Technology

Artisan in Information Technology

The Artisan in Information Technology is a TVET-CDACC examined programme that introduces trainees to the fundamentals of computer operation, basic software usage, and IT support. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and assessed through the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC).

Trainees develop competencies in computer hardware basics, operating system installation, Microsoft Office applications, internet usage, basic networking, and computer maintenance. The curriculum emphasises hands-on practical skills through computer laboratory sessions.

Kenya's digital economy is expanding rapidly, with increasing demand for basic IT skills across all sectors. The government's Digital Superhighway initiative and the growing adoption of technology in businesses create opportunities for IT support personnel at the artisan level.

The course is delivered through computer laboratory-based learning with approximately 80 per cent practical and 20 per cent theory. Trainees work with actual computer hardware, software applications, and basic networking equipment.

Graduates can work as IT support assistants, computer operators, data entry clerks, or cyber cafe attendants. The programme provides a foundation for progression to Certificate in Information Technology.

This programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of D (plain) or D- (minus) who have an interest in computers and technology. It serves as an entry point into the IT profession for those seeking foundational digital skills for employment.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 50,250
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Artisan Certificate

What you study

8 subjects

Computer Hardware Basics
Operating Systems
Microsoft Office Applications
Internet and Email
Basic Networking
Computer Maintenance
Data Entry
IT Support Fundamentals

Modules

8 in the programme

Introduction to Computers
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces computer hardware components, peripherals, and basic computer operations including booting, file management, and system navigation.
Operating Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers installation and basic configuration of common operating systems including Windows and Linux for desktop use.
Microsoft Office Applications
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Trainees learn word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and database basics using Microsoft Office applications.
Internet and Email
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Covers web browsing, online search techniques, email communication, and basic online safety practices.
Computer Hardware Maintenance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops skills in computer assembly, component replacement, preventive maintenance, and basic hardware troubleshooting.
Basic Networking
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Introduces basic networking concepts, cable preparation, simple network setup, and connectivity troubleshooting.
Data Entry and Management
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Develops fast and accurate data entry skills, data verification, and basic database management competencies.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective
Develops workplace communication skills for IT support roles including telephone etiquette and customer service.

Specialisations

Computer Hardware Support
Focuses on computer assembly, maintenance, and hardware troubleshooting.
Office Application Support
Specialises in supporting Microsoft Office and other productivity applications.
Data Entry Operations
Focuses on fast and accurate data entry and database management.
Basic Network Support
Covers basic network setup, cable preparation, and connectivity troubleshooting.

A day as a student

A typical day involves morning theory on computer concepts or software applications, followed by afternoon lab sessions where trainees practise hardware assembly, software installation, document creation, and basic network setup.

The trade offs

In its favour

IT skills are in demand across all sectors of the economy.
Short training duration enables quick entry into the workforce.
Clear progression path to certificate and diploma IT qualifications.

Against it

Rapidly changing technology requires continuous self-learning beyond the course.
Entry-level IT positions face competition from more qualified candidates.

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 Friends College Kaimosi

Private17k to 50k

17k at St. Paul's University TVET (Nakuru)50k at NIBS 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, NIBS 50K/yr (tvet.co.ke).

HELB TVET loans and county bursaries are available for eligible students in CDACC-accredited programmes.

Funding options

HELB TVET Loan
County Bursary
NGAAF Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

HELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions
County Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Residents of the respective county enrolled in TVET programmes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: D-
Alternative entry: KCPE certificate or equivalent. Basic literacy and numeracy.

How you are assessed

3 components

CDACC Practical Assessment
Practical assessment60% of the mark
Competency-based practical assessment of computer operation and IT support skills.
CDACC Theory Assessment
Written assessment30% of the mark
Written assessment of IT theory and knowledge.
Project Assessment
Project10% of the mark
Assessment of a practical IT project such as setting up a small office network.

Accreditation

Assessed and certified by TVET-CDACC under the CBET framework. Institutions accredited by TVETA.

Accredited by

Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council
AcademicRequired
TVET-CDACC assesses and certifies competencies under the CBET framework for IT.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
AcademicRequired
TVETA accredits institutions offering IT programmes.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

IT Support Assistant
High demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 40,000
Provides basic IT support including computer setup, software installation, and troubleshooting.
Computer Operator
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 35,000
Operates computer systems for data processing, printing, and document management in offices.
Data Entry Clerk
High demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 35,000
Enters and manages data in computer systems for organisations including banks, hospitals, and government.
Cyber Cafe Attendant
Moderate demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 30,000
Manages a cyber cafe providing internet, printing, scanning, and basic IT services to the public.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as IT support assistants, computer operators, and data entry clerks in various organisations.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Artisan IT is too basic to be useful.
Basic IT skills are in high demand across all sectors, with many organisations requiring computer literacy for entry-level positions.
You need to be good at mathematics to study IT.
The artisan level focuses on practical computer operation and support skills, not programming or advanced mathematics.
IT artisan graduates cannot compete with degree holders.
There are distinct roles for IT support staff at different skill levels, with artisan graduates filling entry-level support positions.
Self-study is sufficient for IT skills.
Structured training provides systematic coverage of competencies, practical experience, and recognised certification that employers value.