15+ Best ICT Courses in Kenya | Colleges, Fees and Requirements

All across Africa ICT is taking over the daily life of individuals in every field of endeavors. Along with growing technology, the demand for skilled personnel has grown vastly in Kenya, as the country is racing to become one of the booming economies in East Africa.

Some Kenyan Universities and colleges are bracing for the challenge of training the best hands in ICT, thereby instituting many ICT courses in Kenya. You can use this potential growth and develop yourself in any ICT Courses in Kenya.

So, if you wish to pursue a career in ICT, you need to know the various ICT Courses in Kenya, their fees, requirements, and accredited colleges offering ICT courses in Kenya. This will enable you to make a well-informed decision about your choice of institution.

In this writing, we will explore the best ICT Courses in Kenya, fees, requirements, and top colleges and universities that offer ICT courses in Kenya.

ICT in Kenya

Much has been invested in ICT development in Kenya, which the government realizes can be a potential driver of economic growth and an avenue for improving livelihoods.

The country has heavily invested in ICT infrastructure, fiber optic connectivity, and mobile networks, which are reasonably high-level and complemented by digital literacy programs.

Indeed, Kenya has emerged as an innovation and entrepreneurship hub in ICT, evidenced by the mushrooming of various startups and tech firms in recent years.

Why are ICT courses important in Kenya?

ICT courses are a major determinant in the economy, health, education, and governance in Kenya. The government of Kenya recognizes the importance of ICT toward its development goals and has invested handsomely in promoting ICT education and infrastructure.

Current ICT courses should empower Kenyans to compete within the global economy by creating employment and improving livelihoods.

How Much Does It Cost to Study ICT in Kenya?

The cost varies from one institution to another and is based on the course and level of study one is pursuing.

On average, diploma courses in ICT take between KES 50,000 and KES 150,000 per year of study, while degree courses take between KES 100,000 and KES 300,000 per year. However, some top-tier universities and colleges charge as high as KES 500,000 per year.

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Which course is most sought after in ICT in Kenya?

Some of the most sought-after courses in ICT in Kenya include:

• Software Engineering: targets designing, developing, and maintaining software applications; hence, in demand due to advancement in the technology field.
• Cyber Security: The advancement in technology has caused an increase in cyber-attacks. This course, therefore, trains personnel on how to protect networks and Systems.
• Data Science and Analytics: The growing amount of data calls for interpretation from data scientists and analysts to make informed decisions.
• Network administrators: The employment of network administrators is also crucial since computer networks have to be put in service for smooth running.
• Digital Marketing: More businesses are shifting online, creating a need for digital marketers who develop and institute online marketing strategies.

ICT Courses in Kenya Requirements

The qualification or degree needed varies from course to course, and therefore, there is no uniform entry requirement into these courses in ICT in various Kenyan universities.

Typically, candidates aspiring for different diploma courses must have at least a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with a C- grade or equivalent, especially in mathematics and English.

Most degree courses usually require a minimum qualification of at least a grade C+ in KCSE and at least a C in both mathematics and English.

Most advanced diploma courses require virtually the same qualifications, while short courses or certificates usually require lower qualifications, sometimes just enough primary education or skill about the course.

Some of these ICT courses require entrance tests, while others have interviews that shall enable you to pursue this course in ICT. In the case of postgraduate courses, a bachelor’s degree is compulsory; some institutions also require work experience.

Most Kenyan institutions accept students upon meeting the minimum academic requirement; other admissions may be at the discretion of an entrance exam or a student’s interview.

Regarding entry, international students have to meet other requirements, such as the English language proficiency test and some visa requirements.

Some institutions might even require students to have a laptop or any other ICT gadget to aid in learning. Students need to research the best course and institution that suits them and meets the requirements for that course. Besides, fees charged by various institutions for various courses differ.

ICT Courses in Kenya Fees

The cost of ICT courses charged in colleges in Kenya varies on whether one is targeting a public or private institution and the program of interest.

Tuition fees for diploma and certificate courses in public colleges range from KSh 30,000 to KSh 60,000 annually, while similar courses in private ones may cost between KSh 50,000 and KSh 150,000 annually.

