Eldoret is home to some of Kenya’s most prestigious higher education institutions, including two full public universities, Kenya’s #1-ranked TVET college, a national medical training campus, and over 10 accredited private colleges.
The city hosts Moi University (main campus in Kesses, 35 km from Eldoret town), University of Eldoret (CUE-accredited public university), Eldoret National Polytechnic (ranked #1 nationally among TVET institutions), KMTC Eldoret (over 1,000 students), and Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI). Annual fees range from KES 26,420 (KUCCPS students at TENP) to KES 300,000+ at universities.
Why Eldoret Is One of Kenya’s Most Important Education Cities
Eldoret — Kenya’s fifth-largest city and the economic capital of the Rift Valley — punches well above its weight as an education hub. With two independently chartered public universities, Kenya’s top-ranked national polytechnic, a major KMTC campus adjacent to a national referral hospital, and a growing cluster of accredited private institutions, Eldoret offers a remarkably complete higher education ecosystem for students from Uasin Gishu and the broader Rift Valley, Western, and North Rift regions.
The city’s athletic reputation is globally recognised — but its academic profile is less widely celebrated. Students choosing to train and study in Eldoret benefit from a lower cost of living than Nairobi, a less congested environment, and direct access to employers in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, sports science, and the fast-growing logistics sector anchored by Kenya’s key road and railway connections.
This guide profiles every accredited college in Eldoret and Uasin Gishu County — from universities to TVET polytechnics to private diploma colleges — with verified fees, courses, entry requirements, and application guidance.
How Colleges in Eldoret Are Regulated
Universities operating in Eldoret are regulated by the Commission for University Education (CUE) under the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012. Verify at cue.or.ke.
TVET colleges — polytechnics, technical training institutes, and vocational training centres — are regulated by TVETA under the TVET Act No. 29 of 2013. Verify at tveta.go.ke.
Medical colleges including KMTC fall under the Ministry of Health and specific professional councils (Nursing Council of Kenya, Clinical Officers Council, etc.) depending on the programme.
KUCCPS manages the placement of government-sponsored students into public universities and public TVET institutions. Verify institution KUCCPS eligibility at kuccps.net.
Universities in Eldoret 2026
1. Moi University — Main Campus (Kesses)
Type: Public University
Regulator: CUE
Website: mu.ac.ke
Location: P.O. Box 3900, Kesses, 35 km from Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County
Moi University is a public university located in Kesses, Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, in the former Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It was established in 1984 by the Moi University Act of Parliament, after recommendations from the McKay Commission — making it one of Kenya’s oldest universities. In its first year, there was only one department (Forestry) and just 83 students. Today, Moi University serves a student population of 39,786 undergraduate and postgraduate students through 233 degree programmes across fifteen schools.
Moi University is one of Kenya’s most productive universities in terms of institutional offspring — it has spawned nine universities including Maseno University, Masinde Muliro University, Maasai Mara University, University of Kabianga, University of Eldoret, Karatina University, Rongo University, Garissa University, and Alupe University.
The university’s School of Medicine, established in 1996, was the second medical school in Kenya — and remains one of the most respected. Moi University is also a key partner in the AMPATH (Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare) Programme, one of Africa’s most acclaimed HIV/AIDS management and research partnerships.
