About the Department
The Department of Fashion Design and Cosmetology at Kinango Technical and Vocational College (KTVC) is one of the most vibrant and popular departments in the college, attracting creative and ambitious students from across Kwale County and the wider Coast Region. We offer 5 CBET programmes spanning Fashion Design (Levels 6 and 5) and Cosmetology (Levels 5, 4 and 3), equipping graduates for rewarding careers and self-employment in Kenya's fast-growing fashion and beauty industries.
All programmes are delivered under the national Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework, accredited by the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) and regulated by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). Students track their academic progress through the Intellimis Academic Portal.
A defining strength of the department is its strong entrepreneurship focus. Every programme integrates business skills, salon and boutique management, pricing, customer service and marketing — giving graduates the confidence and competence to establish their own salons, boutiques, tailoring workshops or beauty businesses immediately upon completing their training. The coastal region's thriving tourism economy and growing urban population create exceptional demand for skilled fashion and beauty professionals.
5
CBET Programmes
2
Programme Areas
4
CBET Levels (3–6)
3
Intakes / Year
1–2.5
Years Duration
HELB
Loans Available
Head of Department — Fashion Design & Cosmetology
Kinango Technical and Vocational College, Samburu, Kwale County
kinangotvc@gmail.com | kinangotti2030@gmail.com | +254 746 632 243 CBET Programmes at a Glance
| # | Programme Name | CBET Level | Qualification | Duration | Min. Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fashion Design | Level 6 | Diploma (KNEC) | 2.5 Years | KCSE C− |
| 2 | Fashion Design | Level 5 | Higher Craft Cert. | 2 Years | KCSE D+ |
| 3 | Cosmetology | Level 5 | Higher Craft Cert. | 2 Years | KCSE D+ |
| 4 | Cosmetology | Level 4 | Craft Certificate | 1.5 Years | KCSE D (Plain) |
| 5 | Cosmetology | Level 3 | Artisan Certificate | 1 Year | KCPE |
All 5 programmes are CDACC-accredited under the CBET framework. Government-sponsored students apply via KUCCPS. Self-sponsored students apply via the KTVC Admission Portal. Intakes: January · May · September. Verify at CDACC Portal.
CBET Programmes — Full Details
1. Fashion Design
CBET Level 6
CBET-L6-FD
Fashion Design — Level 6
Diploma Programme · KNEC Examined · CDACC Accredited
2.5 Years
KCSE C− and above
KUCCPS Approved
HELB Eligible
The Diploma in Fashion Design is the highest qualification in this pathway, producing fully competent fashion professionals with expertise in advanced pattern drafting and garment construction, fashion illustration and design principles, textile technology, industrial sewing machine operations, bridal and formal wear production, fashion business and entrepreneurship, and fashion marketing. Graduates are ready for employment in fashion houses, textile industries and government institutions, or to establish their own successful fashion enterprises.
Apply for Fashion Design Level 6
Pathway:
Level 5
→
Level 6 (Diploma)
CBET Level 5
CBET-L5-FD
Fashion Design — Level 5
Higher Craft Certificate · CDACC Accredited
2 Years
KCSE D+ and above
Can Upgrade to Level 6
HELB Eligible
The Higher Craft Certificate in Fashion Design builds intermediate fashion competencies covering pattern making, garment construction, fabric identification and selection, domestic and industrial sewing machine operations, basic fashion illustration, garment fitting and alterations, and introductory fashion entrepreneurship. Graduates can work in fashion production roles or progress to the Level 6 Diploma through credit transfer.
Apply for Fashion Design Level 5
Pathway:
Level 5 (This Programme)
→
Level 6 (Diploma)
2. Cosmetology
CBET Level 5
CBET-L5-COS
Cosmetology — Level 5
Higher Craft Certificate · CDACC Accredited
2 Years
KCSE D+ and above
HELB Eligible
The Higher Craft Certificate in Cosmetology develops advanced beauty and hair care competencies. Trainees build expertise in advanced hairdressing (cutting, colouring, relaxing and styling), professional beauty therapy and facial treatments, skin care and dermatology basics, manicure and pedicure, nail technology (acrylic and gel), make-up artistry including bridal make-up, salon management and customer service, salon hygiene and safety standards. Graduates are ready for senior beauty and salon roles or self-employment.
Apply for Cosmetology Level 5
Pathway:
Level 4
→
Level 5 (This Programme)
CBET Level 4
CBET-L4-COS
Cosmetology — Level 4
Craft Certificate · CDACC Accredited
1.5 Years
KCSE D (Plain) and above
Can Upgrade to Level 5
HELB Eligible
The Craft Certificate in Cosmetology provides practical beauty and hairdressing skills covering basic haircutting and styling, hair relaxing and colouring, facial skin care, basic manicure and pedicure services, eyebrow shaping and threading, basic make-up application, salon reception and customer care, and salon hygiene standards. Graduates are ready for entry-level salon roles or progression to Level 5.
Apply for Cosmetology Level 4
Pathway:
Level 3
→
Level 4 (This Programme)
→
Level 5
CBET Level 3
CBET-L3-COS
Cosmetology — Level 3
Artisan Certificate · CDACC Accredited
1 Year
KCPE and above
Can Upgrade to Level 4
HELB Eligible
The Artisan Certificate in Cosmetology is the entry-level qualification in the cosmetology pathway, designed to be accessible to anyone with a KCPE certificate or above. Trainees gain foundational skills in basic haircutting, hair washing and conditioning, simple styling, personal grooming, basic make-up application, nail care fundamentals, salon etiquette and client communication. Graduates can begin working immediately or progress to Level 4.
