RVTTI| Courses, Fees & How to Apply

Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI), List of courses, faculties, study options, admission requirements, learning modes, and what prospective students should know before applying.

Rift Valley Technical Training Institute, often shortened to RVTTI, is a popular choice for students who want practical, career-focused training in Kenya. Whether you are finishing secondary school, upgrading your skills, or switching careers, RVTTI offers a wide range of technical, business, ICT, hospitality, engineering, and applied science programs designed to match real workplace needs.

This guide breaks down Rift Valley Technical Training Institute course details clearly and helpfully, including the main courses offered, entry requirements, duration, learning structure, attachments, examinations, fees overview, and application steps.

Why choose Rift Valley Technical Training Institute

When students search for Rift Valley Technical Training Institute course details, they usually want to know one thing: Will this training help me get a job or start a business? RVTTI is built around hands-on learning, which means you spend time in workshops, labs, studios, and practical sessions, not just in classrooms.

Many programs include an industry attachment, which gives you workplace experience before graduation. Another big advantage is course variety; you can study everything from electrical installation to supply chain management, from food and beverage to ICT, from mechanical engineering to building technology.

RVTTI programs are also structured to support different academic levels. If you have strong grades, you can join diploma routes; if your grades are lower, you can start with certificate, artisan, or short courses and progress step by step. This flexible approach makes technical education accessible and practical for many learners.

Levels of training at RVTTI

RVTTI typically offers training at multiple levels. The exact list can vary by department, but in most cases, you will find options like these.

Artisan courses

Artisan courses focus on foundational skills and are ideal for learners who want quick entry into the workforce. They emphasise practical competence, tool handling, safety, and basic theory.

Certificate courses

Certificate programs build stronger technical knowledge than artisan-level programs and prepare you for entry-level employment or progression to a diploma. Certificates often include both classroom learning and workshop or lab practice.

Diploma courses

Diploma programs provide deeper technical understanding, advanced practical work, and stronger professional preparation. Diplomas are popular for students targeting supervisory roles, formal employment, or further study.

Short courses

Short courses are skills-based programs that run for a shorter period, often targeting specific competencies such as computer packages, electrical wiring basics, welding skills, baking, plumbing, or motor vehicle diagnostics. These are excellent for upskilling, entrepreneurship, and quick employability.

Rift Valley Technical Training Institute course details by department

Because RVTTI is a technical institute, courses are usually organised into departments. Below is a comprehensive overview of common course categories, what you learn, typical career outcomes, and who each course suits best.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering courses

Electrical programs are among the most marketable technical courses because nearly every industry relies on power systems, wiring, machines, and maintenance. At RVTTI, electrical and electronics training usually covers domestic wiring, industrial installation, motors, control systems, and electronics fundamentals.

Common programs you may find

• Electrical Installation and Wiring, artisan, certificate, diploma

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering, certificate, diploma

• Electronics Technology, certificate, diploma

• Power option-related units, depending on the level

What you learn

• Wiring systems, safety and regulations

• Electrical machines and motor control

• Basic electronics, components, circuits, and soldering

• Installation, testing, fault-finding, and maintenance

• Control systems basics and instrumentation fundamentals

Career paths
Electrical technician, maintenance technician, electrical installer, plant technician, solar installation assistant, electronics repair technician, industrial electrician trainee, self-employed wiring contractor.

Mechanical and Automotive Engineering courses

Mechanical and automotive programs focus on machines, engines, fabrication, and maintenance. These courses suit learners who enjoy working with tools, solving mechanical problems, and doing hands-on repairs.

Common programs you may find

• Mechanical Engineering, certificate, diploma

• Automotive Engineering or Motor Vehicle Mechanics, artisan, certificate, diploma

• Welding and Fabrication, artisan, certificate

• Plumbing and Pipe Fitting units in some institutes, depending on the department structure

What you learn

• Workshop practice, measurement and fitting

• Engine systems, transmission, steering and suspension

• Vehicle electrical basics, diagnostics, and servicing

• Welding processes, fabrication, and metalwork

• Maintenance routines, safety procedures, and technical drawing basics

Career paths
Automotive technician, mechanic, fleet service assistant, welding technician, fabrication technician, machine operator, maintenance assistant, workshop supervisor trainee, self-employed garage owner.

Building and Civil Engineering courses

Building and construction programs are ideal for learners aiming for careers in construction sites, property development, and infrastructure work. They focus on practical construction skills and the technical planning that supports safe structures.

Common programs you may find

• Building Technology, certificate, diploma

• Civil Engineering, certificate, diploma

• Plumbing, masonry, carpentry, and joinery, artisan or certificate, where available

• Quantity surveying support units in some course structures, depending on the level

What you learn

• Construction methods, site practice, safety

• Building materials and construction technology

• Basic surveying concepts, levelling, and setting out

• Structural basics, concrete work, finishes

• Reading drawings, technical drawing, and estimating basics

Career paths
Construction technician, site supervisor assistant, clerk of works trainee, building technician, site foreman trainee, self-employed contractor, finishing specialist.

