Technology

Certificate in Computer Technology

The Certificate in Computer Technology is a foundational programme that introduces students to computer technology principles, hardware systems and practical IT skills. Offered at Pioneer International University and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, the programme prepares learners for entry-level technical roles in the ICT sector.

Students develop competencies in computer hardware, software applications, networking basics, web technologies and IT support. The curriculum combines technical knowledge with practical laboratory work, enabling graduates to support computer technology operations in various organisational settings.

Kenya's ICT sector continues to expand with increasing adoption of computer systems in businesses, schools, government and healthcare. Organisations require personnel with computer technology skills to support IT infrastructure, maintain systems and provide technical assistance.

Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction, laboratory sessions and project-based assignments. Students work with computer hardware, networking equipment and software applications to develop practical technical competencies.

Graduates typically find employment as IT support assistants, computer technicians, network assistants or technical support officers. Many proceed to pursue diploma or degree-level qualifications in computer technology, IT or computer engineering.

The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in computer technology who wish to enter the IT field with foundational technical skills.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 96,000
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
Software Applications
Networking Basics
Web Technologies
IT Support
Operating Systems
Database Basics
Computer Electronics

Modules

8 in the programme

Computer Hardware Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces computer hardware components, assembly and architecture.
Software Applications
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers productivity software including office suites and utility programs.
Networking Basics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces computer networking concepts, topologies and protocols.
Operating Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers OS installation, configuration and management.
Web Technologies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces web technologies including HTML, CSS and basic web server concepts.
IT Support
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Develops skills in providing technical support and help desk services.
Database Basics
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Introduces database concepts and basic SQL operations.
Computer Electronics
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Introduces basic electronic principles relevant to computer technology.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a lecture on computer hardware or networking concepts, followed by a laboratory session configuring network equipment or troubleshooting computer systems. Afternoons involve project work or practical IT support exercises.

The trade offs

In its favour

Practical IT skills applicable across all sectors.
Provides a pathway to diploma and degree-level IT qualifications.

Against it

Certificate-level skills may be insufficient for advanced IT roles.

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 Kamukunji Technical and Vocational College67k at Kabete National Polytechnic

Private96k to 96k

96k at Pioneer International University96k at Pioneer International 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

Public TVET 67K/yr. Private: PIU 48K/sem=96K/yr (eafinder.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

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
English/Kiswahili
D

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

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 roles

IT Support Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 48,000
Provides technical support to computer users in organisations.
Computer Technician
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 45,000
Assembles, maintains and repairs computer systems and peripherals.
Network Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000
Supports network installation, configuration and maintenance.
Technical Support Officer
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 46,000
Handles technical queries and resolves IT issues for users.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as IT support assistants, computer technicians and network assistants.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Keep this

Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Computer Technology are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.

Save