HOD Fashion Design and Cosmetology – Kinango Technical and Vocational College

Head of Department — Fashion Design & Cosmetology

Nicholas Mathendu

Head of Department

Fashion Design & Cosmetology

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Mr. Nicholas Mathendu

Head of Department — Fashion Design & Cosmetology

Title

Head of Department

Department

Fashion Design & Cosmetology

Programmes Overseen

5 CBET Programmes

CBET Levels

Level 3, 4, 5 & 6

Specialisations

Fashion Design & Cosmetology

Curriculum Body

CDACC / KNEC

Phone

+254 746 632 243

kinangotvc@gmail.com

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For academic enquiries related to Fashion Design & Cosmetology programmes, contact the department directly or visit the Registrar's Office at KTVC Samburu Campus. Academic records can be accessed via the Intellimis Portal.

CBET Programmes

Level 3–6

CBET Levels

2 Areas

Fashion & Cosmetology

Jan · May · Sep

Intakes Per Year

Welcome Message from the Head of Department

A Message from the Head of Department

Fashion Design & Cosmetology Department, Kinango Technical and Vocational College

“

Welcome to the Department of Fashion Design and Cosmetology at Kinango Technical and Vocational College. It is my honour to lead this vibrant and creative department, which is dedicated to producing graduates who are not just technically skilled, but truly ready to thrive in Kenya's fast-growing fashion and beauty industries.

Through a Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) approach, we emphasise hands-on learning, creativity, and innovation. Our trainees are exposed to modern techniques in garment construction, fashion illustration, textile technology, beauty therapy, hairdressing, makeup artistry, skincare, and salon management. We aim to develop graduates who are confident, ethical, and capable of starting their own enterprises or securing employment in reputable establishments.

We pride ourselves on a team of qualified trainers, well-equipped workshops, and strong industry linkages that enhance practical exposure and internship opportunities. Our goal is to inspire excellence, professionalism, and continuous growth among our trainees.

Whether you are passionate about fashion design, hairdressing, beauty therapy, nail technology or salon management, this department offers you a clear and structured pathway — from the foundational Artisan Certificate (Level 3) all the way up to the prestigious Diploma in Fashion Design (Level 6). The CBET credit accumulation and transfer system means you can start at any level and progress upward as your skills and ambitions grow.

Kwale County's thriving coastal tourism economy, the growing demand for skilled beauty and fashion professionals, and Kenya's expanding creative industries all create exceptional opportunity for our graduates. I warmly invite you to join this department and let us shape your future together.

Nicholas Mathendu

Head of Department

Fashion Design and Cosmetology Department

Kinango Technical and Vocational College, Samburu, Kwale County

+254 746 632 243 kinangotvc@gmail.com Department Page

Core Training Areas

Our programmes develop hands-on competencies across these key fashion and beauty domains, preparing graduates for diverse careers and self-employment across Kenya's creative and hospitality sectors.

Garment Construction

Pattern drafting, fabric cutting, sewing machine operation, garment fitting, alterations, bridal & formalwear production and finishing techniques.

Fashion Illustration & Design

Fashion drawing, design principles, mood boards, colour theory, textile illustration and portfolio development for creative fashion professionals.

Hairdressing & Styling

Hair cutting, colouring, relaxing, perming, braiding, weaving, blow-drying, chemical treatments and advanced styling techniques for salons.

Beauty Therapy & Skincare

Facial treatments, skin analysis, body massage, waxing, eyebrow threading, skin care product knowledge and professional beauty therapy protocols.

Makeup Artistry

Bridal makeup, corrective makeup, theatrical and film makeup, contouring techniques, airbrush artistry and professional kit management.

Salon & Business Management

Salon setup and operations, customer service, pricing strategy, stock management, marketing, entrepreneurship and salon hygiene standards.

CBET Programmes — Fashion Design & Cosmetology

Five CBET programmes across two specialisations — all CDACC-accredited. Entry ranges from KCPE (Level 3) to KCSE C− (Level 6). Intakes: January, May and September. Progress upward through CBET credit transfer.

Fashion Design Pathway (Levels 5 & 6)

Fashion Design

Diploma Programme — Advanced design, garment production & fashion entrepreneurship

Level 6 CDACC/KNEC

2.5 Years KCSE C− and above KUCCPS Approved HELB Eligible

The Diploma in Fashion Design (Level 6) is the highest qualification in the fashion pathway, producing fully competent fashion professionals. Trainees develop 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 media, or to establish their own successful fashion enterprises and boutiques.

