Summary Table

Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital city, serves as the educational hub of East Africa, hosting numerous public tertiary institutions that provide accessible, quality education to thousands of students annually. These colleges play a crucial role in developing skilled professionals across various sectors, from technical trades to specialized fields like aviation and law. Understanding the landscape of public tertiary education in Nairobi helps prospective students make informed decisions about their academic futures.

Kenya Technical Trainers College (KTTC) stands as one of the premier institutions for technical teacher training in Kenya. Established in 1956, KTTC specializes in preparing technical and vocational education teachers who go on to teach in polytechnics and technical training institutes across the country. The college offers diploma and certificate courses in various technical disciplines, ensuring that Kenya's technical education sector has qualified instructors. Located in the Gigiri area of Nairobi, KTTC has consistently produced educators who understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of technical training.

Nairobi Technical Training Institute (NTTI) is among the oldest and most respected technical institutions in Kenya. Founded in 1949, NTTI has evolved from a trade school into a comprehensive technical institute offering courses in engineering, building construction, automotive technology, electrical installation, and business studies. The institution prides itself on hands-on training that prepares students for immediate employment in their respective fields. With modern workshops and laboratories, NTTI continues to be a preferred choice for students seeking practical, industry-relevant skills.

The Kenya Polytechnic University College, formerly known as Kenya Polytechnic, has undergone significant transformation since its establishment in 1961. Now operating as a constituent college of the University of Nairobi, it offers both diploma and degree programs in engineering, applied sciences, and business. Located along Haile Selassie Avenue in the city center, the institution boasts excellent facilities and has partnerships with industries that provide students with internship opportunities. Its elevation to university college status has expanded its academic offerings while maintaining its strong technical foundation.

Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) - Nairobi Campus represents the pinnacle of public medical education in Kenya. Established in 1927, KMTC has trained countless healthcare professionals who serve in hospitals and clinics nationwide. The Nairobi campus offers comprehensive programs in nursing, clinical medicine, pharmacy, medical laboratory sciences, and public health. With its proximity to major hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital, students benefit from extensive practical training in real healthcare settings. KMTC's rigorous curriculum ensures graduates are well-prepared to meet the healthcare needs of Kenyan communities.

Nairobi Aviation College is a relatively young institution, established in 2011 to meet the growing demand for aviation professionals in East Africa. As a state corporation under the Ministry of Transport, the college offers training in aircraft maintenance engineering, air traffic control, and aeronautical engineering. The specialized nature of its programs makes it unique among Nairobi's public tertiary institutions. Students have access to aircraft simulators and actual aircraft for hands-on training, preparing them for careers with Kenya Airways, other airlines, and aviation authorities.

Kenya School of Law - Nairobi Campus serves as the gateway to legal practice in Kenya. Founded in 1963, the school provides the mandatory Advocates Training Program for all aspiring lawyers who have completed their law degrees. The intensive program combines academic coursework with practical training through attachments at law firms and courts. Located in Karen, the school plays an essential role in maintaining professional standards within Kenya's legal profession and ensuring that new lawyers are competent and ethical practitioners.

Cooperative University College of Kenya, originally established as a cooperative college in the 1960s, has grown into a full-fledged university college. It specializes in cooperative management, business administration, and related fields. The institution's unique focus on cooperative principles and management makes it invaluable for Kenya's robust cooperative sector, which includes savings and credit cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, and housing cooperatives. Located in Lower Kabete, the college combines theoretical knowledge with practical cooperative principles.

Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) has been training media professionals since the 1960s. Offering programs in journalism, public relations, film production, and digital media, KIMC has produced many of Kenya's leading journalists and communications professionals. The institute's strategic location and industry connections provide students with opportunities to intern at major media houses, gaining practical experience that complements their classroom learning.

These eight public tertiary colleges in Nairobi demonstrate the government's commitment to providing diverse, accessible education pathways. From technical skills to professional training, these institutions ensure that students from all backgrounds can access quality education that leads to meaningful employment and contributes to national development.