Mathare Vocational Training Centre

Mathare Vocational Training Centre, long known locally as Mathare Youth Polytechnic, is one of the nine vocational training centres run by the Nairobi City County Government. It sits on Mau Mau Road in Mabatini ward, inside the Mathare settlement, and takes trainees from across Nairobi as well as from the surrounding estates. The centre has been training young people since 1973 and is registered with the TVET Authority. Courses follow the competency-based approach and lead to National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) trade tests at Grade III, II and I, or to KNEC artisan papers after a year. Trades include ICT, food and beverage production and service, motor vehicle mechanics, electrical and electronic technology, plumbing and pipe fitting, fashion design and garment making, building and construction, metal processing and welding, and hairdressing and beauty therapy, with a driving course alongside. Every trainee also covers entrepreneurship, life skills, communication, career guidance and computer studies. Short courses of four to eight weeks cover areas such as web and graphic design, solar PV installation, wiring, pastry and baking, tiling and painting, and panel beating. The centre has two sign language interpreters for deaf trainees, and some learners are sponsored by the county and community partners. Applications go through the county's VTC portal.