Pattern Drafting Garment Construction Fashion Illustration Entrepreneurship Textile Technology

Fashion Design

Higher Craft Certificate — Core design skills & garment production

Level 5 CDACC

2 Years KCSE D+ and above Can Upgrade to Level 6 HELB Eligible

The Higher Craft Certificate in Fashion Design (Level 5) develops solid intermediate garment-making competencies. Trainees master 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 work in fashion production or progress to the Level 6 Diploma through CBET credit transfer.

Pattern Making Sewing Machines Fabric Selection Garment Fitting Basic Illustration

Cosmetology Pathway (Levels 3, 4 & 5)

Cosmetology

Higher Craft Certificate — Advanced beauty therapy, hair & salon management

Level 5 CDACC

2 Years KCSE D+ and above HELB Eligible

The Higher Craft Certificate in Cosmetology (Level 5) develops advanced beauty and hair competencies. Trainees gain 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), makeup artistry including bridal makeup, salon management and customer service, and salon hygiene standards. Graduates are ready for senior beauty roles or self-employment.

Advanced Hairdressing Beauty Therapy Makeup Artistry Nail Technology Salon Management

Cosmetology

Craft Certificate — Core hairdressing, beauty & salon skills

Level 4 CDACC

1.5 Years KCSE D (Plain) and above Can Upgrade to Level 5 HELB Eligible

The Craft Certificate in Cosmetology (Level 4) provides practical beauty and hairdressing skills. Trainees learn basic haircutting and styling, hair relaxing and colouring, facial skin care, basic manicure and pedicure, eyebrow shaping and threading, basic makeup application, salon reception and customer care, and salon hygiene standards. Graduates are ready for entry-level salon roles or can progress to Level 5 through credit transfer.

Haircutting & Styling Hair Colouring Facial Skin Care Basic Makeup Customer Care

Cosmetology

Artisan Certificate — Foundational beauty & salon skills — Open to KCPE holders

Level 3 CDACC

1 Year KCPE and above Can Upgrade to Level 4 HELB Eligible

The Artisan Certificate in Cosmetology (Level 3) is the most accessible entry point in the department — open to anyone with a KCPE certificate or above. Trainees gain foundational skills in basic haircutting, hair washing and conditioning, simple styling, personal grooming, basic makeup application, nail care fundamentals, salon etiquette and client communication. Graduates can begin working immediately in salons or progress to the Level 4 Craft Certificate through the CBET credit transfer pathway.

Basic Haircutting Hair Washing Basic Makeup Nail Care Salon Etiquette

All 5 programmes are CDACC-accredited under the CBET framework. Cosmetology Level 3 entry requires KCPE only. Intakes: January · May · September. Apply via KTVC Admission Portal or KUCCPS. Verify accreditation at portal.tvetcdacc.go.ke. Track academic records via Intellimis Portal.

Career Prospects for Graduates

Graduates are employed across fashion, beauty, hospitality, media and tourism industries. Many go directly into self-employment in Kwale County's growing coastal economy.

Fashion Designer

Bespoke clothing, bridal wear and fashion lines for clients and retail

Tailor / Seamstress

Garment crafting and alterations for schools, hotels and corporates

Boutique Owner

Own and manage a fashion boutique selling custom or curated clothing

Beauty Therapist

Facial treatments, skin care and therapeutic beauty services in salons

Makeup Artist

Bridal, events, photography, film and media makeup artistry

Nail Technician

Acrylic, gel, nail art and manicure/pedicure professional services

Hairstylist

Professional cutting, colouring, relaxing and styling in top salons

Salon Owner

Establish and manage your own salon business for sustainable income

Key Employers: Coastal Hotels & Resorts, Beauty Salons, Fashion Houses, Media Companies, TV & Film Productions, County Governments, Textile Firms, Wedding & Events Industry, NGOs, Airlines, TVET Institutions and Self-Employment.

Our CBET Hands-On, Creative Approach

Every Fashion Design and Cosmetology trainee at KTVC learns through hands-on practical sessions in our garment workshops, fashion studios, hairdressing training salon, beauty therapy lab and nail technology studio. Trainees work on real garment projects, live client services, bridal styling simulations and portfolio development — building the confidence and competence that employers and clients expect. Our strong industry linkages provide practical attachments and internship opportunities that connect trainees directly with the professional world. This is creative, career-ready education.

Kinango Technical and
Vocational College

Head of Department — Mr Nicholas Mathendu

A Message from the Head of Department

Our CBET Hands-On, Creative Approach

Ready to Launch Your Creative Career?