Information Communication Technology and Computing courses

ICT courses are among the most searched because they open doors to many office, business, and tech roles. RVTTI ICT programs often start with computer applications and progress into networking, programming basics, systems support, and database fundamentals.

Common programs you may find

• Information Communication Technology, certificate, diploma

• Computer Packages, short course

• Computer Repair and Maintenance, short course or certificate units

• Networking basics, depending on level

What you learn

• Computer applications, documents, spreadsheets, and presentations

• Operating systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance

• Basic networking, internet technologies, security basics

• Databases fundamentals and simple programming concepts, depending on the level

• Customer support, ICT ethics, and communication skills

Career paths
ICT support technician, data entry clerk, help desk assistant, office ICT assistant, cybercafe manager, junior network assistant, self-employed computer repair technician.

Business and Management courses

Business programs are great for learners who want office-based careers, entrepreneurship, or skills for running a business. They blend practical office skills with modern management knowledge.

Common programs you may find

• Business Management, certificate, diploma

• Human Resource Management, certificate, diploma

• Supply Chain Management or Procurement and Logistics, certificate, diploma

• Accountancy, bookkeeping, or business administration options, depending on the institute’s offerings

What you learn

• Management principles, entrepreneurship, and communication

• Office procedures, customer care, business law basics

• Procurement, stores, logistics, and inventory control, depending on the course

• Basic accounting, costing, budgeting, and record keeping, depending on the course

• Project management basics and organisational skills

Career paths
Office administrator, procurement assistant, stores clerk, HR assistant, sales coordinator, customer service assistant, self-employed entrepreneur, accounts clerk trainee.

Hospitality, Tourism, and Food Production courses

Hospitality programs are practical and skill-intensive. They are ideal for learners who want careers in hotels, restaurants, catering companies, institutions, or who plan to start food businesses.

Common programs you may find

• Food and Beverage Production, artisan, certificate, diploma

• Food and Beverage Service, artisan, certificate, diploma

• Catering and Accommodation Management, certificate, diploma

• Housekeeping and Laundry, a short course in some cases

• Tourism-related units, depending on availability

What you learn

• Cookery techniques, menu planning, and kitchen operations

• Baking and pastry basics, depending on level

• Restaurant service, customer care, table setting, beverage service

• Hygiene, food safety, cost control, hospitality communication

• Front office basics and accommodation operations, where included

Career paths
Chef assistant, cook, pastry assistant, waiter, restaurant supervisor trainee, catering assistant, hotel front office assistant, self-employed caterer, bakery business owner.

Agriculture and Applied Sciences courses

Some technical institutes offer agriculture and applied science courses that focus on practical production, agribusiness, and laboratory or environmental skills. Availability depends on campus facilities and department setup.

Common programs you may find

• Agriculture, certificate or diploma options were offered

• Agribusiness support units in some business programs

• Applied science-related courses were available

What you learn

• Crop and livestock basics, farm management skills

• Agribusiness basics, marketing, and record keeping

• Basic lab skills where science options exist

• Environmental awareness and safety procedures

Career paths
Farm supervisor assistant, agribusiness assistant, extension support roles, self-employed farming entrepreneur, cooperative support staff.

Entry requirements at Rift Valley Technical Training Institute

Entry requirements vary by course level and department. However, many programs follow familiar patterns.

Entry requirements for artisan courses

Artisan courses usually accept learners with a minimum of primary completion or a basic secondary qualification. They are designed for learners who want to gain practical skills quickly. Some artisan programs may require a basic grade in specific subjects if the skill is technical, for example, mathematics for electrical work.

Entry requirements for certificate courses

Certificate courses often accept learners with a KCSE mean grade of around D plain or above, though this can vary by program. Technical courses may prefer certain subject passes, for example, mathematics and physics for engineering-oriented certificates, or English for business and hospitality programs.

Entry requirements for diploma courses

Diploma courses often require a KCSE mean grade of around C minus or above, with relevant subject grades depending on the program. For engineering diplomas, mathematics and physics are commonly important. For business diplomas, mathematics and English can matter. For ICT diplomas, mathematics and science subjects can be helpful.

Progression routes

One of the best parts of technical training is progression. If you start as an artisan, you can often move to a certificate after completing and passing. If you complete a certificate successfully, you can often advance to a diploma. This stepwise growth helps you build confidence, qualifications, and stronger employability.

Course duration and study structure

Course duration depends on the level and the type of program.

• Artisan courses often run from a few months up to around one year, depending on the curriculum structure.

• Certificate courses commonly take about one to two years.

• Diploma courses commonly take about two to three years.

Many programs are offered in modular or term-based formats, depending on the institute’s calendar. Training generally includes theory lessons, practical sessions, continuous assessment tests, and final examinations. In technical departments, practical projects are a big part of learning, for example, wiring projects, fabrication pieces, software projects, or hospitality practical assessments.

