Certificate in Counselling
The Certificate in Counselling is a foundational programme that introduces students to counselling theory, basic helping skills and psychological principles. Offered at multiple Kenyan universities including KCA University, Pan Africa Christian University and Uzima University, the programme prepares learners for entry-level support roles in counselling and pastoral care settings.
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 89,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D+ or above, plus 1 subject grade. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 1 year, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 11 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Adolescent Mentorship Officer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in counselling theories, active listening, basic helping skills, ethics in counselling, crisis intervention and psychological foundations. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills development, enabling graduates to support qualified counsellors and pastoral care workers.
Kenya faces growing mental health awareness with increasing demand for counselling services in schools, churches, hospitals and community organisations. Trained personnel at certificate level play a supportive role in counselling settings, working under supervision of qualified professionals.
Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction, role-play exercises, skills practice and supervised practicum. Students practise counselling techniques in simulated sessions and develop self-awareness through reflective exercises.
Graduates typically find employment as counselling assistants, pastoral care assistants, peer counsellors or support workers in schools, churches, hospitals, NGOs and community organisations. Many proceed to pursue diploma or degree-level qualifications in counselling psychology or psychology.
The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in helping professions who wish to enter the counselling field with foundational skills.
What you study
8 subjects- Counselling Theories
- Helping Skills
- Active Listening
- Counselling Ethics
- Crisis Intervention
- Psychology Basics
- Group Counselling
- Self-Awareness
Modules
8 in the programmeIntroduction to Counselling
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces counselling concepts, history and the role of the counsellor.
Counselling Theories
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers major counselling theories including person-centred, cognitive and psychodynamic approaches.
Helping Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops basic helping skills including active listening, empathy and paraphrasing.
Psychology Basics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces psychological concepts relevant to counselling practice.
Counselling Ethics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers ethical principles in counselling including confidentiality and boundaries.
Crisis Intervention
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Develops skills for providing support during crisis situations.
Group Counselling
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Introduces group dynamics and basic group counselling facilitation skills.
Self-Awareness
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Develops personal self-awareness and reflective practice for counsellors.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a lecture on counselling theories or ethics, followed by a role-play session practising helping skills in pairs. Afternoons involve self-awareness exercises, group discussions or supervised practicum at a counselling placement.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Growing awareness of mental health creates increasing demand for counselling support. | Certificate-level training limits independent practice; supervision required. |
| Provides a foundation for further study in counselling psychology or psychology. | Emotionally demanding work requiring strong personal resilience and boundaries. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 241 social sciences coursesAnnual 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: KCA 87.5K, Mwatate 89K/yr (kcau.ac.ke, mwatatemtc.ac.ke).
Students may access HELB loans, NGCDF bursaries and church sponsorships.
Funding options
HELB Loan
NGCDF Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students in accredited certificate programmes
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from low-income backgrounds
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant certificate or experience in helping professions
When it next starts
Taught at 11 institutionsIncluding Consolata International University, International Leadership University, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
Including International Leadership University, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Pan Africa Christian University.
Including Consolata International University, International Leadership University, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous 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 rolesCounselling Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 48,000
Supports qualified counsellors in providing counselling services.
Pastoral Care Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 42,000
Provides pastoral care and support in church and institutional settings.
Peer Counsellor
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 38,000
Provides peer support and basic counselling in schools and organisations.
Support Worker
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 42,000
Supports individuals in need in hospitals, NGOs and community organisations.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as counselling assistants, pastoral care assistants and peer counsellors.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Correctional CounselorSocial Sciences15Low exposure
- Child Protection OfficerSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- CriminologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Human Rights InvestigatorSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Social GerontologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Community Resilience SpecialistSocial Sciences17Low exposure
- Gender Integration SpecialistSocial Sciences17Low exposure