Certificate in Community Development
The Certificate in Community Development is a foundational programme that equips students with knowledge and skills for supporting community-level development initiatives. Offered at multiple Kenyan universities including Daystar University, Chuka University and Maasai Mara University, the programme prepares learners for entry-level roles in community development organisations, NGOs and government agencies.
Students develop competencies in community needs assessment, project planning, social mobilisation, community health, gender and development and participatory development approaches. The curriculum combines social science theory with practical community engagement skills.
Kenya's development sector employs thousands of community development workers across government, NGOs, faith-based organisations and community-based organisations. Devolution has increased demand for trained personnel at county level to support community projects and social development programmes.
Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction, field visits to community projects and practical community engagement attachments. Students conduct community assessments and develop project proposals as part of their coursework.
Graduates typically find employment as community development assistants, project assistants, social workers or field officers in NGOs, CBOs, government departments and faith-based organisations. Many proceed to pursue diploma or degree-level qualifications in social work, community development or project management.
The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with a passion for community service and social development who wish to enter the development sector with foundational skills.
- Duration
- 1 year
- Public, up to
- Ksh 67,189
- Private, up to
- Ksh 61,650
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time, Part-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 40 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
8 subjects- Community Development Principles
- Project Planning
- Social Mobilisation
- Community Health
- Gender and Development
- Participatory Approaches
- Social Work Basics
- Community Needs Assessment
Modules
8 in the programmeCommunity Development Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces community development concepts, theories and approaches.
Project Planning
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers project cycle management, needs assessment and project design.
Social Mobilisation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops skills in mobilising communities for collective action and participation.
Community Health
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Introduces primary healthcare, sanitation and health promotion in communities.
Gender and Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines gender issues in development and strategies for gender mainstreaming.
Participatory Approaches
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers participatory rural appraisal and community-led development methodologies.
Social Work Basics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces social work principles and casework methods.
Community Needs Assessment
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Develops skills in conducting community assessments and surveys.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a lecture on community development principles or project planning, followed by a group discussion on a case study. Afternoons may involve field visits to community projects or practical community assessment exercises.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Meaningful career path supporting community development and social change.
- Skills applicable across NGO, government and community-based sectors.
Against it
- Field work can be challenging, involving remote areas and limited resources.
- Many entry-level NGO roles are project-based with limited job security.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 241 social sciences 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
Chuka 60K, TVET 67,189/yr public. MKU 61,650/yr private (kenyaeducationguide.com).
Students may access HELB loans, NGCDF bursaries and NGO sponsorships.
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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- D+
- Alternative entry
- Relevant certificate or experience in community work
English/Kiswahili
D
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
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) under the respective university charters.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education under the respective university's charter.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesCommunity Development Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 48,000
Supports community development projects and programmes in NGOs and government.
Project Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000
Assists in project implementation, monitoring and reporting.
Field Officer
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 45,000
Conducts field activities including community visits, data collection and mobilisation.
Social Worker
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 46,000
Provides social support services to individuals and families in communities.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as community development assistants, project assistants and field officers in NGOs and government.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- CriminologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Geographer (Human & Physical)Social Sciences18Low exposure
- Climatologist / MeteorologistSocial Sciences19Low exposure
- Restorative Justice PractitionerSocial Sciences21Low exposure
- Human Rights AnalystSocial Sciences26Low exposure
- Industrial-Organizational PsychologistSocial Sciences26Low exposure
- Diplomat / Foreign Service OfficerSocial Sciences27Low exposure
- Public Administration & Civil ServiceSocial Sciences27Low exposure
Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Community Development are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.