The Department of Fashion Design and Cosmetology at Kinango Technical and Vocational College is a vibrant, creative hub that prepares students for rewarding careers in Kenya's booming fashion, beauty, textile and personal care industries. It is one of the most popular departments at KTVC, attracting students from across Kwale County and the wider Coast Region who are passionate about design, creativity and self-employment.
The department offers two distinct but complementary pathways: Fashion Design & Garment Making — covering pattern drafting, garment construction, textile technology and fashion illustration; and Cosmetology — encompassing hairdressing, beauty therapy, skin care and nail technology. Both pathways are delivered under the national CBET framework, accredited by CDACC and regulated by TVETA, at Diploma, Craft Certificate and Artisan levels.
A defining feature of the department is its strong focus on entrepreneurship and self-employment. Every programme integrates practical business skills, salon and studio management, pricing, customer service and marketing — equipping graduates to open their own businesses, boutiques, beauty salons or tailoring enterprises immediately upon completing their training. HELB-eligible programmes and KUCCPS placements make the department accessible to a wide range of students regardless of financial background.
Fashion Design & Garment Making
- Pattern drafting and garment construction
- Fashion illustration and design principles
- Textile technology and fabric selection
- Industrial and domestic sewing machine operation
- Bridal, formal and casual wear production
- Embroidery, beadwork and garment decoration
- Fashion entrepreneurship and boutique management
Cosmetology
- Hairdressing — cutting, styling, colouring, relaxing
- Beauty therapy and facial treatments
- Skin care, manicure and pedicure
- Nail technology — acrylic, gel and nail art
- Make-up artistry and bridal beauty
- Salon hygiene, health and safety standards
- Salon business management and marketing
| Programme | Level | Duration | Entry Requirement | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Fashion Design & Garment Making | Diploma | 2.5 Years | KCSE C- & above | HELB & Govt |
| Diploma in Cosmetology | Diploma | 2.5 Years | KCSE C- & above | HELB & Govt |
| Craft Certificate in Garment Making | Craft Cert. | 2 Years | KCSE D & above | HELB Eligible |
| Craft Certificate in Hairdressing | Craft Cert. | 2 Years | KCSE D & above | HELB Eligible |
| Craft Certificate in Beauty Therapy | Craft Cert. | 2 Years | KCSE D & above | HELB Eligible |
| Artisan Certificate in Tailoring | Artisan | 1 Year | KCPE & above | HELB Eligible |
| Artisan Certificate in Hairdressing | Artisan | 1 Year | KCPE & above | HELB Eligible |
| Artisan Certificate in Nail Technology | Artisan | 1 Year | KCPE & above | HELB Eligible |
Stocked with industrial lockstitch, overlocking and embroidery machines alongside domestic sewing machines. Features cutting tables, pressing irons, dress forms in multiple sizes and a full range of garment construction tools and fabrics.
Creative design workspace with slanted drawing boards, fashion illustration resources, mood board stations, fabric swatches, a design reference library and portfolio development resources for diploma students.
Professional salon layout 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 training.
Equipped with 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.
Purpose-built nail studio featuring 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.
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.
The department places exceptional emphasis on entrepreneurship. Students are equipped not only with creative and technical skills but also with the business acumen to establish and run their own successful enterprises. Here are the key self-employment pathways our graduates pursue:
KTVC's Fashion Design and Cosmetology programmes welcome students with a wide range of academic backgrounds. No prior artistic or beauty experience is required — passion, creativity and commitment are what matter most.
- KCSE mean grade C- (Minus) or above
- Interest or experience in fashion / beauty is an advantage
- Craft Certificate holders may also qualify
- KUCCPS govt-sponsored or self-sponsored
- KCSE mean grade D (Plain) or above
- Any KCSE subject passes accepted
- Artisan certificate holders may qualify
- Self-sponsored or KUCCPS-placed
- KCPE certificate (any grade)
- Or KCSE with any grade
- Age 16 years and above
- Self-sponsored enrolment
Decide between the Fashion Design & Garment Making pathway or the Cosmetology pathway, then select the qualification level (Diploma, Craft Certificate or Artisan) that best matches your background and goals.
Government-sponsored students apply via the KUCCPS Portal. Self-sponsored students apply directly via the KTVC Online Admission Portal.
Download the current fee structure from the Downloads Page. HELB-eligible students should apply via the HELB Portal before reporting.
Pay the required fees via bank or Mpesa paybill. Bring your academic certificates, National ID / Birth Certificate, fee receipt and 2 passport photos to the Registrar's Office, KTVC Samburu Campus.
Intakes are held in January, May and September each year. Call +254 746 632 243 or email kinangotvc@gmail.com to confirm your exact reporting date.