Moi University Campuses in the Eldoret Area:
- Main Campus — Kesses, 35 km from Eldoret town (P.O. Box 3900)
- College of Health Sciences — P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret (adjacent to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital)
- Town Campus Annex — P.O. Box 7256, Eldoret (within Eldoret CBD)
- Eldoret West Campus — P.O. Box 8210, Eldoret (population ~6,000 students, offering Arts, Economics and Business, Tourism and Human Resource Development, Event Management and Hospitality)
Schools and Faculties at Moi University:
| School | Selected Degree Programmes |
|---|---|
| School of Medicine | MBChB (Medicine and Surgery), Clinical Medicine, Nursing |
| School of Business and Economics | B.Com, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Marketing |
| School of Education | B.Ed. Arts, B.Ed. Sciences, ECDE, Special Needs |
| School of Engineering | Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Agricultural Engineering |
| School of Natural Resource Management | Forestry, Wildlife, Environmental Sciences |
| School of Information Sciences | Library and Information Science, Records Management |
| School of Human Resource Development | Human Resource Management, Tourism, Hospitality |
| School of Arts and Social Sciences | Literature, History, Sociology, Political Science |
| School of Public Health | Public Health, Epidemiology, Community Health |
| School of Law | LL.B. (Law) |
Entry requirements: C+ (Plus) minimum for most undergraduate degree programmes; specific course requirements vary.
KUCCPS-placed students: Apply via kuccps.ac.ke. Government-sponsored students pay subsidised rates under the new Student-Centred Funding Model.
Contact: +254 053 43001-8 / +254 053 43620
2. University of Eldoret (UoE)
Type: Public University
Regulator: CUE
Website: uoeld.ac.ke
Location: P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret (Main Campus along Eldoret–Ziwa Road)
The University of Eldoret, located in Eldoret, Kenya, is a public university that originated as a campus of Moi University before being granted full university status in 2013. It is committed to providing quality education, research, and community service in various disciplines. The university is ISO 9001:2015 certified and actively engaged in agricultural research, engineering, and environmental studies tied to the Rift Valley’s primary industries.
The University of Eldoret’s Town Campus is located in Musco Towers in Eldoret’s CBD, becoming operational in January 2014 and accredited by CUE in 2016. The Town Campus offers CUE-accredited Doctorate, Masters, and Bachelor’s programmes as well as PGDE, PGD-TVET, various Diploma, professional courses, and tailor-made short certificate courses. In June 2021, the campus was accredited by TVETA and licensed to offer the Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD), a KASNEB-examined course.
Schools and Key Programmes:
| School | Selected Programmes |
|---|---|
| School of Agriculture and Biotechnology | B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Sc. Horticulture, Food Science |
| School of Engineering | B.Eng. Mechanical, B.Eng. Civil, B.Eng. Electrical |
| School of Science | B.Sc. Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Studies |
| School of Education | B.Ed. Sciences, B.Ed. Arts, ECDE |
| School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies | B.Sc. Forestry, Wildlife, Water Resources |
| School of Business and Economics | B.Com, Accounting, Finance, HR Management |
| School of Health Sciences | Public Health, Nursing-linked programmes |
| Town Campus | Diplomas, KASNEB (ATD, CPA), Professional Certificates, PGDE, PGD-TVET |
Town Campus unique features:
- Three-semester academic year (shortens learning period)
- Full-time and part-time (evening and weekend) modes
- Diploma holders with Credit/Distinction can apply to second or third year of Bachelor’s programmes
- ATD and CPA (KASNEB) courses available
- TVET-linked courses for working professionals
Admissions: Currently ongoing for Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate programmes (February 2026). Apply via uoeld.ac.ke.
Contact: uoeld.ac.ke | P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret
3. Moi University — Eldoret Town Campus
Type: Public University Satellite Campus
Regulator: CUE
Website: mu.ac.ke
Moi University currently has four campuses: Main Campus (Kesses), Nairobi Campus, Coast Campus, and Eldoret Town Campus. The Eldoret Town Campus (P.O. Box 7256) is located within the CBD, offering self-sponsored degree programmes in Business, Arts, Information Sciences, and Public Health. It runs day and evening sessions, making it accessible to working students and those who prefer staying in Eldoret town rather than commuting to Kesses.
The Eldoret West Campus (P.O. Box 8210) with approximately 6,000 students is another active Moi University presence within the greater Eldoret area, offering degree, masters, diploma, and PhD programmes in day and evening sessions.