Apply for Cosmetology Level 3
Pathway:
Level 3 (This Programme)
→
Level 4
→
Level 5
Programme details are subject to TVETA and CDACC guidelines. For the latest fee structure and specifications, download the current prospectus or contact the Registrar: +254 746 632 243. Verify accreditation at portal.tvetcdacc.go.ke. Track academic records at www.intellimis.com/login.
Department Facilities & Training Resources
Garment Making Workshop
Industrial and domestic sewing machines, overlocking machines, cutting tables, pressing irons, dress forms in multiple sizes and a full range of garment construction tools and fabrics.
Fashion Design Studio
Creative design workspace with drawing boards, fashion illustration resources, mood board stations, fabric swatches, a design reference library and portfolio development resources for diploma students.
Hairdressing Training Salon
Professional salon setup with hydraulic styling chairs, backwash units, drying hoods, towel warmers, colour mixing stations and a full inventory of professional hair products for cutting, colouring, relaxing and styling.
Beauty Therapy Treatment Lab
Padded treatment beds, facial steamers, high-frequency machines, hot stone sets, waxing heaters, professional skincare ranges and a dedicated make-up artistry station with bridal and theatrical make-up kits.
Nail Technology Studio
Professional nail tables with ventilation, UV/LED curing lamps, electric nail drills, acrylic and gel product stations and a comprehensive nail art resources library for creative design training.
Student Enterprise Area
A dedicated showcase and enterprise space where students exhibit and sell garments, accessories and beauty products created during training — building real-world business experience alongside technical skills.
Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Level 6 — Diploma
- KCSE Mean Grade C− (Minus) and above
- Interest or aptitude in fashion/design is an advantage
- Valid National Identity Card (18 years+)
- Certified copies of academic certificates
- 2 recent passport-size photographs
- KUCCPS letter (government-sponsored)
Level 5 — Higher Craft
- KCSE Mean Grade D+ and above
- Any subject passes accepted
- Valid National ID or Birth Certificate
- Certified copies of KCSE result slip
- 2 recent passport-size photographs
- Completed KTVC application form
Level 4 — Craft Certificate
- KCSE Mean Grade D (Plain) and above
- All D holders eligible — no subject restriction
- Valid National ID or Birth Certificate
- Certified copies of KCSE result slip
- 2 recent passport-size photographs
- Completed KTVC application form
Level 3 — Artisan Certificate
- KCPE certificate (any grade)
- Or KCSE with any grade
- Age 16 years and above
- Valid National ID or Birth Certificate
- 2 recent passport-size photographs
- Self-sponsored enrolment
Requirements may vary per intake. Contact the Registrar's Office: +254 746 632 243 | kinangotvc@gmail.com | kinangotti2030@gmail.com. Academic records via Intellimis Portal.
Career Prospects — What You Can Become
Fashion Design and Cosmetology graduates are employed across Kenya's beauty, fashion, hospitality and media industries. The department's strong entrepreneurship focus means many graduates go directly into self-employment — opening salons, boutiques and tailoring workshops. Kwale County's thriving coastal tourism economy and growing urban population create exceptional and consistent demand for skilled fashion and beauty professionals.
Fashion Designer
Create bespoke clothing, bridal wear and fashion lines for clients and retail
Tailor / Seamstress
Craft and alter garments for schools, hotels, corporates and individual clients
Boutique Owner
Own and manage a fashion boutique selling custom-designed or curated clothing
Hairstylist / Barber
Provide professional hair cutting, colouring, relaxing and styling services
Beauty Therapist
Deliver facial treatments, skin care and therapeutic beauty services
Nail Technician
Provide acrylic, gel, nail art and manicure/pedicure services
Make-up Artist
Create looks for bridal, events, photography, film and media clients
Salon Owner
Establish and manage your own salon business for long-term income and growth
Key employers: Coastal Hotels & Resorts, Beauty Salons, Fashion Houses, Media Companies, Television & Film Productions, County Governments, Textile Firms, Wedding & Events Industry, NGOs, Airlines, TVET Institutions.
How to Apply
1
Choose Your Programme & Level
Review the 5 CBET programmes above and select the one that matches your academic background and career interests. You can always upgrade to higher levels through the CBET credit accumulation and transfer system.
2
Select Your Admission Route
Government-sponsored students apply via the KUCCPS Portal. Self-sponsored students apply directly via the KTVC Online Admission Portal.
3
Download the Fee Structure
Visit the Downloads Page to get the current fee structure. HELB-eligible students should apply via the HELB Portal.
4
Pay Fees & Submit Documents
Pay via bank or Mpesa paybill. Bring your academic certificates, National ID or Birth Certificate, fee receipt and 2 passport photos to the Registrar's Office, KTVC Samburu Campus.
5
Report on Intake Date
Intakes are held in January, May and September each year. Call +254 746 632 243 or email kinangotvc@gmail.com / kinangotti2030@gmail.com to confirm the exact reporting date. Track records via Intellimis.
Accreditation:
CDACC Accredited
TVETA Licensed
CBET Framework
KNEC Registered
KUCCPS Approved
HELB Eligible
NITA Recognised
Kenya Fashion Council
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