10+ Best Hotcake Courses in Kenya

Picking one of the top 10+ best hotcake courses in Kenya can boost your career chances and make you more competitive in the job market. Even though many graduates earn their degrees with honors, many in Kenya still struggle to find jobs.

Since businesses are constantly evolving, students and job seekers need to know which courses in Kenya are the most in demand.

Globalization, the rise of new industries, and technological advancements are all shaking up Kenya’s job market. These changes heavily influence the demand for certain courses, impacting job opportunities.

In this article, we’ll show you the top hotcake courses in Kenya that are marketable and in high demand.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Course and Where to Study in Kenya
13 Best Hotcake Courses in Kenya
Best Paying Diploma Courses in Kenya
FAQs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Course and Where to Study in Kenya

Deciding what to study and where to do it can be tough, but your choices today will shape your future. Here are some tips to help you pick the right short course and learning institution:

#1. Is the Training Center Certified?

Before signing up for any course, thoroughly research the center you’re interested in. Please ensure they’re legit and can offer the services you need for your career. Don’t rush into anything—check out what others say about them on Google first.

#2. What’s your Goal for Taking the Course?

Think about what you want to achieve with this course and how it aligns with your career path. Always keep your end goal in mind.

#3. How Much Time Do You Have?

Consider how long you will study to gain the skills you need. Your availability and schedule will determine this.

#4. What Career Path are you Aiming for?

Choose a course that will help you advance in your career and give you the skills you need to succeed.

#5. What Qualification Do You Want?

Consider the qualification you aim for when signing up for a course.

#6. Study Program Options:

Consider whether you prefer a part-time or full-time program when picking a course.

13 Best Hotcake Courses in Kenya

A hotcake course in Kenya should be relevant to the current job market and provide useful skills for the local economy. It should also be taught in an engaging and easy-to-grasp manner.

Here’s a list of the top 12 hotcake and marketable courses you can pursue in Kenya.

#1. Medicine

What’s the most in-demand and sought-after course in the country? Medicine has consistently topped the list of the best marketable courses in Kenya. Medicine is worth considering if you have the time and financial resources to pursue it.

Many people wonder if medicine is a STEM course. Well, it still maintains its place at the top of the best hotcake courses in Kenya.

However, having a real passion for the medical field is important, as this course can be demanding. You can specialize in various areas, such as:

Surgery
Dentistry
Homeopathic Medicine
Medical Laboratory Technology
Physiotherapy
Medical Science

Why it is Hotcake: Kenya has a shortage of qualified and specialized doctors, so it offers numerous opportunities for those with a degree in medicine.

#2. Digital Marketing

Unlike traditional marketing courses, which focus on old-school methods, digital marketing is about promoting products and services in the modern digital space. This includes platforms like social media, email, websites, and video channels.

With a digital marketing degree, you can explore careers in:

Digital Marketing
Web Design
Copywriting
Digital Graphic Design

Why it is Hotcake: As companies shift from traditional marketing to digital platforms, there’s a growing demand for people who can create content and strategies for the online space.

#3. Agriculture

More and more Kenyan students are realizing that the way we currently grow food isn’t sustainable and that agriculture can be highly profitable. Pursuing a course in agriculture can open up a world of opportunities.

Some of the top agricultural courses include:

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Postharvest Technology

Why it is Hotcake: Agriculture has the potential to make a big impact on society. After all, people will always need to eat, and agriculture is key to ensuring a food supply.

#4. Nursing

Which course offers the most job opportunities? Nursing is one of Kenya’s marketable and hotcake courses, providing plenty of job prospects. Many also want to know if Nursing is very difficult to study.

Nurses work alongside doctors and clinicians to ensure patients get the care they need.

Some nursing specializations include:

Critical Care Nursing
Peri-Operative Nursing
Pediatric Nursing
Psychiatric Nursing
Ophthalmic Care Nursing
Nephrology Nursing
Family Health Nursing
Kenya Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Geriatric Nursing

Why it is Hotcake: As Kenya’s population grows and people become more health-conscious, the demand for nurses in private and public health facilities continues to rise.

#5. Journalism

Journalism has played a huge role in shaping Kenyan politics and continues influencing the country’s future. Earning a degree in journalism can open doors to careers as a news reporter, editor, or even a blogger.

With a journalism degree, you’ll gain insight into various fields like the history and ethics of journalism, along with the skills to create digital, broadcast, and print content.

Some of the most popular journalism courses include:

Mass Communication and Journalism
Photojournalism
Multimedia
Radio and TV Production

Why it is Hotcake: With the rise of social media platforms, journalists now have countless opportunities. Whether delivering news and updates or conducting interviews on social media, there’s a lot of room for those with journalism skills.

#6. Project Management

Project management is one of the best hotcake courses in Kenya. This course teaches you how to plan, organize, and execute projects efficiently. By studying project management, you’ll learn how to take responsibility for projects and strategies within an organization.

Some key courses in project management include:

Management Skills
Business Analysis
Product Management
Project Management Office
Professional Scrum Master
Project Cost Management

Why it is Hotcake: In a developing country like Kenya, there are always ongoing private and public projects. This makes project management one of the most marketable diploma courses.

