About Kabete National Polytechnic
The current Kabete National Polytechnic has a rich history that dates back to 1924 when the colonial Government started it as a Native Industry Training Depot. Later it was converted to a recruiting barracks for soldiers during the 2nd World war (1939-1945). After the 2nd World war was over it was reverted into a school for 3 years Trade courses for primary levels (former Std 8). With time and the conversion to a new system of Education Kabete became a National Technical Secondary School with the purpose of admitting Std 7 pupils who excelled in their Std 7 National Exams during the 7-4-2-3 system of Education. During this time, the Institution used to admit to form I the best and outstanding performers inStd7 National Examinations from all over the Country. It also admitted students from what then used to be referred to as Grammar Secondary without technical background. These were admitted in form 3 and were expected to pursue while in that form other trade areas such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical etc. as a gateway to joining technical colleges.
With the change in Education System in 1985 from 7-4-2-3 to 8-4-4, the National Technical Secondary Schools were converted to Technical Training Institutes, and therefore Kabete was converted to Kabete Technical Training Institute to train Trade Test, Artisan, Certificate and Diploma programmes e.g. Carpentry and joinery, Electrical and Electronics, Civil Engineering and Business courses for the STD 8 and form 4 leavers of the 8-4-4 system of Education.
This year at the beginning the Institute through a Polytechnic Order was upgraded to a National Polytechnic Status. In short, that is the life of Kabete National Polytechnic.
The Polytechnic has an enrolment of over 13,500 students, 200 qualified lecturers, boarding facilities for both female and male students separately. Currently the Polytechnic has 36 Diploma programs, 15 Certificate courses and six artisan courses with accreditation by the following bodies; KASNEB, KNEC, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Kenya Medical Laboratories Technicians, NITA, TVETA CDACC and Technologists Board (KMLTTB.
The Institution excels in academic and extra curricula activities such as Drama, Music and Sports. Our standards are to be emulated as in 2015 Pharmacy examinations pass rate was 100% and equivalent pass in several other courses.
The Institution is ISO 9001:2008 certified. We are proud to be the first TVET institution to Export Engineering Spare parts made in the college to the International market i.e. China. This is after having won in The Africa Tec Challenge (AFRITECH) sponsored by China.
Finally, I wish to appreciate the Polytechnic Council, staff and the students for a job well done.“Kabete National Polytechnic the home of Engineers, Technologies, Scientists, innovators and Business Entrepreneurs.”