All TVET institutions in Kenya — including national polytechnics, technical and vocational colleges, teacher trainer colleges, and vocational training centres — must be registered, accredited, and licensed by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), established under the TVET Act No. 29 of 2013. Operating a TVET institution without a valid TVETA licence is an offence attracting fines of up to KES 2,000,000.
The initial registration and licensing certificate is valid for five years. TVETA fees are gazetted under the TVET Act and were last published via Kenya Gazette Notice No. 4983 of 26 May 2017.
TVET Institution Licence Fee Summary Table
| Institution Type | Initial Registration / Licensing (KES) | 5-Year Renewal (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| National Polytechnic | 30,000 | 15,000 |
| Teacher Trainer College | 30,000 | 15,000 |
| Technical and Vocational College | 20,000 | 10,000 |
| Vocational Training Centre | 5,000 | 3,000 |
Initial registration fee includes accreditation of up to 10 programmes. Additional programmes are charged separately at KES 3,000–5,000 per course.
Additional Programme Accreditation Fees
| Level | Fee per Course (KES) |
|---|---|
| Trade Test | 3,000 |
| Artisan | 3,000 |
| Craft | 5,000 |
| Diploma | 5,000 |
| Higher / Advanced Diploma | 5,000 |
An annual quality assurance fee of KES 500 per enrolled student also applies to accredited institutions.
Application Process
Applicants submit documents to TVETA at Utalii House, 8th Floor, Utalii Street, Nairobi. Fees are payable by M-Pesa or bank transfer to: Kenya Commercial Bank, Kipande House Branch — A/C Name: Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority, A/C No. 1212502450.
