Technology

Artisan in ICT

The Artisan in ICT is a TVET-CDACC Level 4 competency-based programme that trains students in fundamental information and communication technology skills for entry-level IT support roles. The course is examined by TVET-CDACC and offered across accredited TVET institutions in Kenya. Students learn basic computer operation, file management, typing, software usage, and ICT workplace safety.

The curriculum covers basic units including communication skills, numeracy skills, digital literacy, entrepreneurial skills, employability skills, environmental literacy, and occupational safety and health practices. Core units focus on basic computer operation, simple file management, typing skills, workplace safety, software application basics, and industrial attachment in an office or ICT environment.

Kenya's growing digital economy and increasing ICT adoption across businesses create demand for entry-level ICT support personnel. Organisations across sectors require trained assistants for basic computer operations, data entry, document processing, and ICT support tasks in office environments.

Training combines classroom theory with practical sessions in computer laboratory environments. Students practice computer operation, file management, typing, software usage, and basic ICT support under supervised conditions. The programme includes industrial attachment in offices or ICT departments where students apply their skills in real computing environments.

Graduates work as ICT assistants, computer operators, data entry clerks, and ICT support helpers in corporate organisations, government departments, SMEs, and ICT service providers. The qualification provides a foundation for progression to ICT Level 5 and Level 6 for specialised information technology and computer studies roles.

This programme is suitable for KCSE certificate holders with a mean grade of E or KCPE certificate who are interested in computers and technology and seeking entry-level positions in ICT support and computer operations environments.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 105,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 1 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Artisan Certificate

What you study

8 subjects

Basic Computer Operation
Typing Skills
Simple File Management
Basic Internet Use
Printer Operation
Computer Cleaning and Care
Basic Office Applications
Workplace Safety

Modules

8 in the programme

Workplace Safety
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Occupational safety and health practices in ICT environments including safe equipment use, cable management, ergonomic workstation setup, and electrical safety awareness.
Basic Computer Operation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Basic computer operation including startup, shutdown, mouse use, desktop navigation, file opening, and fundamental computer skills for entry-level ICT support.
Typing Skills
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Keyboard typing skills including proper finger placement, speed building, accuracy improvement, and basic text entry for efficient computer document production.
Simple File Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Basic file management including creating folders, saving files, copying, moving, renaming, and organising documents on a computer for routine office tasks.
Basic Internet Use
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Browsing, searching, and basic online navigation including web browser use, search engines, email fundamentals, and safe internet practices for basic ICT operations.
Printer Operation
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Operating printers, changing paper and toner, basic print troubleshooting, and photocopier operation for routine office printing and document reproduction tasks.
Computer Cleaning and Care
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Cleaning computer equipment and basic care procedures including screen cleaning, keyboard maintenance, dust removal, and safe handling of ICT equipment.
Basic Office Applications
Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore
Using word processing and simple spreadsheet functions including document creation, text formatting, basic data entry, and simple calculations for office tasks.

Specialisations

Office Computer Support
Specialisation in basic office computer operations including software use, printer management, equipment setup, and routine IT support for office environments.
Computer Lab Support
Focus on computer lab operations and equipment management including machine setup, cleaning, basic troubleshooting, and lab maintenance for institutional computer facilities.
Print Operations
Focus on printer and photocopier operations including document printing, copying, scanning, paper handling, and basic equipment maintenance for office print services.
Data Entry
Specialisation in basic data entry tasks including typing, spreadsheet input, database updates, and digital record management for office and business operations.

A day as a student

Students spend virtually all their time in computer labs practising basic computer operations, typing, file management, and using office applications. The focus is on building basic computer literacy through hands-on practice.

The trade offs

In its favour

Quick entry to ICT workforce with basic computer skills.
Most affordable entry point to ICT education.
Foundation for progression to craft, certificate, and diploma in ICT.

Against it

Entry-level positions have modest salaries.
Basic computer skills alone limit job options to entry-level support roles.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public67k to 67k

67k at Kasarani TVC67k at RVTTI Eldoret

Private17k to 105k

17k at St. Paul's University TVET (Nakuru)105k at Delight Technical College

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Public TVET 67,189/yr. Private: St Paul's 17K, Delight 105K/yr (delight.ac.ke).

TVET government funding and HELB loans are available. Artisan programmes are the most affordable entry point to ICT education.

Funding options

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Funding
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) - TVET Loans

Scholarships

4 recorded

County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties, targeting vulnerable learners.
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
BursaryKenyan
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
HELB TVET Loans
LoanKenyan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited TVET institutions, based on financial need.
TVET Funding
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited TVET institutions, based on financial need.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: KCSE Mean Grade D- (Minus) or below, or KCPE certificate
Alternative entry: KCPE certificate holders are also eligible. No specific subject requirements.

How you are assessed

3 components

Theory Assessment
Test15% of the mark
Basic written assessment of supporting ICT knowledge.
Competency-Based Practical Assessment
Practicum60% of the mark
TVET-CDACC competency assessment of practical computer skills.
Practical Projects
Project25% of the mark
Completion of basic computer operation projects.

Accreditation

Accredited by Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and certified by TVET Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (TVET-CDACC) under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF). The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.

Accredited by

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all TVET institutions and programmes in Kenya.
TVET Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council
NationalRequired
Examining and certifying body for competency-based programmes under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF).

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Office Computer Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 50,000
Support basic computer operations in an office environment.
Data Entry Assistant
High demandKsh 27,000 to Ksh 45,000
Perform basic data entry tasks using computer systems.
Print Room Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 42,000
Operate printers and photocopiers, manage print jobs, and perform basic maintenance.
Computer Lab Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 48,000
Assist in computer lab operations including equipment setup and basic user support.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as computer lab assistants and office computer assistants in schools, businesses, and organisations across Kenya.