Industrial attachment and practical training

In many RVTTI programs, especially at the diploma and certificate levels, industrial attachment is an important component. Attachment places you in a real workplace to practice your skills, build experience, and understand work culture.

It can also help you build networks and references. Some students even receive job offers after attachment, especially when they show strong discipline, learning attitude, and practical competence.

To succeed in attachment, students should keep a logbook, follow safety rules, ask questions, and treat the placement like a real job. Employers value reliability and willingness to learn as much as technical skill.

Examinations, grading, and certification

Technical institutes in Kenya typically follow national examination and certification frameworks, depending on the program. Students sit internal continuous assessments and end-of-term exams, then may sit national exams or competency-based assessments depending on the curriculum structure. The final certificate or diploma you receive depends on the program you enrolled in and the assessment body used for that course.

If you want the most accurate course assessment path for your specific program, the best approach is to confirm with the admissions office or department because different cohorts can fall under different curriculum systems.

Fees and other costs to budget for

When students ask for Rift Valley Technical Training Institute course details, they also want the fee picture. Fees vary by course level, department, and whether you require special materials. Technical and engineering programs may have higher costs due to workshop materials, protective gear, and practical components. Hospitality programs can include costs for ingredients and uniforms. ICT programs may require access to a laptop, software tools, or lab fees.

Even if tuition is manageable, remember to budget for these common items.

• Registration and admission fees, where applicable

• Examination fees, depending on the course structure

• Workshop or lab fees in technical departments

• Tools and protective clothing, for example, overalls, safety boots, and gloves

• Uniforms for hospitality, where required

• Books, stationery, and printing

• Attachment costs, transport, meals, and sometimes accommodation

How to apply to RVTTI

Application processes can differ slightly depending on the intake period and program category. Many institutes use a straightforward procedure.

Choose your course and level

Start by identifying the department and level that matches your KCSE grade and career goals. If you are not sure, choose a pathway course like a certificate that allows progression to a diploma later.

Confirm entry requirements

Check the minimum grade requirements and any subject requirements for your chosen course. This helps you avoid applying for a program you do not qualify for.

Prepare your documents

Commonly requested documents include.

• KCSE certificate or result slip

• National ID or birth certificate, depending on age

• Passport-size photos

• Copies of academic certificates, if upgrading

• Any other documents required for sponsorship or special categories

Submit your application

You may apply through the admissions office using the institute’s application forms. Some applicants apply during official intake periods, often several times per year. Once accepted, you receive reporting instructions and the items you need for registration.

Reporting and registration

On reporting day, you complete registration, pay the required fees, get your department orientation, and receive your timetable. Many new students also attend an orientation program that explains the institute’s rules, learning resources, safety, and student support services.

Intakes and study modes

Many technical institutes run multiple intakes, often around the beginning of the year and mid-year. Some also have September intakes depending on program demand.

Study modes may include full-time options for most programs, and in some cases, part-time or evening classes for short courses. If you are working or running a business, short courses and flexible schedules can be a smart option.

Student support, facilities, and campus life

Technical training works best when you have the right learning environment. RVTTI students often benefit from workshops, labs, libraries, ICT labs, and departmental facilities that support practical learning. Beyond academics, students may access sports, clubs, guidance and counselling, and entrepreneurship support depending on the institute’s offerings.

If you are new to technical education, it helps to understand that discipline and practice matter a lot. Showing up consistently, respecting safety rules, and taking projects seriously can make you stand out.

Tips for choosing the best RVTTI course for you

If you are still deciding, use these practical tips.

• Choose a course that matches your interests and strengths, because you will practice it a lot.

• Consider job demand in your area, for example, electrical, plumbing, welding, and ICT often have steady demand.

• If you want office work, business management, HR, procurement, or ICT support may suit you.

• If you want a hands-on career with clear self-employment potential, consider electrical installation, automotive, welding, plumbing, or hospitality catering.

• Think about progression, starting with a certificate can be a good move if you want a diploma later.

• Visit the department if possible, seeing workshops and talking to trainers can clarify your choice.

Frequently asked questions about the RVTTI course details

Does RVTTI offer both certificate and diploma courses

Yes, RVTTI commonly offers programs at different levels, including artisan, certificate, diploma, and short courses, depending on the department.

Which courses are best for quick employment

Artisan and short courses can provide quick job entry skills. Electrical installation, welding, plumbing, motor vehicle mechanics, computer packages, and food production skills are often practical for quick income opportunities.

Can I join with a low KCSE grade?

In many cases, yes. You can start with an artisan or certain certificate programs, then progress as you build qualifications.

Do courses include attachment?

Many certificate and diploma programs include an industrial attachment or practical placement, especially in technical and hospitality departments.

Is RVTTI good for self-employment skills?

Technical courses are well-suited for self-employment because they teach practical services you can offer to clients, for example, wiring, repairs, welding, catering, baking, construction finishing, and ICT support.

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