Business

Certificate in Computerized Secretarial Studies

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.

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.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 49,500
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: 30 students
Award: Certificate

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 favour

Combines traditional secretarial skills with modern computerised office technology.
KNEC craft certificate is widely recognised by employers across Kenya.
Provides a pathway to diploma programmes in secretarial studies and business management.
Low entry requirement (KCSE D plain) makes it accessible to many learners.

Against it

Shorthand requires significant practice and dedication to build speed and accuracy.
Entry-level salaries are modest, typically ranging from KES 20,000 to KES 38,000 per month.

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.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

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

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

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.

Accredited by

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.

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.

Industry links

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.