Top government-funded programs for fashion design students

NB: IF YOU WISH TO DOWNLOAD THESE NOTES PLEASE CONTACT US VIA EMAIL {ADMIN@EDUNOTES.CO.KE} OR USE THE COMMENT SECTION. UPLOAD NOTES TO THE WEBSITE

Fashion design is more than just sketching clothes. It’s a fast-growing creative industry in Kenya that blends style, culture, and entrepreneurship. With the rising interest in tailoring, garment making, and fashion entrepreneurship, the Kenyan government has launched several funding and support programs to help young people train and succeed in fashion.

If you’re passionate about designing clothes but worried about fees, this guide outlines the top government-funded programs for fashion design students in Kenya, including scholarships, loans, and technical training support.

Why Government Support Matters in Fashion Design

Fashion design is often seen as expensive due to the cost of materials, tools, and tuition. However, the Kenyan government is actively investing in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to empower creative youth.

Benefits of government funding:

• Makes fashion design courses more affordable

• Encourages youth to become self-reliant through skill training

• Reduces unemployment by supporting self-employment

• Promotes local manufacturing and ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’

1. HELB TVET Loan and Bursary

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) offers a TVET loan specifically for students pursuing diploma or certificate courses at accredited institutions.

What It Covers:

• Tuition fees

• Upkeep allowance (sent to the student’s account)

• Paid directly to the training institution

Who Qualifies:

• Kenyan students enrolled in government-approved TVET institutions

• Enrolled in courses like Fashion Design, Tailoring, or Garment Making

How to Apply:

• Visit www.helb.co.ke

• Create an account and fill in the TVET loan application form

• Print and submit to the institution’s financial aid office

Application Periods:
Usually opens January, May, and September each year.

2. Government Capitation for KUCCPS Students

If you apply for a fashion-related course through KUCCPS (Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service), you are entitled to government capitation of up to Ksh 30,000 per year.

What You Get:

• Reduced tuition fees at public TVET colleges

• Eligibility for HELB loans

• Priority in bursary consideration

Tip: Apply early through www.kuccps.ac.ke for intakes at TVETA-accredited institutions offering Fashion Design and Tailoring.

3. County Government Bursaries

Most counties in Kenya offer annual bursaries to youth enrolled in technical training programs, including tailoring and fashion design.

What You Need:

• Admission letter from a TVET institution

• Copy of national ID

• Parent’s or guardian’s ID

• Proof of residence (chief’s letter or voter’s card)

How to Apply:

• Visit your ward or constituency office

• Fill out a bursary form (usually available early in the year)

• Submit and wait for communication on disbursement

Counties like Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Nyeri, and Kakamega have active bursary programs targeting youth in TVETs.

4. Uwezo Fund

Uwezo Fund is a national government initiative offering interest-free loans to youth and women groups. Fashion students can use it to:

• Buy sewing machines

• Start a tailoring business after graduation

• Buy materials for practice or sales

Requirements:

• Must be part of a registered youth group (e.g. fashion or tailoring group)

• Group must be registered with the Social Services Department

• Have a bank account in the group’s name

• Training in entrepreneurship is mandatory before funding

Visit your local NGCDF office to apply or inquire.

5. Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF)

Fashion design graduates who want to start a business can apply for funding from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.

Types of Loans Available:

• Individual loans for trained fashion students

• Group loans for tailoring or dressmaking cooperatives

• Business expansion loans (after 6 months of repayment)

Eligibility:

• Aged 18–34

• Completed a fashion design or garment-making course

• Kenyan citizen with a business idea

How to Apply:

• Visit www.youthfund.go.ke or your constituency YEDF office

• Submit business plan or project proposal

• Receive training on financial management

6. Ajira Digital Program + Fashion Linkages

The Ajira Digital Program, though focused on online work, now partners with creative sectors including fashion designers, tailors, and stylists.

Some Ajira-linked centers offer short courses or exposure to digital fashion opportunities such as:

• Selling custom-made clothes online

• Digital marketing for fashion brands

• Creating fashion portfolios for clients

• E-commerce for fashion design graduates

Find a centre near you: www.ajiradigital.go.ke

Where to Study Fashion Design in Kenya with Government Support

Many government-accredited institutions offer fashion and garment making courses, including:

• Kenya Coast National Polytechnic – Mombasa

• Nairobi Technical Training Institute – Nairobi

• Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST) – Nakuru

• Meru National Polytechnic

• Nyeri National Polytechnic

• Kisumu National Polytechnic

• Vera Beauty and Fashion College – KUCCPS approved TVET centre

Ensure the institution is TVETA-registered to benefit from loans and funding.

Conclusion

The fashion industry in Kenya is vibrant and full of opportunity — and the government is here to support you. Whether you’re a student looking for school fees, a graduate ready to start a tailoring business, or part of a youth group, there are several government-funded programs for fashion design students designed to help you succeed.

Action Tip: Visit your local TVET college or Youth Fund office to ask about bursaries, HELB loans, or startup funding. Your fashion dreams are within reach — and the government is ready to help you stitch your success story.

WE ARE DOING THE MOST FOR YOU, PLEASE LEAVE US THE NOTES YOU ALREADY HAVE BY UPLOADING TO THE WEBSITE . THIS WAY YOUR FRIENDS FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS WILL GET. UPLOAD ALL NOTES HERE