This ranges from KSh 40,000 to KSh 100,000 in public universities and from KSh 100,000 to KSh 300,000 in private universities.

Incidentally, some courses, such as cybersecurity or data science, require extra costs because they require specific equipment and software, which adds to the total cost.

Apart from tuition, a student should be prepared to pay other fees related to the library, registration, and materials, which vary from institution to institution. These fees will impact the total financial commitment toward pursuing an education in ICT within Kenya.

How Long Does an ICT Course Take in Kenya?

In Kenya, there are various ways of taking ICT courses with different durations, depending on the level of the course and the institution offering it. In most cases, ICT courses in Kenya have been grouped into three key levels: certificate, diploma, and degree programs.

A certificate course in ICT usually takes six months to a year, and a diploma course usually takes two years. In contrast, a bachelor’s degree course normally requires up to four years of duration for a full-time student.

Part-time students take longer time, usually five to six years. Other institutions have postgraduate programs in ICT that take extra time, one to two years.

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How much do you get paid in Kenya for an ICT degree?

Salaries for ICT graduates in Kenya vary greatly, depending mostly on one’s level of education, experience, and job description.

A fresh Bachelor’s degree graduate in ICT gets an average starting salary of about KES 40,000 to KES 60,000 per month, which can increase with experience to about KES 80,000 to KES 120,000 per month.

The more experienced ICT professionals, such as software developers, network administrators, and IT managers, make much higher salaries, ranging from KES 150,000 to KES 300,000 per month or even more.

According to the analytics of the Kenyan job market, the average wage for a professional in ICT is about KES 100,000 per month.

Note that these are estimated salaries and may change based on many other factors, such as the type of employer, the industry, or the specific job requirements. Besides, the demand for ICT professionals in Kenya is very high, meaning that those with specialized skills, such as cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence, will command better salaries.

15+ Best ICT Courses in Kenya

In this connection, various courses on ICT are offered in Kenya, such as certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate, among others. Among the popular courses offered in Kenya include:

1. Web Development

This course is in high demand within Kenyan technological institutions. It focuses on building and maintaining websites. It mainly covers frontend technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and backend programming languages like PHP and Python. Kenyan institutions offer hands-on training that enables students to build responsive and functional websites.

2. Data Science & Analytics

The Data Science and Analytics courses in Kenya focus on extracting insights from large datasets. Learners achieve knowledge in statistical analysis, machine learning, and tools for data visualization such as R and Python. This course is, therefore, a core one in business as a way of leveraging data to arrive at strategic decisions.

3. Cybersecurity

The Kenya cybersecurity course aims to enable students to take precautions in protecting information systems against cyber-attacks. The course’s core topics are network security, ethical hacking, and risk management. This course has gained importance due to increased cases of cybercrimes; it has a big scope in jobs.

4. Mobile Application Development

Courses in mobile application development equip an individual with the ability to develop apps for both smartphones and tablet computers. On-site training for students ranges from Android to iOS operating systems using languages like Java and Swift. The fast growth of mobile users across Kenya has piqued more interest in this area.

5. Cloud Computing

Courses in cloud computing are essential since organizations are increasingly shifting to cloud-based solutions. The course gives insight into various cloud services available, deployment models, and involved security. Knowledge of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms prepares learners to manage cloud environments.

6. Networking

The networking courses provide imperative skills in designing, implementing, and managing computer networks. Courses include network security, troubleshooting, and configuration of routers and switches. Networking professionals are in high demand as technology keeps expanding in Kenya.

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7. Artificial Intelligence

AI courses in Kenya, therefore, focus on aspects like machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. Learners participate in practical projects to construct intelligent systems to further their capabilities in solving complicated problems using AI technologies.

8. Software Engineering 

Studies in software engineering provide students with the principles for designing, developing, and testing software. This encompasses programming languages, methodologies of software development, and project management skills, which equip and qualify graduates for the skills needed in the software industry.

9. Information Systems Management

Information systems management courses cover the strategic use of technology within organizations. Learners are taken through systems analysis, project management, and IT governance in preparing them for management positions within the technology-intensive environment.