4. Other University Campuses in Eldoret
Several other major universities maintain campuses or study centres in Eldoret town, serving the region’s large student population:
| University | Type | Key Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Kenya University (MKU) — Eldoret | Private University Campus | Business, Education, IT, Health Sciences |
| JKUAT — Eldoret Campus | Public University Campus | Engineering, Business, Computer Science |
| Kisii University — Eldoret Campus | Public University Campus | Business, Education, Social Sciences |
| KCA University — Eldoret | Private University Campus | Business, Accounting, ICT |
| Kenya Methodist University (KEMU) — Eldoret | Private University Campus | Business, Education |
Best TVET Colleges in Eldoret 2026
1. Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) — Kenya’s #1 TVET Institution
Type: Public National Polytechnic
Regulator: TVETA (Reg. No. TVETA/PUBLIC/NP/0005/2016)
Website: tenp.ac.ke
Location: P.O. Box 4461-30100, along Eldoret–Kapsabet Road (approx. 5 km from Eldoret town centre)
Eldoret National Polytechnic is not just Eldoret’s best technical college — it is Kenya’s best. The Timely Kenya 2025 national TVET survey ranked Eldoret National Polytechnic at number one nationally among all TVET institutions. It is recognised as a national benchmark and has attracted partnerships with ABSA Bank (CIB Corporate Investment Banking Division visited in February 2026), Safaricom, and the WorldSkills competition network.
TENP is a pilot institution for Kenya’s transition to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) — meaning it is at the cutting edge of Kenya’s skills training reform. It is also actively implementing the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, allowing workers with practical experience to earn formal qualifications without starting from scratch.
Departments and Programmes:
| Department | Diploma Programmes | Certificate / Craft / Artisan |
|---|---|---|
| Computing and IT | Diploma in ICT, Diploma in Software Development (City & Guilds) | Craft in ICT Technician (KASNEB), Certificate in Computer Studies |
| Electrical and Electronics | Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (KNEC), Diploma in Instrumentation (City & Guilds) | Craft in Electrical Engineering, Artisan in Electrical Installation |
| Mechanical Engineering | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Diploma in Production Engineering | Craft in Mechanical Engineering, Craft in Motor Vehicle Mechanics |
| Civil and Building Technology | Diploma in Building Technology | Craft in Building and Civil Works, Craft in Road Construction |
| Applied Sciences | Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (KMLTTB-accredited), Diploma in Environmental Sciences | Certificate in Lab Technology |
| Chemical Technology | Diploma in Chemical Technology | Craft in Chemical Technology |
| Business | Diploma in Business Management (KNEC), Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD/KASNEB), CPA Part I | Craft in Business Management |
| Hospitality and Tourism | Diploma in Catering and Accommodation, Diploma in Food and Beverage Management | Certificate in Catering and Accommodation |
| Fashion and Design | Diploma in Fashion Design and Garment Making | Craft in Fashion Design |
Fees (2025/2026 — Official TENP Fee Structure):
The total fee payable per year is KES 56,420. The government will pay KES 30,000 for each KUCCPS student. The balance of KES 26,420 shall be paid directly by the parent to the institution or may be raised by applying for a loan from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
All new students additionally pay:
- Caution money: KES 500
- Registration fee: KES 500
Course-specific KNEC practical fees:
- Diploma in Catering and Accommodation: KES 6,000 additional
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Management: KES 6,000 additional
- Certificate in Catering and Accommodation: KES 6,000 additional
- Certificate in Food and Beverage Management: KES 3,000 additional
Fee payment methods:
- MPESA Paybill No. 304250 (enter KCSE year + 11-digit index number as account number)
- Banker’s cheque payable to Eldoret National Polytechnic
- Bank deposit: National Bank of Kenya, Eldoret Branch, Account No. 01021027668101
Entry requirements:
| Programme Level | Minimum KCSE Grade | Additional Subject Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma (Engineering) | C- (Minus) | D+ in Mathematics or Physics, D+ in Physics or Chemistry |
| Diploma (Medical Lab) | C- (Minus) | C- in Chemistry, Biology; D+ in Mathematics or Physics |
| Diploma (ICT / Business) | C- (Minus) | D+ in Mathematics, D+ in English/Kiswahili |
| Craft Certificate | D+ (Plus) | Varies by course |
| Artisan | D- (Minus) or KCPE | Open entry for most trades |
Intakes: January, May, and September each year.
