Last updated on July 27th, 2023 at 03:37 pm
Question: Is fashion and design marketable in Kenya?
You probably have this question in your mind if you have been called for the course by KUCCPS or you’re currently in a dilemma about the best course for you.
So, is fashion and design marketable in Kenya?
Here is our opinion about the course when it comes to jobs availability..
Is fashion and design marketable in Kenya?
Yes- this is a marketable course if you know what you’re doing…underling the sentence if you know what you’re doing..
I’m saying that you have to know what you’re doing because some students who do the course take the wrong approach and end up lacking job opportunities.
Let me explain:
With fashion design courses in Kenya- just like in other countries- you have to be creative not just when it comes to the trade but also in the job market.
That is because you don’t want to end up becoming a traditional tailor (because this is what some people think the course is all about).
The truth is, if you master your trade and target the right employers and these includes top fashion designers in Kenya, you might end up making loads of money.
Remember you can also open your own fashion design firm –and you want to target dressing clients who pay well (think of celebrities, politicians, media gurus, and entrepreneurs with a great taste in fashion)
So in a nutshell, the demand for brilliant fashion designers in Kenya is high and your job prospects are good if you work hard in training.
Other steps that can help you land a nice job in fashion and design is looking for internship with the best fashion and design companies in Kenya (there are a couple of great ones including Kiko Romeo, Tanashati clothing company, and Davis design group).
The good thing with internships is that you are likely to secure a job with the company you intern with if you prove yourself during the attachment period.
Also, consider getting a mentor- he/she can hold your hand until you are able to stand on your own.
Below are some of the renowned fashion designers in Kenya that you can approach for mentorship:
- Sally Karago
- Yvonne Odhiambo
- Wambui Mukenyi
- Everlyne Akinyi Odongo
- Anyango mpinga
Fashion design course requirements
Below now are the minimum requirements that you have to meet to pursue fashion and design courses in Kenya (at various levels).
Degree in fashion and design in Kenya
You can enroll for a Bachelor of Science (Bsc.) in Fashion Design & Marketing at KU.
Here are the minimum qualifications:
KCSE Mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Additional requirements
You also need a C+ (minimum) in either Art and Design / Home Science / any one science subject.
Alternative entry qualifications
You may also be admitted with a KCSE mean grade of C plain +a Diploma (with a credit pass or higher) in Fashion Design / Clothing from any recognized institution.
OR
Alternatively, you may get admitted into the programme if you had a KCSE mean grade of C- plus a Certificate and a Diploma in Fashion Design / Clothing from KU.
Diploma in fashion and design in Kenya (Diploma in Fashion Design & Garment Making Technology)
KCSE Mean grade: C- though colleges such as NIBS do admit students with a D Plus.
Additional requirements: None
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Certificate in Fashion and Design
You can as well start with a certificate course in fashion and design.
Here are the required grades:
KCSE Mean grade: D plain
Additional requirements: None
Note you can take the course even with an E – but here you will first take an artisan in Fashion and Design.
Universities and Colleges offering fashion and design courses in Kenya
I previously wrote about the best fashion and design schools in Kenya so you may want to read that article if you don’t know which college to attend for your fashion and design course.