11. Graphic Design

Graphic design courses teach the fundamentals of visual communication, including creative software such as Adobe Creative Suite. This career path is essential for branding, marketing, and user interface design; that is why skilled graphic designers remain in demand.

12. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing courses teach one about online advertising, SEO, and social media. As business entities invest in developing an online presence, the understanding of digital marketing will be pretty crucial for the gamut of product and service promotion.

13. Blockchain Technology

Course in Blockchain technology dwells on distributed ledger technologies and the usage thereof. Students get insights into cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and development in blockchain to place themselves within this budding field.

14. Game Development

Game development courses cover the design and development of video games. Learners acquire principles of game design, programming, and graphics creation, hence securing opportunities availed by the growth of the gaming industry in the country.

15. Hardware & Networking Support

Hardware and networking support courses focus on hardware and network faultfinding. Students acquire practical expertise in the assembly of computers, cabling, and configuration of networks, hence quickly making them employable as IT support technicians.

Best Colleges Offering ICT Courses in Kenya

Some of the leading ICT institutions in Africa are based in Kenya. Most of these institutions offer a variety of ICT courses and have produced some of the best ICT professionals in the country.

Besides this, they have formed partnerships with international institutions and organizations for purposes of facilitating students and scholars with opportunities such as exchange programs, internships, and research collaborations, among others. Let’s take a closer look at some of the Best Colleges offering ICT Courses in Kenya

1. University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi is among the best institutions in Kenya that offer ICT courses. It does this through providing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, among other postgraduate diplomas in ICT-related fields.

The university’s curriculum is designed to keep students abreast of industry standards and prepare them for the job market upon graduation.

2. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

JKUAT is known to focus on Technology and Agricultural innovation. The university has popular ICT programs, like the Bachelor’s in Information Technology, and several diploma courses. Practical training is one aspect that the university ensures students have before graduating from it.

3. Strathmore University

This is another university offering several courses related to ICT, including a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business Information Technology. Strathmore boasts of solid ties with the industry; hence, this is a perfect avenue to get employment through attachments and networking provided.

4. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology

It is an Engineering and Technology University offering courses in ICT, such as Computer Technology and Information Technology. The university focuses on research and innovation to develop a technologically competent human resource.

5. Kenya Methodist University (KEMU)

KEMU has accredited several ICT courses, such as Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology.

The university insists on embedding ethics into its ICT curriculum to equip its students with duties concerning the responsible use of technology.

6. Multimedia University of Kenya

Multimedia University of Kenya is an institution of excellence in communication and technology. It offers many programs in ICT, multimedia production, and sound engineering.

The university emphasizes acquiring an interdisciplinary ability that is immediate in application within today’s digital era.

7. Technical University of Kenya

The programs offered at the Technical University of Kenya combine technical training with the theory of ICT.

For this reason, the institution offers diplomas and degrees in Information Technology and Computer Science, with a bias toward the acquisition of practical skills relevant to the industry’s needs.

8. Kisii University

Kisii University offers competitive ICT programs to cultivate experts with profound proficiency in software development and network engineering.

The university’s main focuses are inclusivity in education and research methodology, which aid technology accessibility in rural areas.

9. Africa Nazarene University

This university is among the other higher learning institutions with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and great consideration of the Christian input into the technological world.

In this course, work is designed to encompass almost every other aspect of computing to ensure that one gets an all-rounded education in computing.

10. Mount Kenya University

Mount Kenya University offers a wide variety of ICT courses; among them is Information Technology and Computer Science.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are welcomed in this university, where it graduates are encouraged to develop technology startups.

FAQs

Conclusion

With the Prospectus above, ICT courses are in high demand in the Kenyan market, and as a career, they promise well-paying and satisfying employment.

Being aware of the best ICT courses, colleges, fees, and requirements can be instrumental in making a decision about which course to pursue for a great future in ICT.

References

• scribd.com/ICT Courses in Kenya
• posttraining.go.ke/ICT Courses in Kenya
• niecollege.ac.ke/best ICT courses in kenya

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