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Certificate in Computer Application

The Certificate in Computer Application is a foundational programme that introduces students to essential computer application skills and information technology concepts. Offered at multiple Kenyan universities including Laikipia University, Kenya Methodist University and Kibabii University, the programme prepares learners for entry-level roles requiring computer literacy and basic IT skills.

Duration
6 months - 1 year
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 33,595 to Ksh 67,189 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 33,595 to Ksh 67,189 for the whole course.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 6 months - 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 Cloud Security Engineer, 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 computer operating systems, Microsoft Office applications, internet usage, basic computer maintenance and data management. The curriculum covers practical computer skills that are essential in modern workplaces, enabling graduates to support office operations and administrative functions.

Computer literacy is a fundamental requirement in virtually all sectors of Kenya's economy. Organisations across business, government, education and healthcare require personnel with computer application skills to support daily operations involving data entry, document processing and digital communication.

Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction and extensive hands-on laboratory practice. Students work through practical exercises in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations and internet applications.

Graduates typically find employment as data entry clerks, office assistants, computer lab assistants or customer service representatives. Many proceed to pursue diploma or degree-level qualifications in computer science, IT or business information technology.

The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates or professionals seeking to gain essential computer skills for the modern workplace.

What you study

8 subjects
  • Computer Operating Systems
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Internet and Email
  • Computer Maintenance
  • Data Entry

Modules

8 in the programme

  • Introduction to Computers

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Introduces computer hardware, software and basic computing concepts.

  • Windows Operating System

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Covers Windows navigation, file management and system settings.

  • Microsoft Word

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Teaches word processing including document creation, formatting and mail merge.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers spreadsheet operations including formulas, charts and data analysis.

  • Microsoft Access

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Introduces database management including table creation, queries and forms.

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Teaches presentation design including slides, animations and multimedia.

  • Internet and Email

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Covers web browsing, email communication and online research.

  • Computer Maintenance

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Introduces basic computer maintenance, troubleshooting and security.

A day as a student

A typical day involves hands-on laboratory practice with Microsoft Office applications. Students work through practical exercises in word processing, spreadsheet creation, database management and presentation design, with instructor guidance and self-paced practice.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Computer literacy is essential for virtually all modern workplace roles.Basic computer skills are increasingly expected of all job applicants, reducing competitive advantage.
Short, practical programme with immediate workplace applicability.Limited career advancement without further IT or business qualifications.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses
Public67k to 67k
67k at TVET public colleges (standardized)67k at TVET public colleges (standardized)

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

TVET 67,189/yr public (kamukunjitvc.ac.ke). Private: short courses, unverified.

Students may access HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries.

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

KCPE with relevant experience or any KCSE qualification

Subject requirements
English/KiswahiliD

When it next starts

Taught at 9 institutions
January 20279 institutions

Including Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, Kibabii University, Laikipia University.

May 20278 institutions

Including Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, Kibabii University, Laikipia University.

September 20279 institutions

Including Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, Kibabii University, Laikipia 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

  • Data Entry Clerk

    Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 35,000

    Enters and manages data in computer systems for organisations.

  • Office Assistant

    Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 40,000

    Provides administrative support using computer applications.

  • Computer Lab Assistant

    Low demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 35,000

    Supports computer laboratory operations in schools and training institutions.

  • Customer Service Representative

    Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 45,000

    Handles customer inquiries using computer systems and databases.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as data entry clerks, office assistants and computer lab assistants.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

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