Here it is: Fashion and Design Schools in Kenya [Best 5 schools plus their contacts]
Here are some government-sponsored colleges offering Fashion and Design in Kenya (various levels):
- BAC (Bukura agricultural college)
- BELGUT TVC
- BORABU TVC
- BUMBE TTI
- BUNGOMA NORTH TVC
- BUSHIANGALA TTI
- BUTERE TVC
- CHEPALUNGU TTI
- CHEPSIREI TVC
- CHERANGANY TVC
- DANIEL WAKO MURENDE TVC
- EKERUBO GIETAI TTI
- ELDO POLY
- GITWEBE TTI
- HEROES TVC
- JEREMIAH NYAGAH TI
- KAJIADO EAST TVC
- KAKRAO TVC
- KANDARA TVC
- KAREN TTI
- KATINE
- KCNP (Kenya coast national polytechnic)
- KENDEGE tvc
- KERIO VALLEY TVC
- KEROKA TTI
- KIENI TVC
- KIIRUA TTI
- KIMININI TVC
- KINANGO TVC
- KIPSOEN TVC
- KIST (Kiambu institute of science and technology)
- KISTVC (Kisiwa technical training institute)
- KITUTU MASABA TVC
- KONGONI TVC
- KONOIN TTI
- Kisii national polytechnic
- Kisumu national polytechnic
- LAIKIPIA EAST TVC
- MABERA TVC
- MASAI TTI
- MATHENGE TTI
- MATHIRA TVC
- MATILI TTI
- MCKU (machakos university)
- MICHUKI TTI
- MOCHONGOI TVC
- MTIB (Machakos Technical Institute For The Blind)
- MUKIRIA TTI
- MUMIAS WEST TVC
- MUSAKASA TTI
- MWALA TVC
- NDARAGWA TVC
- North Eastern National Polytechnic
- NKABUNE TTI
- NUU TVC
- NYERI National Polytechnic
- OMUGA TVC
- OROGARE TVC
- RIAT (Ramogi Institute Of Advanced Technology)
- RIRAGIA TTI
- RVIST (Rift Valley Institute Of Science And Technology)
- SEKU (South Eastern Kenya University)
- SHAMBERERE TTI
- SIALA TTI
- SIGALAGALA POLY
- SIKRI Technical Institute For The Deaf And Blind
- SIST (Sang’alo Institute Of Science And Technology)
- SIT (Siaya Institute Of Technology)
- SOT TTI
- St Josephs Technical Institute For The Deaf-Nyang’oma
- TETU TVC
- WERU TVC
- WOTE TTI
- Kieni TVC
- Masai TTI
- Sirisia TVC
Don’t forget that when it comes to universities that offer fashion and design in Kenya, KU (Kenyatta University) is perhaps the best (KU has a very vibrant fashion and design department).
Other Universities offering fashion and textile technology/apparel courses include:
- Baraton University- Bachelor Of Science(Fashion Design & Textile Technology)
- Egerton University- Bachelor Of Science(Clothing Textile& Interior Design)
- Kirinyaga University- Bachelor Of Science(Fashion Design& Marketing)
- Maseno University- Bachelor Of Arts(Textile And Apparel)
- University Of Eldoret- Bachelor Of Science(Apparel& Fashion Technology)
- Rongo University- Bachelor Of Science(Fashion Design & Textile Technology)
Is fashion and design marketable in Kenya – More about Fashion and Design course in Kenya
What is fashion and design all about?
Fashion design involves the conceptualization, design, and final creation of clothing (and other lifestyle accessories).
In short, professional in this discipline guide the process from inception to production of cloth wear items and related items.
Key skills and interests required to pursue a career in this field
- Perseverance
- High level of creativity and artistic skills
- Strong drawing skills
- A good business sense /entrepreneurial spirit
- A competitive spirit
- Interest in current fashion trends
- Planning and organization skills
What the Job/Career/Professional entails
Fashion Designer work in wholesale, apparel companies, retailing shops, theatres, media houses, and more.
They do the following (to name a few tasks):
- Sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns, and give instructions on how the products they design need to be made.
- Create clothing, including dress, suits, skirts and accessories such as shoes
- Select fiber, colors, or style
- Present design ideas to the creative directors or showcase them in fashion/ trade shows.
- Draw, design, and develop new samples
- Create wardrobes and costumes designs for television presenters, movie stars, and theater crews.
Career Prospects in Fashion and Design
Artisan level
- Tailor
- Cobbler
Craft level
- Merchandiser
- Shoemaker
Diploma holder
- Technologist
- Personal stylist
- Fashion Blogger
- Magazine/Fashion Journalist
- Fashion Designer
Degree holder
- Garment Technologist
- Fashion Designer
- Fashion Illustrator
- Textile Designer
- Leather Technologist
- Leather Technologist
ALSO READ: Interior design courses in Kenya (We have answered the question “Is interior design marketable in Kenya?” in the article