Kenya's premier digital academy for the creative economy
We believe world-class training shouldn't require relocating, quitting your job, or waiting years. Gabriela brings practical, industry-recognised skills to anyone with a device and a connection.
Built for learners the traditional system leaves behind
Gabriela Institute of Technology was founded on a simple observation: talented people across Kenya — aspiring hairdressers, designers, and technologists — were being priced out of quality training by distance, rigid schedules and outdated curricula.
We built a digital-first institute instead: HD video instruction from working professionals, practical assignments reviewed by real trainers, and a certification every employer can verify online. No campus required — just a phone, a plan, and the will to learn.
Today, Gabriela trains learners across Cosmetology, Fashion & Interior Design, and ICT — three programmes chosen because they power Kenya’s fastest-growing creative and digital sectors.
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- Graduates trained
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What guides everything we build
Practical First
Every module is built around real, hands-on work — not theory you'll never use.
Excellence in Craft
We hold beauty, design and technical work to an industry-professional standard.
Empowerment
We measure success by the careers and businesses our graduates go on to build.
Innovation
We keep our curriculum current with the tools and trends shaping each industry.
Led by industry practitioners
Grace Muthoni
Founder & Director
20+ years in beauty education and salon entrepreneurship across East Africa.
Samuel Kariuki
Head of ICT Programmes
Former software engineering lead now focused on accessible digital skills training.
Wanjiku Ndegwa
Head of Cosmetology
Master cosmetologist and competition judge with a passion for mentoring new talent.
Daniel Omondi
Head of Fashion & Interior Design
Fashion designer and stylist bridging classic technique with digital design tools.
From one cohort to 4,200 graduates
- 2021
Founded in Nairobi
Gabriela starts as a single cosmetology cohort of 24 learners, taught over video calls during salon downtime.
- 2022
The platform goes live
Recorded HD lessons, trainer feedback and assignment tracking move onto one purpose-built learning platform.
- 2023
Fashion & Interior Design launches
A second programme opens, built portfolio-first around the way creative clients actually hire.
- 2024
ICT programme and industry partners
Digital skills training begins, backed by employer partners who help shape the curriculum and hire graduates.
- 2026
4,200+ graduates across Kenya
Alumni now work and run businesses in every county — from salon floors to remote development teams.
Build your career with us
Join 4,200+ graduates who started exactly where you are — with a device, a connection and a decision.