Key strengths:
- Kenya’s #1-ranked TVET institution (Timely Kenya 2025 survey)
- CBET pilot institution — at the forefront of Kenya’s skills training reform
- Medical Laboratory Technology diploma is KMLTTB-accredited — a rare distinction for a polytechnic
- Strong industry partnerships: ABSA, Safaricom, WorldSkills Kenya
- RPL programme for experienced workers seeking formal qualification
- City Campus available for urban Eldoret students (confirmed February 2026)
2. Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI)
Type: Public TVET (Technical Training Institute)
Regulator: TVETA
Website: rvtti.ac.ke
Location: Along Eldoret–Kaptagat Road, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County
RVTTI is a public technical training institute located along the Eldoret–Kaptagat Road and is the East African Community Centre of Excellence in TVET. It is also among the pilot institutions for Kenya’s Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) programme — alongside TENP — making it one of the most reform-forward public TVET institutions in the country.
RVTTI’s EAC Centre of Excellence status means it draws students from across the region — Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan — who come to Eldoret specifically for the quality of its training.
Confirmed fees (2026/2027): KES 67,189 per year (slightly above the standard polytechnic rate of KES 56,420 — this accounts for its Centre of Excellence operational costs).
Selected courses:
- Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- Diploma in Civil Engineering
- Diploma in ICT
- Diploma in Business Management
- Certificate-level courses in engineering trades
Payment: Via the Jiunge Platform using government Paybill 222222.
3. KMTC Eldoret Campus
Type: Public Specialised Medical College
Regulator: Ministry of Health, NCK, COC, KMLTTB
Website: kmtc.ac.ke
Location: Adjacent to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret
The KMTC Eldoret Campus is located next to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, one of Kenya’s two national teaching and referral hospitals. It was established in 1977 as a School of Nursing, training Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nursing (KECHN). The campus currently hosts a student population of over 1,000, and clinical training takes place at MTRH and additional rural health facilities within Uasin Gishu County.
MTRH’s status as a national referral hospital gives KMTC Eldoret students access to a depth and diversity of clinical cases that most other KMTC campuses cannot match — including complex surgery, oncology, cardiology, renal medicine, and high-risk obstetrics.
Courses at KMTC Eldoret:
| Level | Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Diploma in Nursing (KRCHN) | 3.5 years |
| Diploma | Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery | 3 years |
| Diploma | Diploma in Medical Imaging Sciences | 3 years |
| Diploma | Diploma in Medical Engineering | 3 years |
| Certificate | Certificate in Medical Engineering | 2 years |
| Higher Diploma | Higher Diploma in Anaesthesia | 1.5 years (post-diploma) |
Fees (2025/2026):
- Regular Kenyan students: KES 82,200 in Year 1, KES 78,000 in Years 2 and 3
- All payments through Jiunge Platform, Paybill 222222
Entry: C (Plain) for diploma programmes with relevant cluster science subjects; C- for certificate programmes.
Contact: Principal — KMTC Eldoret Campus, P.O. Box, Eldoret | Phone: 0700108164 | Email: eldoret@kmtc.ac.ke
4. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) Medical Training School
Type: Public Hospital-Based Training School
Location: Eldoret
The College began in 2004 as an Enrolled Community Nurse Training Centre and in 2009, other programmes started including Kenya Registered Nursing, Health Records, and HIV Counselling courses. MTRH’s training school is an accredited training school run by a public health facility that offers post-basic and specialist nursing training primarily for working healthcare professionals, drawing on the extraordinary clinical resources of the national referral hospital.
