Certificate in Communication
The Certificate in Communication is a foundational programme that introduces students to communication theory, media studies and practical communication skills. Offered at Riara University, the programme prepares learners for entry-level communication and media support roles.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 97,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 97,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 54,000 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 written communication, media production basics, public relations fundamentals, digital communication and journalism principles. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical projects, enabling graduates to support communication departments and media organisations.
Kenya's media and communication landscape is dynamic, with growth in digital media, corporate communication and public relations. Organisations across sectors require personnel with communication skills to manage internal and external communication, social media presence and public relations activities.
Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction, media laboratory sessions and project-based learning. Students produce written content, participate in mock press conferences and develop communication campaigns.
Graduates typically find employment as communication assistants, social media coordinators, public relations assistants or content creators in corporate organisations, NGOs and media houses. Many proceed to pursue diploma or degree-level qualifications in communication, journalism or public relations.
The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in communication and media who wish to enter the field with foundational skills.
What you study
8 subjects- Communication Theory
- Media Studies
- Public Relations
- Digital Communication
- Journalism Basics
- Written Communication
- Media Production
- Communication Ethics
Modules
8 in the programmeCommunication Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces communication models, theories and the role of communication in society.
Media Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines mass media platforms, their functions and impact on society.
Written Communication
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops writing skills for various formats including news, reports and features.
Journalism Basics
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Introduces news gathering, reporting and editing principles.
Public Relations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers PR principles, media relations and corporate communication strategies.
Digital Communication
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces digital media platforms, content creation and online communication.
Media Production
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Develops basic skills in audio, video and multimedia content production.
Communication Ethics
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Examines ethical principles in communication and media practice.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a lecture on communication theory or media studies, followed by a practical session in the media laboratory producing written content or digital media. Afternoons involve group project work developing communication campaigns.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Communication skills are in demand across all sectors including corporate, NGO and media. | Competitive field requiring creativity and adaptability to stand out. |
| Provides a foundation for further studies in journalism, PR or media production. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 106 media & communication 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
KIMC 97K/yr public (eafinder.com). Kabarak 50K, SPU 54K/yr private.
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 in communication
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Riara University, St. Paul's University.
Including Riara University, St. Paul's University.
Including Riara University, St. Paul's 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 Riara University's charter.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesCommunication Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000
Supports communication department activities including content creation and media monitoring.
Social Media Coordinator
High demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 55,000
Manages social media accounts and creates digital content for organisations.
Public Relations Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 26,000 to Ksh 52,000
Supports PR activities including press releases, events and media relations.
Content Creator
High demandKsh 24,000 to Ksh 50,000
Produces written, visual and multimedia content for digital platforms.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as communication assistants, social media coordinators and public relations assistants.