Top TVET Trade Schools in Kenya for Aspiring Hair Stylists (2025 List)

Q: Is a private hairdressing school better than a government TVET college in Kenya?

Both have merits. Government colleges offer lower fees, KNEC certification, and broad employer recognition. Private schools often have better facilities, more current curriculum, and industry partnerships. If a private school is TVETA-accredited and offers KNEC examinations, it provides comparable certification to government colleges at higher cost. For students who can only afford government fees, national polytechnics provide excellent training.

Q: What is included in a hairdressing training kit at Kenyan colleges?

A typical hairdressing student kit includes: cutting scissors, tail comb, wide-tooth comb, cutting cape, hair clips, gloves, and sometimes a mannequin head for practice. Most colleges charge a separate kit fee of KSh 3,000 to KSh 8,000. Confirm what is included in the kit and what you need to purchase separately.

Q: How do I apply for hairdressing training at a county TVET college?

Visit the county TVET college admissions office with your KCSE or KCPE certificate, national ID, passport photos, and application fee (KSh 200 to KSh 500). Applications are typically accepted year-round. Some county colleges have specific intake periods — confirm with the institution directly. County bursary applications should be submitted at the same time to maximize funding.

Q: Are there international hairdressing certifications available in Kenya?

Yes — ITEC (International Therapy Examination Council) and City & Guilds certifications are available through a small number of Kenyan providers. These are internationally recognized and valued by employers in international hotel chains and abroad. They are significantly more expensive than KNEC programs but open international career opportunities.

Q: Can I study hairdressing and nail technology at the same institution?

Most comprehensive beauty therapy programs include both hairdressing and nail technology as components. Alternatively, some colleges offer combined Beauty Therapy programs that cover hair, nails, facials, and body treatments within a single Craft Certificate or Diploma program. This combination significantly broadens your income streams.

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Choosing the right hairdressing school in Kenya makes a real difference to the quality of your training, the recognition of your certificate, and how quickly you access quality employment. Here are the best options across the country.

What Makes a Good Hairdressing School

Before enrolling, assess any hairdressing school on: TVETA accreditation and KNEC examination registration, quality and quantity of salon chairs and hair stations, availability of mannequin heads for practice, chemical treatment facilities (colouring, relaxing, perming), hair product range used in training (professional brands vs cheap alternatives), and whether instructors are practicing professionals with current industry knowledge. Visit the salon training floor before paying any fees.

Top Hairdressing Schools in Nairobi

Nairobi Technical Training Institute (NTTI) — Government polytechnic with comprehensive Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing department. KNEC-accredited. Well-equipped training salon. Fees: KSh 20,000 to KSh 40,000/year. Eastleigh National Polytechnic — Strong beauty and hairdressing programs. Convenient for Eastleigh and central Nairobi students. Kabete Technical Training Institute — Government. Beauty therapy and hairdressing programs. Pumwani Technical Training Institute — Government. Hairdressing programs for Eastlands students. Private colleges — Zetech, Mount Kenya University Nairobi campus, and various private beauty schools in Westlands, Upperhill, and other areas offer hairdressing programs, often with more modern facilities.

Top Hairdressing Schools Outside Nairobi

Coast National Polytechnic — Mombasa. Strong beauty and hairdressing programs. Kisumu Polytechnic — Best government option in western Kenya. Rift Valley National Polytechnic — Nakuru. Hairdressing and beauty therapy. Eldoret National Polytechnic — Rift Valley and Western Kenya. Kenya Women’s Seminary and various county TVET colleges across all 47 counties offer hairdressing programs at lowest fees.

💡 Tip: County TVET colleges charge the lowest fees for hairdressing (KSh 10,000 to KSh 20,000/year) and are often undersubscribed compared to national polytechnics. If you live near a county TVET college with a good beauty training facility, it may be your best value option.

Notable Private Hairdressing Schools

Several specialized beauty schools and colleges offer hairdressing programs alongside beauty therapy: international beauty school franchises, manufacturer-linked training academies (L’Oréal, Schwarzkopf), and private colleges with dedicated beauty training floors. Private options often offer smaller class sizes and more flexible schedules. Confirm TVETA accreditation before enrolling — not all private beauty schools are TVET-registered.

Course Levels Available

Short course: 1 to 6 months. Specific skills (braiding, colouring, locs). Not KNEC-examined. Artisan Certificate in Hairdressing: 1 year. Entry: KCPE. Basic styling, cutting, and chemical treatments. Craft Certificate in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy: 2 years. Entry: KCSE D+. Comprehensive qualification for professional employment. Diploma in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy: 2 to 3 years. Entry: KCSE C-. Advanced qualification for hotel and supervisory roles.

Fee Ranges

County TVET colleges: KSh 10,000 to KSh 20,000/year. Government national polytechnics: KSh 20,000 to KSh 40,000/year. Private colleges: KSh 40,000 to KSh 100,000/year. Products and equipment (personal kit): KSh 5,000 to KSh 15,000 additional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a private hairdressing school better than a government TVET college in Kenya?▼

What is included in a hairdressing training kit at Kenyan colleges?▼

How do I apply for hairdressing training at a county TVET college?▼

Are there international hairdressing certifications available in Kenya?▼

Can I study hairdressing and nail technology at the same institution?▼

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Written by Theophilus Mburu

Theophilus Mburu is a dedicated dentist and a contributing writer at Edunotes, bringing a unique blend of scientific insight and creativity to the blog. Beyond the clinic, he enjoys immersing himself in video games and exploring music, adding a fresh and relatable perspective to his content.