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Certificate in Computerized Secretarial Studies

<p>The Certificate in Computerized Secretarial Studies is a craft-level qualification examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) that equips learners with practical skills in secretarial duties, computerised document processing, and office management. The programme is designed for individuals seeking entry-level secretarial and administrative positions in organisations across Kenya.

Duration
2 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 134,378 total
Private tuition
Ksh 49,500
Ksh 99,000 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 134,378 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 49,500 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of D or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 2 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 50 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, 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 computerised document processing, shorthand, secretarial duties, and office administration. The curriculum also covers communication skills, information communication technology, commerce, economics, and entrepreneurship, ensuring graduates have a well-rounded understanding of both traditional secretarial skills and modern digital office tools.

Kenya's business sector maintains consistent demand for secretarial staff as organisations require personnel who can manage office communications, process documents, and provide administrative support using modern computerised systems. The programme aligns with the needs of corporate offices, government agencies, law firms, hospitals, educational institutions, and non-governmental organisations.

The programme is delivered through full-time study at technical training institutes, national polytechnics, and technical and vocational colleges across Kenya. Teaching combines classroom instruction with extensive practical sessions in computer laboratories for document processing and typing skills. Shorthand training is a key component, developing speed and accuracy in note-taking.

Graduates can work as secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, typists, and clerical officers in various organisations. Many proceed to pursue the Diploma in Secretarial Studies or Diploma in Computerized Secretarial Studies for career advancement.

This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with a mean grade of D plain or above who are interested in secretarial and office administration roles, and wish to build a foundation combining traditional secretarial skills with modern computerised office technology.

Skills Required

  • Computerised Document Processing
  • Shorthand
  • Secretarial Duties
  • Office Administration
  • Communication Skills
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Typing Skills
  • Record Management
  • Commerce
  • Entrepreneurship

Key Subjects

  • Computerized Document Processing
  • Shorthand
  • Secretarial Duties
  • Communication Skills
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Office Administration and Management
  • Commerce
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business Plan

Specializations

Computerised Document Processing

Focus on word processing, document formatting, and digital document management using modern office software.

Shorthand and Note-Taking

Focus on shorthand skills for meeting minutes, dictation, and rapid note-taking in professional settings.

Office Management

Focus on office administration, procedures, and management of office operations.

Secretarial Duties

Focus on traditional secretarial functions including correspondence, scheduling, and visitor management.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Computerized Document Processing
  • Shorthand
  • Secretarial Duties
  • Communication Skills
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Office Administration and Management
  • Commerce
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business Plan

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Computerized Document Processing I

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Word processing fundamentals, document formatting, typing skills, and digital document creation.

  • Shorthand I (60 WPM)

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Shorthand techniques for rapid note-taking, building speed to 60 words per minute.

  • Secretarial Duties I

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Secretarial functions including correspondence, filing, scheduling, and visitor management.

  • Communication Skills I

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Business communication, interpersonal skills, and workplace communication techniques.

  • Information Communication Technology I

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Computer fundamentals, operating systems, and ICT applications in office environments.

  • Commerce

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective

    Business environment, trade, and commercial principles relevant to secretarial operations.

  • Entrepreneurship and Business Plan

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective

    Entrepreneurship principles and development of a business plan as a module 1 project.

  • Computerized Document Processing II

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Advanced word processing, mail merge, desktop publishing, and complex document management.

  • Shorthand II (80 WPM)

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Advanced shorthand techniques, building speed to 80 words per minute for meeting minutes and dictation.

  • Economics

    Year 1Semester 22 creditsElective

    Economic principles, supply and demand, and their application to business and office operations.

  • Information Communication Technology II

    Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore

    Advanced ICT applications including spreadsheets, databases, and internet usage for office work.

  • Course Specialisation Project

    Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore

    Practical project applying computerized secretarial skills in a simulated or real office environment.

Specialisations

  • Computerised Document Processing

    Focus on word processing, document formatting, and digital document management using office software for secretarial and administrative tasks.

  • Shorthand and Note-Taking

    Focus on shorthand skills for meeting minutes, dictation, and rapid note-taking including speed building and transcription techniques.

  • Office Management

    Focus on office administration, procedures, and management of office operations including scheduling, correspondence, and office coordination.

