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Social Sciences

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.

Duration
1 year
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 67,189 total
Private tuition
Ksh 61,650
Ksh 61,650 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

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 61,650 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, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 9 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Adolescent Mentorship Officer, at 14 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

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.

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 programme

  • Community 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 favourAgainst it
Meaningful career path supporting community development and social change.Field work can be challenging, involving remote areas and limited resources.
Skills applicable across NGO, government and community-based sectors.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 courses
Public60k to 67k
60k at Chuka University67k at TVET public colleges (standardized)
Private62k to 62k
62k at Mount Kenya University62k at Mount Kenya University

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

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 recorded

  • HELB Loan

    LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students in accredited certificate programmes

  • NGCDF Bursary

    BursaryKenyan

    Kenyan students from low-income backgrounds

Scholarships you could apply for

6 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
D+minimum entry
Alternative entry

Relevant certificate or experience in community work

Subject requirements
English/KiswahiliD

When it next starts

Taught at 9 institutions
January 20279 institutions

Including Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology, Chuka University, Maasai Mara University.

May 20277 institutions

Including Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology, Chuka University, Maasai Mara University.

September 20279 institutions

Including Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology, Chuka University, Maasai Mara University.

How you are assessed

3 components

  • Continuous 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 the respective university charters.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Community 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

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