Private Colleges in Eldoret 2026
Aside from the major public institutions, Eldoret also has at least 10 private middle-level learning institutions offering diploma and certificate programmes.
1. Eldoret Medical Training College
Type: Private Medical College
Location: Eldoret town
A private medical and health sciences training college serving students in the Eldoret area with diploma and certificate programmes in health-related fields. Verify TVETA registration and relevant sector body accreditation (NCK, COC) before enrolling.
2. Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) — Eldoret Branch
Type: Private Professional Institute
Website: kim.ac.ke
KIM’s Eldoret branch offers professional diploma and certificate programmes in Business Management, Human Resource Management, Supply Chain Management, and Project Management. KIM is one of Kenya’s oldest and most respected professional institutes, with a nationally recognised qualification framework.
Entry: C- for most diploma programmes.
3. ICS College — Eldoret Campus
Type: Private TVET College
Website: ics.ac.ke
ICS College (formerly East African Institute of Certified Studies) operates campuses across Kenya including in Eldoret, offering diploma and certificate programmes in Business Management, Health-related Studies, ICT, and professional exam preparation. ICS is TVETA-registered and KNEC-examined.
4. Kencom Business College — Eldoret
Type: Private Business College
Location: Eldoret town
Kencom Business College offers certificate and diploma programmes in secretarial studies, business management, and ICT in Eldoret town. It caters to students seeking short-cycle business qualifications and professional skills development.
5. Nairobi Institute of Technology (NIT) — Eldoret Branch
Type: Private TVET College
NIT’s Eldoret branch offers ICT and technical training programmes, targeting students seeking ICT certificates and diplomas in the Rift Valley region.
6. Safina College — Eldoret
Type: Private College
Location: Eldoret town
A private college offering diploma and certificate courses in business and ICT, serving students from Uasin Gishu and surrounding counties.
7. Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute (KCITI) — Eldoret Branch
Type: Faith-Based Private TVET
Website: kciti.ac.ke
KCITI serves the Eldoret area with trade and business training in a faith-based environment, offering programmes in building trades, electrical installation, and business studies.
All Colleges in Eldoret: Quick Reference Table
| Institution | Type | Best For | Min. Entry | Est. Annual Fees (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moi University (Main Campus — Kesses) | Public University | Degrees — Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law | C+ | 16,000–300,000+ (by programme) |
| Moi University (Eldoret West/Town Campus) | Public University | Self-sponsored degrees, evening classes | C+ | Higher than KUCCPS rate |
| University of Eldoret | Public University | Engineering, Agriculture, Sciences, Education | C+ | 16,000–250,000+ |
| UoE Town Campus (MUSCO Towers) | Public University | Diplomas, KASNEB, PGDE, evening/weekend | C– to C+ | Varies by programme |
| Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) | Public Polytechnic (#1 Kenya) | Engineering, ICT, Business, Hospitality | D- / C- | 56,420 (26,420 net after capitation) |
| Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) | Public TTI (EAC Centre of Excellence) | Engineering, ICT, Business diplomas | C- | 67,189 |
| KMTC Eldoret | Public Medical | Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Medical Engineering | C- / C | 82,200 (Year 1) |
| MTRH Medical Training School | Public Hospital School | Post-basic nursing, Health Records | Post-diploma | Subsidised |
| Mount Kenya University (Eldoret) | Private University Campus | Business, Education, Health | C Plain | 60,000–150,000 |
| JKUAT Eldoret | Public University Campus | Engineering, Business, Computing | C+ | KUCCPS-guided |
| Kisii University Eldoret | Public University Campus | Business, Education | C | KUCCPS-guided |
| KIM Eldoret | Private Professional | Business, HR, Supply Chain diplomas | C- | 40,000–80,000 |
