The Fashion and Design course is a vocational training program that equips learners with both theoretical and practical skills in garment making, textile design, fashion illustration, and tailoring. It prepares students to become professional fashion designers, dressmakers, or entrepreneurs in the clothing industry.
This 12-month program is structured into 3 academic terms, each building on the previous one. The curriculum combines classroom learning, workshop practice, creative design assignments, and internal exams. The course concludes with a NITA-administered trade test at Grade III level.
Upcoming Intake Periods: January, May and September
Duration
12 months
Fees
Course fee: KES 41,500.00
Application fee: KES 1,000.00
Test booking fee: KES 5,300.00
Minimum entry requirements
Age Requirement: Minimum 16 years
Personal Qualities
- Creativity and passion for fashion and clothing
- Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail
- Basic communication and arithmetic skills (for measurements and pattern drafting)
- Willingness to learn and follow instructions
Admission Requirements
- Two passports photos
- A copy of ID
- A copy of birth certificate
- All academic documents
- Two rim papers
- One box file
Modules Covered
Term 1: Introduction to Fashion and Design
- Overview of the fashion industry
- Introduction to tools, equipment, and safety practices
- Basic hand and machine sewing techniques
- Introduction to fabrics and textiles
- Measurement taking and simple garment construction
- Basic pattern drafting and cutting
- Internal theory and practical assessments
Term 2: Intermediate Skills Development
- Garment construction (skirts, blouses, shirts, dresses)
- Pattern modification and garment fitting
- Use of sewing machines and finishing tools
- Fabric selection and care
- Fashion sketching and color theory
- Decorative techniques (appliqué, embroidery, patchwork)
- Internal projects and evaluations
Term 3: Advanced Techniques and Assessment
- Advanced tailoring (trousers, suits, children’s wear, cultural attire)
- Creative fashion design projects
- Costing and pricing of garments
- Introduction to entrepreneurship and small business setup
- Customer relations and marketing
- Preparation for NITA Trade Test – Grade III
- Final internal exams and external NITA assessment
Examination
- Internal Examinations: Conducted at the end of each term and include both theoretical written tests and practical garment-making assignments.
- External Examination: Administered by NITA at the end of the third term.
- Successful candidates receive the NITA Trade Test Certificate – Grade III
- Learners can advance to Grade II and Grade I with further training or work experience