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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.

Duration
1 year
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 67,189 total
Private tuition
Ksh 96,000
Ksh 96,000 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 67,189 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 96,000 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 1 year, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 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, 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.

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 favourAgainst it
Practical IT skills applicable across all sectors.Certificate-level skills may be insufficient for advanced IT roles.
Provides a pathway to diploma and degree-level IT 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 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

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
English/KiswahiliD

When it next starts

Taught at 4 institutions
January 20274 institutions

Including Pioneer International University, Technical University of Kenya, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.

May 20274 institutions

Including Pioneer International University, Technical University of Kenya, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.

September 20274 institutions

Including Pioneer International University, Technical University of Kenya, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.

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

  • 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

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