| ICS College Eldoret | Private TVET | Business, Health, ICT certificates | D+ to C- | 30,000–70,000 |
Most Popular Diploma Courses in Eldoret (2026)
Based on enrolment trends, employer demand in Uasin Gishu County, and national TVET data, the most popular and marketable diploma courses in Eldoret in 2026 are:
Engineering and Technology:
- Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (TENP, RVTTI) — consistently in demand across construction, energy, and manufacturing
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (TENP, RVTTI) — automotive, industrial, and manufacturing applications
- Diploma in ICT / Software Development (TENP, RVTTI) — fastest-growing sector, strong self-employment potential
Health Sciences:
- Diploma in Nursing / KRCHN (KMTC Eldoret) — MTRH clinical placement gives extraordinary exposure
- Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery (KMTC Eldoret) — highest-demand health qualification
- Diploma in Medical Imaging Sciences (KMTC Eldoret) — specialist qualification with limited supply of trained graduates
Business and Professional:
- Accounting Technician Diploma / ATD (TENP, UoE Town Campus) — KASNEB-examined, strong employer recognition
- Diploma in Business Management (TENP, private colleges) — versatile qualification across all sectors
- CPA Part I (TENP, UoE Town Campus) — professional accounting pathway, strong demand
Hospitality and Tourism:
- Diploma in Catering and Accommodation (TENP) — Eldoret’s growing hotel and conference industry
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Management (TENP) — direct employment in hotel chains
Entry Requirements Summary for Eldoret Colleges
| Grade | What You Can Access in Eldoret |
|---|---|
| E / D- | Artisan courses at TENP, VTCs in Uasin Gishu |
| D Plain | Craft certificates at TENP, RVTTI |
| D+ | Craft certificates + KMTC certificate health courses |
| C- | Most TVET diploma programmes (TENP, RVTTI) |
| C Plain | KMTC health diplomas, UoE diplomas, private university diplomas |
| C+ | Moi University degrees, UoE degrees, all university programmes |
Fees Comparison for Colleges in Eldoret (2026)
| Institution | Annual Fees (KES) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TENP (KUCCPS student) | 56,420 (student pays 26,420) | Govt. capitation covers KES 30,000 |
| RVTTI (all students) | 67,189 | EAC Centre of Excellence |
| KMTC Eldoret (regular Kenyan) | 82,200 (Year 1); 78,000 (Years 2–3) | Jiunge Platform, Paybill 222222 |
| University of Eldoret | Varies by programme | Download from uoeld.ac.ke |
| Moi University (KUCCPS) | From ~16,000 (highly subsidised humanities) | Up to 300,000+ for medicine |
| Private university campuses | 60,000–200,000+ | Full fees, no capitation |
| Private diploma colleges | 30,000–120,000 | Varies widely |
How to Apply to Colleges in Eldoret 2026
For KUCCPS-Listed Institutions (TENP, RVTTI, Moi University, UoE, KMTC)
- Log into students.kuccps.net using your KCSE index number and password.
- Search for institutions in Uasin Gishu County or the specific institution name.
- Select your preferred course-institution combination (up to six choices, ranked in order of preference).
- Confirm your KCSE grade meets the specific requirements for your chosen programme — check subject cluster requirements carefully.
- Submit your application and pay the KES 1,500 application fee online.
- Await placement notification via SMS and the KUCCPS portal.
- Download your admission letter.
- Apply for HELB loan at helb.co.ke immediately after receiving your admission letter.
- Apply simultaneously for Uasin Gishu County bursary and your local NG-CDF office bursary.
- Report to your institution on the stated date with: original KCSE certificate, national ID, birth certificate, and passport photographs.
For TENP (Direct / Self-Sponsored)
- Visit tenp.ac.ke or the admissions office at the polytechnic along Eldoret–Kapsabet Road.
- Check the current intake dates (January, May, September).
- Complete and submit the application form.
- Pay fees via MPESA Paybill 304250 (or banker’s cheque / NBK deposit).
- Present your KCSE certificate, national ID, and passport photos.