  • Secretarial Duties

    Focus on traditional secretarial functions including correspondence, scheduling, visitor management, and executive support for office administration.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning session on computerised document processing or shorthand, followed by practical laboratory sessions where students practise typing, word processing, and document formatting. Afternoon sessions cover secretarial duties, communication skills, or ICT, with students using office software and equipment. Shorthand practice sessions focus on building speed and accuracy, while group exercises simulate office scenarios and meeting minute-taking.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Combines traditional secretarial skills with modern computerised office technology.Shorthand requires significant practice and dedication to build speed and accuracy.
KNEC craft certificate is widely recognised by employers across Kenya.Entry-level salaries are modest, typically ranging from KES 20,000 to KES 38,000 per month.
Provides a pathway to diploma programmes in secretarial studies and business management.—
Low entry requirement (KCSE D plain) makes it accessible to many learners.—

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses
Public67k to 67k
67k at Tharaka Technical and Vocational College67k at Kabete National Polytechnic
Private30k to 50k
30k at Compaq College50k at Embu 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

Public TVET 67K/yr. Private: Compaq 30K, Embu 49.5K/yr (compaqcollege.ac.ke, embucollege.ac.ke).

Students can access HELB TVET loans of up to KES 40,000, government capitation of KES 30,000 per year through TVETA, and county government bursaries.

Funding options

  • HELB TVET Loan

  • TVET Capitation (Government Scholarship)

  • County Government Bursaries

  • NGAAF Bursary

Scholarships

4 recorded

  • HELB TVET Loan

    LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan

    Needy Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions.

  • Government TVET Capitation

    ScholarshipKsh 30,000Kenyan

    All students enrolled in public TVET institutions through KUCCPS placement.

  • County Government Bursary

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties enrolled in TVET programmes. Amounts vary by county.

  • NGAAF Bursary

    BursaryKenyan

    Needy students from marginalised areas through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.

Scholarships you could apply for

8 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
Dminimum entry
Alternative entry

Relevant artisan certificate or equivalent qualification as recognised by KNQA. Some institutions accept KCSE D- or KCPE for Single and Group stages.

When it next starts

Taught at 50 institutions
January 202750 institutions

Including Moi University, Baringo National Polytechnic, Kiptaragon Technical and Vocational College.

May 202750 institutions

Including Moi University, Baringo National Polytechnic, Kiptaragon Technical and Vocational College.

September 202750 institutions

Including Moi University, Baringo National Polytechnic, Kiptaragon Technical and Vocational College.

How you are assessed

3 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Mid-semester and end-of-semester tests covering theory and practical exercises.

  • KNEC Final Examination

    Exam70% of the mark

    National examination administered by KNEC at the end of each module, including theory, practical, and shorthand speed tests.

  • Course Specialisation Project

    Project0% of the mark

    Practical project applying computerized secretarial skills, assessed as part of module 2 coursework.

Accreditation

  • Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    Statutory examination body for craft certificate secretarial qualifications under BTEP.

  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA)

    Institutional accreditationRequired

    Statutory accreditation for TVET institutions offering certificate programmes in Kenya.

Examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) under the Business Technical Education Programme (BTEP) as a Craft Certificate. Institutions offering the programme are accredited by TVETA.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Secretary

    Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 42,000

    Manages correspondence, schedules appointments, handles communications, and provides administrative support to executives and departments.

  • Administrative Assistant

    High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 45,000

    Provides comprehensive administrative support including document processing, meeting coordination, and office management.

  • Receptionist

    High demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 35,000

    Handles front desk operations, receives visitors, manages telephone calls, and directs enquiries.

  • Typist

    Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 35,000

    Types and formats documents, transcribes recordings, and processes text-based materials for organisations.

  • Clerical Officer

    Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 38,000

    Performs clerical duties including filing, document processing, data entry, and general office support.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, typists, and clerical officers in corporate offices, government agencies, and institutions across Kenya.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Microsoft Office Suite

    SoftwarePrimary

    Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook used for document processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email management.

  • Office Equipment

    EquipmentPrimary

    Photocopiers, scanners, printers, telephones, and dictation machines used in secretarial operations.

  • Shorthand Materials

    Equipment

    Notebooks and writing materials used for shorthand note-taking and transcription.

Common misconceptions

  • Secretarial studies is outdated in the digital age

    The computerised secretarial studies programme specifically integrates modern digital tools, computerised document processing, and ICT skills with traditional secretarial competencies.

  • Shorthand is no longer relevant

    Shorthand remains a valuable skill for taking accurate minutes in meetings, dictation, and rapid note-taking in professional environments.

  • Secretarial work is only for women

    Secretarial studies is a gender-neutral profession, with opportunities for all qualified individuals across various sectors.

  • Secretarial certificates have no career progression

    Graduates can progress to diploma and degree programmes, advancing to office manager, executive assistant, and administrative officer roles.

Further reading

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