Fashion Design and Clothing Technology training in Kenya combines creative clothing design with textile knowledge, garment construction and production skills. Students learn to make clothes that fit well, meet customer needs and can be produced efficiently. Related qualifications include Fashion Design Level 6, Fashion Design Technology and Apparel Production; their awards and modules may differ.
What you learn
- Fashion illustration, research, colour and design principles.
- Textile fibres, fabrics, material selection and care.
- Body measurements, pattern drafting, grading and garment fitting.
- Cutting, sewing, finishing, pressing and quality inspection.
- Industrial sewing equipment and safe workshop practices.
- Digital fashion illustration and CAD where available.
- Garment costing, production planning and stock control.
- Brand development, merchandising and entrepreneurship.
- Portfolio creation, practical collections and workplace attachment.
Colleges offering related training
The TVET Authority course catalogue includes Fashion Design Level 6 at institutions such as Rift Valley National Polytechnic, The Nairobi National Polytechnic, Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic and Sigalagala National Polytechnic. It also lists Fashion Design Technology Level 6 at The Nyeri National Polytechnic. Verify the specific institution, campus and current intake before submitting an application.
Other universities, colleges and specialist design schools may provide fashion and clothing programmes. Check the exact award and its approval status: a short tailoring certificate, garment-making course and Level 6 diploma are not interchangeable.
Admission requirements
Many Level 6 diploma pathways use KCSE mean grade C− or an accepted earlier qualification, but the exact examining body or institution may specify other grades and progression routes. Confirm any practical portfolio or additional admission requirements.
Duration, fees and equipment
A diploma may run for several academic terms or competency modules, including practical projects and an industrial attachment. Total costs can include tuition, examinations, fabric, patterns, scissors, sewing tools, software and a final fashion collection. Ask for an itemised fee schedule and information on equipment the college supplies.
Practical skills and career opportunities
- Fashion designer or assistant designer.
- Garment production and pattern-making technician.
- Tailor, dressmaker or alterations specialist.
- Clothing production quality-control assistant.
- Textile or fashion merchandising assistant.
- Wardrobe and costume assistant.
- Clothing brand entrepreneur or self-employed garment maker.
How to choose a college
- Check the exact campus in TVETA’s licensed institution register.
- Confirm whether the qualification is Fashion Design, Fashion Design Technology or a different award.
- Review working sewing machines, cutting rooms, computers and teaching facilities.
- Ask to see student garments and final projects.
- Check entry requirements, total fees and attachment arrangements.
- Apply only through the institution’s official channels.
Official course and verification resources
- TVETA training course catalogue
- TVETA licensed colleges
- TVET-CDACC assessment and qualifications
- KUCCPS admissions and placement