- Collect your admission letter from the Registry office.
For KMTC Eldoret (Direct / Self-Sponsored)
- Apply via the KMTC online portal at kmtc.ac.ke/portal.
- Alternatively, visit the KMTC Eldoret admissions office adjacent to MTRH.
- Submit certificates, ID, birth certificate, and passport photos.
- Pay fees through Jiunge Platform at jiunge.com using Paybill 222222.
- Contact: Phone 0700108164 | Email: eldoret@kmtc.ac.ke
For Moi University (Main Campus — Kesses)
- Apply through KUCCPS for government-sponsored programmes.
- For self-sponsored (module II) programmes, apply directly via mu.ac.ke.
- Contact: +254 053 43001-8 | P.O. Box 3900, Kesses, Eldoret.
For University of Eldoret
- Admissions are currently ongoing (February 2026) for Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate programmes.
- Apply via uoeld.ac.ke online admissions portal.
- For Town Campus (CBD) programmes including ATD and KASNEB: visit MUSCO Towers, Eldoret CBD.
Career Opportunities After Studying in Eldoret
Eldoret’s employment landscape has diversified significantly in recent years, driven by manufacturing growth (EPZ — Export Processing Zone), agribusiness, healthcare expansion (MTRH), logistics, sports, and education. Graduates from Eldoret’s colleges access a local market that is growing faster than many towns outside Nairobi.
Key local employers:
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) — largest employer of healthcare graduates in the region
- Uasin Gishu County Government — employs teachers, engineers, health workers, and administrators
- EPZ/RIVATEX (textile manufacturing) — mechanical and electrical engineers, business managers
- Del Monte Kenya — food technology, agricultural engineering, logistics
- KenGen — Olkaria and Turkwel power stations accessible for electrical engineers
- Agricultural sector — crop production, animal health, agri-business management
- Banking and financial services — KCB, Equity, Cooperative Bank all have major Eldoret branches
- Sports infrastructure — growing hotel, conference, and sports facilities
Graduates who study in Eldoret and remain in the region benefit from lower competition for professional positions compared to Nairobi-based graduates and often faster career progression within county government and regional private sector.
Pros and Cons of Studying in Eldoret
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | Significantly cheaper than Nairobi or Mombasa | Fewer entertainment and networking options than Nairobi |
| Quality of institutions | Kenya’s #1 TVET college (TENP), two full public universities | No coastal or lakeside location for maritime/fisheries courses |
| Healthcare training | MTRH provides extraordinary clinical exposure | Competition for KMTC Eldoret placement is high |
| Athletics and sports | World-renowned athletics environment, training facilities | Sports sector is niche — not every graduate benefits |
| Transport | Major road and SGR connections | Distance from Nairobi can feel isolating for some |
| Air access | Eldoret International Airport with growing routes | Fewer international flights than JKIA |
| Campus environment | Spacious, green campuses (especially Moi and UoE) | Some campuses require transport from town |
| TVET employment | Strong local manufacturing and healthcare demand | Private sector salary levels below Nairobi median |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best college in Eldoret?
For TVET and technical training, Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) is not just the best college in Eldoret — it is Kenya’s #1 ranked TVET institution nationally based on the Timely Kenya 2025 survey. For university-level education, Moi University (main campus in Kesses) is Kenya’s third-oldest public university with 233 degree programmes and 39,786 students. For health sciences specifically, KMTC Eldoret adjacent to MTRH offers the best clinical training in the region.
2. How much are fees at Eldoret National Polytechnic?
The total annual fee at TENP is KES 56,420. The government pays KES 30,000 in capitation for every KUCCPS-placed student, leaving the student to pay KES 26,420 per year. New students also pay KES 500 caution money and KES 500 registration fee. Some courses (Catering and Hospitality) attract an additional KNEC practical fee of KES 3,000–6,000. Fees are paid via MPESA Paybill 304250 or National Bank of Kenya, Eldoret Branch.
