Rift Valley National Polytechnic (RVNP)

The Rift Valley National Polytechnic (RVNP), established in 1979, is a leading Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution located 10 km west of Nakuru town along Nakuru–Njoro Road. The Polytechnic was founded through the collective effort of the Rift Valley community under the leadership of H.E. Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, CGH, with the goal of promoting education, skills development, and regional socioeconomic growth. RVNP aligns its vision with Kenya’s Vision 2030 by equipping youth with marketable skills for both public and private sector employment.

RVNP offers over 66 courses at Higher National Diploma, Diploma, Craft, and Artisan levels, including full-time, part-time, and in-service programs. The institute operates across nine departments: Agriculture and Mechanical Engineering, Agriculture Education and Extension, Building and Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics, ICT & Computer Studies, Hospitality and Tourism, Health and Applied Sciences, Liberal Studies, and Business Studies. Its curriculum is accredited by bodies such as KIE, KASNEB, City & Guilds, KNEC, and DIT, ensuring international standards in technical education.

The Polytechnic has invested in state-of-the-art infrastructure, including modern science laboratories, greenhouses, a dairy unit, rapid prototyping machines, and a new 1,500-seat library and research centre. It emphasizes applied learning through industrial attachments, farm-based production, and entrepreneurship projects. RVNP also maintains active collaborations with international partners such as Delta College, Michigan, USA, enhancing technology transfer and capacity building.

With over 5,000 students and a dedicated faculty of 203 academic staff, RVNP fosters holistic student development through academics, co-curricular activities, research, and community engagement. Its Agricultural and Environmental Studies Department is particularly renowned for training in crop production, livestock management, agribusiness, and sustainable farming practices.