TVET Fees in Kenya Set at Ksh67,189 Per Year as Education CS Julius Ogamba Announces Major Reforms
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has officially announced a new standardized annual fee of Ksh67,189 for all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes in Kenya, a move aimed at improving access to skills-based education and strengthening the country’s workforce.
The new TVET fee structure, which includes assessment costs, will take effect from May 2026 and will apply to institutions across the country.
Ogamba Announces New TVET Fee During Historic Graduation
Speaking during the first graduation ceremony of Baringo National Polytechnic in Baringo County on March 6, 2026, Ogamba described the announcement as part of broader reforms intended to expand opportunities for young Kenyans seeking practical and industry-ready skills.
The ceremony marked a historic milestone for the institution following its elevation to national polytechnic status.
According to the CS, the government held extensive consultations with stakeholders in the TVET sector before settling on the new fee structure.
“Following extensive consultations with TVET sub-sector stakeholders, the government has rationalised TVET fees to promote greater access to training programmes,” Ogamba stated.
He confirmed that the consolidated annual fee for TVET programmes will be Ksh67,189, inclusive of assessment charges.
TVET Key to Kenya’s Economic Transformation
Ogamba emphasized that Technical and Vocational Education and Training plays a critical role in Kenya’s economic development and supports major national initiatives such as:
* Kenya Vision 2030
* Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda
* National industrialisation goals
The government is currently implementing wide-ranging reforms aimed at producing skilled, innovative and competitive graduates capable of meeting labour market demands.
A key pillar of these reforms is the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system, which focuses on hands-on practical skills rather than theory-heavy instruction.
Under CBET, trainees are assessed based on what they can actually do in real-world environments, helping close the long-standing gap between training institutions and industry needs.
Government to Equip TVET Institutions With Modern Technology
The government has also intensified investment in modern equipment, digital infrastructure, and trainer capacity building across TVET institutions.
Notably, Baringo National Polytechnic is among 69 institutions set to receive advanced mechanical engineering equipment from AVIC International of China.
Additional support will include:
* Refrigeration equipment from GIZ
* Food and beverage training infrastructure from Colleges and Institutes Canada
These upgrades are expected to significantly improve the quality of technical training in Kenyan institutions.
Scholarships and Loans to Support TVET Students
To ensure the new fee structure does not limit access, Ogamba revealed that the government is working to expand scholarships, capitation and student loans through the Higher Education Loans Board.
Discussions are also ongoing with the National Treasury of Kenya to address funding gaps and ensure more trainees can access financial support.
Call for Digital Skills and Future-Ready Training
The Education CS further urged TVET institutions to update their curricula to incorporate **ICT, digital technology, renewable energy, and climate-smart practices.
He encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning and use their technical skills to create employment opportunities within their communities.
With these reforms, the government hopes to position TVET education as a powerful engine for job creation, innovation and economic growth in Kenya.