3. Does Moi University have a campus in Eldoret town?
Yes. Moi University has multiple presences in the Eldoret area. The main campus is in Kesses, 35 km from Eldoret town. The Eldoret Town Campus Annex (P.O. Box 7256) is located within Eldoret CBD. The Eldoret West Campus (P.O. Box 8210) with approximately 6,000 students also operates in the broader Eldoret area, offering degrees, diplomas, and evening programmes in Arts, Economics, Business, Tourism, and Hospitality.
4. What courses does KMTC Eldoret offer?
KMTC Eldoret offers Diploma in Nursing (KRCHN), Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Diploma in Medical Imaging Sciences, Diploma in Medical Engineering, Certificate in Medical Engineering, and Higher Diploma in Anaesthesia. Clinical training takes place at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and additional rural health facilities in Uasin Gishu County. Entry requires a minimum of C (Plain) for diploma programmes with relevant science cluster subjects.
5. Is University of Eldoret the same as Moi University?
No. They are two separate, independently chartered public universities. The University of Eldoret originated as a campus of Moi University before being granted full university status by the government of Kenya in 2013. Since then, UoE has its own Vice-Chancellor, Senate, Council, and CUE accreditation. Moi University continues to operate its own campuses in the Eldoret area. Both are listed separately on the CUE approved institutions register at cue.or.ke.
6. Are there affordable colleges in Eldoret for students with a C- grade?
Yes. Eldoret National Polytechnic accepts C- for most diploma programmes at KES 26,420 per year (after government capitation). RVTTI also accepts C- at KES 67,189 per year. Both are KUCCPS-listed, meaning government-sponsored students benefit from the KES 30,000 annual capitation. Students with C- can also apply for HELB TVET loans and Uasin Gishu County bursaries to further reduce out-of-pocket costs.
7. What is RVTTI and how is it different from TENP?
Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) is a public TVET college located along the Eldoret–Kaptagat Road. It holds the distinction of being the East African Community Centre of Excellence in TVET — a regional designation reflecting its quality and capacity. TENP (Eldoret National Polytechnic) is Kenya’s #1-ranked TVET institution nationally and is the larger, more comprehensive of the two. Both are CBET pilot institutions. RVTTI charges KES 67,189 per year while TENP charges KES 56,420 per year.
8. Can I get a HELB loan for TENP or RVTTI?
Yes. Both Eldoret National Polytechnic and RVTTI are HELB-approved TVET institutions. HELB TVET loans of up to KES 60,000 per year are available to eligible students. Apply at helb.co.ke after receiving your admission letter. At TENP, where you pay KES 26,420 out-of-pocket (after government capitation), a HELB TVET loan effectively covers your full tuition and contributes toward accommodation and personal expenses. Also apply for Uasin Gishu County bursary and your local NG-CDF bursary to maximise funding.
Final Verdict
Eldoret is one of Kenya’s most compelling education destinations in 2026 — offering a combination of academic quality, affordability, and career relevance that few other cities outside Nairobi can match. Kenya’s #1-ranked TVET institution, two independent public universities with hundreds of degree programmes between them, a national referral hospital-linked medical training campus, and a growing cluster of accredited private institutions make Eldoret a complete higher education destination.
The practical decision guide is straightforward. If you have C+ and above, Moi University (Kesses) and University of Eldoret are both strong, government-subsidised options accessible via KUCCPS. If you scored C- to C, Eldoret National Polytechnic offers Kenya’s best TVET diploma training at just KES 26,420 out-of-pocket per year. If you have C (Plain) with science subjects, KMTC Eldoret gives you direct clinical training at one of Kenya’s two national referral hospitals. If you scored D+ or below, TENP’s craft certificate and artisan programmes still welcome you.
Verify accreditation, apply early through KUCCPS, stack your HELB and bursary applications — and Eldoret will work for you regardless of which institution you choose.
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