Certificate in County Governance
The Certificate in County Governance is a specialised programme that introduces students to devolved governance systems, county administration and public management at the county level. Offered at Taita Taveta University, the programme prepares learners for entry-level roles in county governments and devolved governance structures.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 60,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 60,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 34,500 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 5 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in county government structures, devolution principles, public finance management at county level, county planning and budgeting, intergovernmental relations and citizen participation. The curriculum covers the legal and institutional framework of Kenya's devolved system of government.
Kenya's devolved governance system, established by the 2010 Constitution, created 47 county governments with significant responsibilities for service delivery. County governments require trained personnel with understanding of devolution and county governance to support administration, planning and service delivery functions.
Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction, case studies of county governance practices and field visits to county government offices. Students analyse county budgets, development plans and governance frameworks as part of their coursework.
Graduates typically find employment as county governance assistants, administrative assistants in county offices, planning assistants or public participation officers in county governments. Many proceed to pursue diploma or degree-level qualifications in public administration, governance or county management.
The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in governance and public service who wish to work in Kenya's devolved government system.
What you study
8 subjects- Devolution and Governance
- County Government Structures
- Public Finance Management
- County Planning
- Intergovernmental Relations
- Citizen Participation
- Public Administration
- County Budgeting
Modules
8 in the programmeDevolution and Governance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces Kenya's devolved system of government and constitutional foundations.
County Government Structures
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers county executive, legislative and administrative structures.
Public Administration
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces public administration principles applied to county governance.
County Planning
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Covers county development planning processes and frameworks.
Public Finance Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces public finance management at county level including budgeting and expenditure.
Intergovernmental Relations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines relationships between national and county governments.
Citizen Participation
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Covers mechanisms for citizen participation in county governance.
County Budgeting
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Introduces county budget processes, revenue sources and expenditure management.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a lecture on devolution principles or county government structures, followed by a case study session analysing county governance practices. Afternoons may involve group discussions on county planning or field visits to county government offices.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Directly relevant to Kenya's devolved governance system with county-level opportunities. | Career options primarily limited to county government and related institutions. |
| Provides specialised knowledge of county governance not commonly available at certificate level. | County government hiring processes can be competitive and politically influenced. |
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: Kibabai 30K/sem=60K/yr (kibu.ac.ke). Private: Highlands 17.25K/sem=34.5K/yr (studyinkenya.co.ke).
Students may access HELB loans, NGCDF bursaries and county government bursaries.
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
10 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant certificate or experience in governance
When it next starts
Taught at 5 institutionsIncluding Taita Taveta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
Including Taita Taveta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
Including Taita Taveta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
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 Taita Taveta University's charter.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesCounty Governance Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000
Supports county governance functions including administration and coordination.
Administrative Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 45,000
Provides administrative support in county government offices.
Planning Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000
Supports county planning processes and development plan preparation.
Public Participation Officer
Moderate demandKsh 24,000 to Ksh 48,000
Facilitates citizen participation in county governance processes.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as county governance assistants and administrative assistants in county governments.