Certificate in Computer Repairs and Maintenance
The Certificate in Computer Repairs and Maintenance is a specialised technical programme that trains students in computer hardware troubleshooting, repair and maintenance. Offered at Laikipia University, the programme prepares learners for entry-level technical support roles in the ICT sector.
Students develop competencies in computer hardware assembly, component replacement, operating system installation, peripheral configuration, network basics and preventive maintenance. The curriculum combines technical knowledge with extensive hands-on practice, enabling graduates to diagnose and resolve common computer hardware and software problems.
Kenya's ICT sector continues to grow with increasing computer adoption in businesses, schools and households. Trained technicians are needed to support computer infrastructure through repairs, maintenance and technical support services.
Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction and intensive laboratory practice. Students disassemble and reassemble computers, replace faulty components, install software and troubleshoot hardware issues under instructor supervision.
Graduates typically find employment as computer repair technicians, IT support assistants, hardware maintenance technicians or help desk assistants in IT companies, schools, government offices and repair shops. Many proceed to pursue diploma or degree-level qualifications in computer engineering or IT.
The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in computer hardware who wish to enter the IT support field with practical technical skills.
- Duration
- 6 months - 1 year
- Public, up to
- Ksh 67,189
- Private, up to
- Ksh 60,000
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 40 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
8 subjects- Computer Hardware
- Hardware Troubleshooting
- Operating System Installation
- Peripheral Configuration
- Network Basics
- Preventive Maintenance
- Software Troubleshooting
- Electronic Components
Modules
8 in the programmeComputer Hardware Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces computer hardware components, their functions and interactions.
Hardware Troubleshooting
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops diagnostic skills for identifying and resolving hardware faults.
Operating System Installation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers installation and configuration of Windows and Linux operating systems.
Peripheral Configuration
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Covers setup and configuration of printers, scanners and other peripherals.
Network Basics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces computer networking concepts, LAN setup and basic configuration.
Preventive Maintenance
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Covers routine maintenance procedures to prevent hardware failures.
Software Troubleshooting
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Develops skills in diagnosing and resolving software-related problems.
Electronic Components
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Introduces basic electronic components and their role in computer systems.
A day as a student
A typical day involves hands-on laboratory work disassembling computers, identifying faulty components, replacing parts and testing systems. Students practise operating system installation, driver configuration and hardware diagnostics under instructor guidance.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Practical, hands-on skills with immediate employability.
- Provides foundation for further studies in computer engineering or IT.
Against it
- Rapidly evolving technology requires continuous self-learning.
- Many repair tasks are being replaced by replacement rather than component-level fixing.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 191 technology 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
UoEm 44K, TVET 67,189/yr public. ICS 60K/yr private (ics.ac.ke, kenyaplex.com).
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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- D+
- Alternative entry
- Relevant artisan certificate or experience
Mathematics
D
Physics/Physical Sciences
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 Laikipia University's charter.
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 rolesComputer Repair Technician
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 45,000
Diagnoses and repairs computer hardware faults for individuals and organisations.
IT Support Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 48,000
Provides technical support for computer users in organisations.
Hardware Maintenance Technician
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 42,000
Performs routine maintenance and repairs on computer equipment.
Help Desk Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 45,000
Handles user technical support requests and troubleshooting.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as computer repair technicians, IT support assistants and hardware maintenance technicians.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Welding & Metal FabricationEngineering15Low exposure
- Modular / Prefab Construction EngineerEngineering16Low exposure
- HVAC / Building Services EngineerEngineering19Low exposure
- Mining EngineerEngineering21Low exposure
- PlumbingEngineering22Low exposure
- Automotive TechnicianEngineering24Low exposure
- Construction Technology SpecialistEngineering24Low exposure
- AI Safety ResearcherTechnology25Low exposure
Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Computer Repairs and Maintenance are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.