Every public TVET college in Kenya charges the same annual fee: KES 67,189. Under the Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM), most students pay much less. Many pay nothing at all. The government covers your fees through scholarships and loans. This guide explains exactly how it works — and what you will actually pay.

TVET Fees in Kenya 2026 — What You'll Actually Pay

KES 67,189per year

That is the fee for every public TVET college in Kenya. It does not matter what course you take. It does not matter if it's a certificate or a diploma. It does not matter which college you go to. The price is the same everywhere.

Here is the good news: most students pay much less. Many pay nothing at all. The government covers the cost through scholarships and loans. This is called the Student-Centred Funding Model.

See your estimated costApply for funding on HEF

Standardized Fee

KES 67,189

Per academic year for all public TVET institutions. Same rate for certificate and diploma courses.

Government Support

Up to 100%

Vulnerable and extremely needy students get all fees covered through scholarships and loans.

What You'll Pay

KES 0 – 4,703

Depending on your need band. Less needy students pay just 7% of the standardized fee.

Standardized Fee Breakdown (2025–2026)

Vote HeadAmount (KES)
Tuition (Government New Funding Model)39,719
Personal Emoluments10,500
Electricity, Water & Conservancy3,970
Local Transport & Travel4,200
Resource Management & Infrastructure4,000
Activity Fee4,800
Annual Subtotal67,189

Source: Ministry of Education TVET guidelines (MOE/TVET/2/53/1). Verified against Ruiru TVC, Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic, and Kenya Coast National Polytechnic fee structures.

One-Time Admission Charges (First Year Only)

  • Registration FeeKES 2,000
  • Student ID CardKES 500
  • Caution Money (Refundable)KES 1,000
  • TVETA Registration FeeKES 500
  • One-Time TotalKES 4,900

First-year grand total: KES 72,089 (annual fee + one-time charges). Subsequent years: KES 67,189.

How Much Will You Pay? — The Student-Centred Funding Model

Since May 2023, all government funding for TVET students goes through the Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM). Your cost depends on your assessed need band. Apply at www.hef.co.ke.

Band 1 — Vulnerable StudentsYou pay: KES 0
Scholarship

82%

KES 55,095

HELB Loan

18%

KES 12,094

Your Contribution

0%

KES 0

Upkeep Allowance

KES 60,000

Additional for living costs

Band 2 — Extremely Needy StudentsYou pay: KES 0
Scholarship

70%

KES 47,032

HELB Loan

30%

KES 20,157

Your Contribution

0%

KES 0

Upkeep Allowance

KES 55,000

Additional for living costs

Band 3 — Less Needy StudentsYou pay: KES 4,703/year
Scholarship

38%

KES 25,532

HELB Loan

55%

KES 36,954

Your Contribution

7%

KES 4,703

Upkeep Allowance

KES 40,000

Additional for living costs

Source: Higher Education Financing Portal (hef.co.ke), HELB TVET loan guidelines, and KUCCPS placement data. Capitation of KES 30,000 per student is already included in these figures. Need band is determined during your HEF portal application based on family income and other factors.

How to Apply for Government Funding

1

Get Admitted

Get your admission letter from a public TVET college. You can get placed through KUCCP. Or you can apply directly to the college.

2

Visit the HEF Portal

Go to www.hef.co.ke. Create an account. Use your National ID number, an email address, and a password. You will get an activation link in your email.

3

Complete Your Profile

Fill in your personal details. Enter your education history (KCPE and KCSE index numbers). Add your college information. Include your parents' or guardians' details. Upload clear copies of your National ID, admission letter, and a passport-size photo.

4

Select Loan Product & Guarantors

Under the HELB menu, select "First Time TVET Scholarship and Loan". Give the details of two guarantors. Your parents or guardians can be your guarantors. Enter your bank account or M-Pesa details. This is where your money will be sent.

5

Submit & Wait for Approval

Check everything carefully before you submit. Download your acknowledgment slip. Keep it safe. HELB will send you an SMS and email when your application is approved.

Already a continuing student? You do not need to use the HEF portal again. Apply through the HELB Mobile App (available on Google Play Store) or dial *642# on your Safaricom line. Log in, update your academic progress, and resubmit.

What Else Should You Budget For?

These costs are not included in the standardized KES 67,189 annual fee. Plan for them separately based on your location and course.

🏠

Accommodation & Meals

KES 15,000–40,000/year

Day scholars save significantly on accommodation

📝

Exam Fees

Varies by exam body

KNEC, CDACC, or NITA fees apply per paper

🛠️

Tools & Protective Gear

KES 2,000–10,000

Especially for trade and engineering courses

🚌

Daily Transport

KES 100–300/day

Depends on distance from institution

📚

Books & Stationery

KES 3,000–8,000/year

Some materials available in institution library

🏥

Medical & Insurance

KES 1,000–3,000/year

Check if your institution provides cover

Ready to Find Your TVET College?

Browse over 2,300 TVET institutions across all 47 counties. Compare courses, check contacts, and find the right college for your budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much are TVET fees in Kenya?
All public TVET colleges in Kenya charge the same fee: KES 67,189 per year. This price is the same for every course — certificate or diploma. It is the same at National Polytechnics, Technical Training Institutes, and Vocational Training Centres. Private colleges set their own fees. Those range from KES 50,000 to KES 150,000 per year. First-year students also pay a one-time fee of about KES 4,900. This covers registration, your student ID, and caution money.
Does the government pay TVET fees?
Yes — for most students, the government covers everything. The system is called the Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM). It started in May 2023. Here is how it works: the government looks at how much money your family has. Then it puts you in a band. If you are in Band 1 (vulnerable), the government pays 100% of your fees — you pay nothing. The same is true for Band 2 (extremely needy). If you are in Band 3 (less needy), you pay just 7% — that is about KES 4,703 per year. The government also gives KES 30,000 to every TVET college for each student. Plus you can get KES 40,000 to 60,000 for living costs.
How do I apply for government TVET funding?
Go to www.hef.co.ke. Create an account with your National ID and email. Fill in your details. Upload your admission letter, ID, and passport photo. Select 'First Time TVET Scholarship and Loan.' Give the names of two guarantors (your parents or guardians can do this). Then submit. If you are a continuing student, use the HELB Mobile App on Google Play Store. Or dial *642# on your Safaricom line. Applications for September intake close in August. Applications for January intake close in December.
How much HELB loan can I get for TVET?
HELB gives TVET loans from KES 40,000 to KES 60,000 per year. The amount depends on your need level. The loan is part of the SCFM system. Vulnerable students get a loan of 18% of fees (KES 12,094). Extremely needy students get 30% (KES 20,157). Less needy students get 55% (KES 36,954). The interest rate is 4% per year. There is also a one-time ledger fee of KES 1,000. You start repaying one year after you finish your course.

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