loans, and capitation through the Higher Education Loans Board. Discussions with the National Treasury are ongoing to bridge funding gaps and ensure sustainable financing for TVET programmes.
By Masaki Enock
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