Certificate in Bible and Theology
The Certificate in Bible and Theology is a foundational programme that introduces students to biblical studies, Christian theology and ministry principles. Offered at KAG East University, the programme prepares learners for lay ministry, church leadership support and further theological education.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 55,900 a year at a public institution, Ksh 55,900 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 60,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D+ or above, plus 1 subject grade. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 1 year, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in Old and New Testament studies, systematic theology, church history and practical ministry. The curriculum combines academic study with spiritual formation, enabling graduates to serve effectively in church and parachurch organisations.
Kenya's religious landscape includes a growing Christian community with increasing demand for trained church workers and ministry leaders. Churches across denominations require personnel with foundational theological training to support pastoral teams and lead congregational activities.
Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction, Bible study sessions, chapel participation and supervised ministry practice. Students engage with biblical texts, theological literature and practical ministry scenarios.
Graduates typically find volunteer or paid positions as church workers, youth leaders, Sunday school coordinators or ministry assistants. Many proceed to pursue diploma or degree-level theological education for deeper ministry preparation.
The programme is ideal for Christians sensing a call to ministry who need foundational theological training before committing to longer programmes of study.
What you study
8 subjects- Old Testament Studies
- New Testament Studies
- Systematic Theology
- Church History
- Biblical Interpretation
- Pastoral Ministry
- Christian Ethics
- Evangelism and Missions
Modules
8 in the programmeOld Testament Survey
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of Old Testament books, themes, historical context and theological significance.
New Testament Survey
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces New Testament books, themes and historical background of the early church.
Introduction to Theology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers basic Christian doctrines including God, Christ, Holy Spirit, salvation and the church.
Biblical Interpretation
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Introduces principles of biblical interpretation and hermeneutics for responsible Scripture study.
Church History
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Surveys major periods of church history from the early church to modern Christianity in Africa.
Pastoral Ministry Basics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces pastoral care, preaching basics, worship leadership and church administration.
Christian Ethics
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Examines ethical decision-making from a Christian perspective and contemporary moral issues.
Evangelism and Missions
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Covers principles of evangelism, discipleship and cross-cultural missions.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a chapel service or devotional, followed by a lecture on biblical studies or theology. Afternoons involve small group Bible study, theological discussions and supervised ministry practice in local churches.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Provides foundational theological training for those sensing a call to ministry. | Many ministry roles are volunteer-based or low-paying, especially in smaller churches. |
| Combines academic study with spiritual formation and practical ministry experience. | Limited to Christian religious contexts; skills are not easily transferable to secular fields. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities coursesAnnual 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
Pub: Pwani Cert Christian Ministry 55,900/yr (pu.ac.ke). Priv: 6K-60K (kbtc, kaimosi, GLUK).
Students may access church sponsorships, HELB loans and institutional bursaries.
Funding options
HELB Loan
NGCDF Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students in accredited certificate programmes
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from low-income backgrounds
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Christian faith commitment and recommendation from a church leader
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding KAG East University, The East African University.
Including KAG East University, The East African University.
Including KAG East University, The East African University.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Regular CATs throughout each semester.
Practical Assignments
Practical30% of the mark
Hands-on assignments assessed on competency.
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Formal written examinations at the end of each semester.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education under the respective university's charter.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) under KAG East University's charter.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesChurch Worker
Moderate demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 35,000
Supports pastoral teams in church operations, member care and programme coordination.
Youth Leader
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 40,000
Coordinates youth ministry activities, discipleship programmes and youth events.
Sunday School Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 30,000
Organises and leads children's Christian education programmes in churches.
Ministry Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 38,000
Assists pastors with administrative duties, visitation and congregational care.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates serve as church workers, youth leaders and ministry assistants, with many pursuing further theological education.