Certificate in Business Marketing
The Certificate in Business Marketing is a foundational programme that introduces students to marketing principles, consumer behaviour and sales management. Offered at Scott Christian University, the programme prepares learners for entry-level marketing and sales roles in various organisations.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 67,189 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 70,000 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 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic Audit Investigator, at 17 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in marketing communication, market research, digital marketing basics, sales techniques and customer relationship management. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling graduates to support marketing departments and sales teams.
Kenya's business environment is increasingly competitive, with organisations investing in marketing to reach customers and build brand awareness. Marketing personnel are needed across retail, services, manufacturing and technology sectors to support customer acquisition and retention efforts.
Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction, case studies, project work and field visits. Students develop marketing plans, conduct market surveys and practise sales presentations to build practical skills.
Graduates typically find employment as marketing assistants, sales representatives, customer service agents or brand promoters in companies, advertising agencies and retail organisations. Many proceed to pursue diploma or degree-level qualifications in marketing or business management.
The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in marketing and sales who wish to enter the business world with foundational marketing skills.
What you study
8 subjects- Marketing Principles
- Consumer Behaviour
- Sales Management
- Marketing Communication
- Digital Marketing Basics
- Market Research
- Customer Relationship Management
- Business Communication
Modules
8 in the programmeMarketing Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces marketing concepts, the marketing mix and marketing's role in organisations.
Consumer Behaviour
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions and behaviour patterns.
Sales Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers sales techniques, sales team management and sales performance evaluation.
Marketing Communication
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Introduces advertising, public relations, promotion and integrated marketing communication.
Digital Marketing Basics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces online marketing channels, social media marketing and digital advertising.
Market Research
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods for gathering and analysing market data to inform marketing decisions.
Customer Relationship Management
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Develops skills in managing customer relationships, retention strategies and CRM systems.
Business Communication
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Develops communication skills for marketing contexts including presentations and proposals.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a lecture on marketing principles or consumer behaviour, followed by a case study session analysing marketing campaigns. Afternoons involve project work developing marketing plans or practising sales presentations.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Marketing skills are in demand across all business sectors. | Entry-level marketing roles often involve commission-based pay with variable income. |
| Provides a foundation for further marketing and business studies. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business 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
KIM 70K/yr, MKU 62K/yr, CHRM 63K/yr (kim.ac.ke, victormatara.com, chrm.or.ke).
Students may access HELB loans and NGCDF 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
Relevant certificate or experience
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Scott Christian University.
Including Scott Christian University.
Including Scott Christian 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 Scott Christian University's charter.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesMarketing Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 24,000 to Ksh 48,000
Supports marketing activities including campaigns, events and market research.
Sales Representative
High demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 55,000
Promotes and sells products or services to customers.
Customer Service Agent
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 42,000
Handles customer inquiries, complaints and relationship management.
Brand Promoter
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 38,000
Promotes brand awareness through events, demonstrations and customer engagement.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as marketing assistants, sales representatives and customer service agents in various organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Forensic Audit InvestigatorBusiness17Low exposure
- Franchise Operations ManagerBusiness18Low exposure
- Infrastructure Finance SpecialistBusiness18Low exposure
- Intermodal Reefer TechnicianBusiness18Low exposure
- Climate Risk UnderwriterBusiness19Low exposure
- Coldchain Logistics ManagerBusiness19Low exposure
- Municipal Finance SpecialistBusiness19Low exposure
- Islamic Banking SpecialistBusiness20Low exposure