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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.

Duration
6 months - 1 year
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 33,595 to Ksh 67,189 total
Private tuition
Ksh 60,000
Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000 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. Up to Ksh 60,000 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of D+ or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 6 months - 1 year, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 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 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.

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 programme

  • Computer 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 favourAgainst it
Practical, hands-on skills with immediate employability.Rapidly evolving technology requires continuous self-learning.
Provides foundation for further studies in computer engineering or IT.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 courses
Public44k to 67k
44k at University of Embu67k at TVET public colleges (standardized)
Private60k to 60k
60k at ICS Technical College60k at ICS Technical College

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

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 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 artisan certificate or experience

Subject requirements
MathematicsD
Physics/Physical SciencesD

When it next starts

Taught at 3 institutions
January 20273 institutions

Including Laikipia University, Technical University of Kenya, ICS Technical College.

May 20273 institutions

Including Laikipia University, Technical University of Kenya, ICS Technical College.

September 20273 institutions

Including Laikipia University, Technical University of Kenya, ICS Technical College.

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 Laikipia University's charter.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Computer 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

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