#7. Special Needs Education

A degree in special needs education can lead to roles such as daycare teacher, special education teacher, or even school administrator. This course equips you with the skills to teach children with learning disabilities and other challenges, including:

Autism
Hearing Impairment
Visual Impairment
Mental and Physical Challenges

Why it is Hotcake: Like many other countries, Kenya has a shortage of special needs teachers, creating an excellent opportunity for those with the right skills.

#8. Marketing

If you have a passion for selling, a marketing course could be your perfect fit. Marketing is a broad field that involves developing strategies to bring a product or service to the target market.

Here are some institutions that offer diploma courses in marketing:

Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS)
Skynet Business College
Aldai Technical Training Institute
Kisii University

#9. Law

Law is one of the marketable and hotcake courses in Kenya. Studying law is a solid choice if you’re passionate about the justice system. Kenya needs lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals in both the private and public sectors.

Some of the top law courses include:

Corporate Law and Management
Taxation Law
Women’s Studies and Gender Justice
Criminal Law
International Law
Labour Law and Welfare

Why it is Hotcake: Disputes—whether between companies, the state and individuals, or among individuals—will always need legal expertise to resolve.

#10. Computer Science

IT-related jobs are highly marketable in Kenya, making computer science one of the top hotcake courses for tech enthusiasts. This course covers various topics related to designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems and technologies.

What jobs can you get with a computer science degree?

Computer science skills open the door to many exciting careers, including:

Cyber Security Analyst
Data Analyst
Software Engineer
Systems Analyst
UX Designer
Web Developer

Why it is Hotcake: With many sectors now using computerized systems for record-keeping, service delivery, and quality control, computer science graduates are in high demand. Plus, this degree offers various opportunities for self-employment or freelance work.

#11. Computer Security and Forensics

A computer security and forensics expert is like a detective in the digital world. With a degree in this field, you’ll be tasked with finding and analyzing evidence from network breaches, hacks, and data leaks to help solve crimes or prevent them.

Where can you study computer security and forensics in Kenya?

Some Kenyan universities that offer a Bachelor of Science in this field include:

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)
Kabarak University
KCA University
Meru University of Science and Technology

Why it is Hotcake: Cybercrimes are rising as the world becomes more interconnected. Organizations, governments, and individuals constantly need experts to combat these threats.

#12. Information Technology

An information technology (IT) degree offers many opportunities in today’s digital world. The course covers various subjects, including:

Database Administration
Programming
Website Design
System Analysis

Why it is Hotcake: IT is one of the best marketable and hotcake courses for those looking to enter self-employment or freelance in Kenya. Additionally, many organizations are always in need of skilled IT professionals.

#13. Procurement and Logistics

This course focuses on reducing operating costs, managing inventory effectively, and identifying inefficiencies. Companies always need people to help cut costs, increase revenue, and maximize profits.

Some top careers in logistics include:

Demand Planning Analyst
Procurement Manager
Distribution Centre Supervisor
Supply Chain Consultant

Why it is Hotcake: Because organizations depend on each other, there will always be a need to buy and transport goods. This makes procurement and logistics professionals always in demand.

Best Paying Diploma Courses in Kenya

If you’re looking for diploma and certificate courses in Kenya that not only offer employment opportunities but also set you up for self-employment, here are some of the best options:

Electrical Courses
Plumbing Courses
Masonry
Massage Therapy
Nail Technology
Diploma in Beauty Therapy
Certificate in Beauty Therapy
Certificate in Sales and Marketing
Diploma in Sales and Marketing
Diploma in Tourism Travel & Business Studies (Tours & Travel)
Certificate in Catering & Accommodation Operations
Diploma in Food & Beverage Production, Sales & Services
Certificate in Food & Beverage Production, Sales & Services
Certificate in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Certificate in Automotive Engineering
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Technology
Diploma and Certificate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Nursing
Certificate or Diploma in Information Technology (covering software, hardware, programming, and repairs so you can easily start your shop)
Accounting Courses

These courses are hotcake and highly marketable in Kenya’s job market. All you need is a D- or above to pursue them. Beyond being marketable, these courses equip you with entrepreneurship skills, which many graduates lack.

The duration of these courses typically ranges from 3 months to 3 years.

FAQs

Which course is in high demand in Kenya?

By 2025, the most sought-after courses will be technology and IT, health and medical sciences, business and finance, engineering and construction, and creative arts and design.

What are the most marketable business courses in Kenya?

At Kismet International College, the top business courses include Business Administration, Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Entrepreneurship.

Which is the best certificate course in Kenya?

Kenya’s most marketable certificate courses cover business management, information technology, tourism and hospitality, graphic design, and social work. These courses equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your chosen field.

Which course has the most job opportunities?

Tech degrees like computer science, cybersecurity, and data analytics are in high demand since technology plays a major role in almost every job environment. As tech continues to evolve, pursuing a career in this field is brilliant if you’re into technology.

What is the most expensive course in Kenya?

According to data from the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), a Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery is currently the priciest undergraduate degree in the country.