Technology

Certificate in ICT

The Certificate in ICT provides foundational skills in information and communication technology, covering computer hardware, software applications, networking basics, and computer maintenance. Students learn computer operations, office productivity software, computer networking fundamentals, hardware maintenance, and basic programming concepts. The programme is designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in IT support, computer operations, or as a pathway to further ICT studies.

Students develop competencies in computer operations, office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations), computer hardware maintenance, basic networking, operating systems, internet technologies, and IT support. The curriculum covers introduction to computing, computer mathematics, computer applications, operating systems, structured programming basics, computer maintenance, and entrepreneurship. Practical skills are emphasised through computer laboratory sessions.

Kenya's digital transformation, including e-government services, mobile money, digital economy initiatives, and the expansion of IT infrastructure, creates demand for basic ICT skills across all sectors. Organisations require personnel who can operate computers, maintain hardware, provide basic IT support, and use productivity software. The ICT sector also offers opportunities for entrepreneurship in computer repair, training, and basic web services.

The programme combines classroom lectures with intensive computer laboratory sessions. Students practise computer operations, software applications, hardware maintenance, and basic networking in dedicated computer laboratories. Teaching methods include practical demonstrations, hands-on exercises, project-based assignments, and industrial attachment.

Graduates find employment as IT support assistants, computer operators, data entry clerks, or computer maintenance technicians in offices, schools, cyber cafes, and small businesses. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma programmes in ICT, computer science, or information technology. Some graduates establish small businesses offering computer repair, training, or typing and printing services.

This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in computers and technology, as well as individuals already using computers in their work who seek formal ICT qualification. The accessible entry requirements make it suitable for those exploring ICT as a career before committing to diploma or degree-level studies.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 76,720
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Evening
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Certificate

What you study

10 subjects

Introduction to Computing
Computer Applications
Operating Systems
Computer Hardware Maintenance
Basic Networking
Structured Programming Basics
Internet and Web Technologies
Communication Skills
Mathematics for Computing
Entrepreneurship in ICT

Modules

8 in the programme

Introduction to Computing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamentals of computing covering computer hardware components, software types, data representation, computer architecture, and the role of ICT in society and business.
Computer Applications
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Office productivity software covering word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and database basics using industry-standard applications.
Operating Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Operating system fundamentals covering installation, configuration, file management, user management, and basic administration of common desktop operating systems.
Computer Hardware Maintenance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer hardware components, assembly, disassembly, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and basic repair of desktop and laptop computers.
Basic Networking
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer networking fundamentals covering network types, topologies, transmission media, IP addressing, basic network configuration, and troubleshooting.
Structured Programming Basics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduction to programming concepts covering algorithms, flowcharts, variables, control structures, functions, and basic programming in a high-level language.
Internet and Web Technologies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Internet fundamentals, web technologies, email, online collaboration tools, basic web page creation, and internet security basics for everyday use.
Communication, Entrepreneurship and Attachment
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Communication skills, entrepreneurship in ICT covering business planning for computer repair or training ventures, and supervised industrial attachment in an IT environment.

Specialisations

Computer Hardware and Maintenance
Focus on computer hardware assembly, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for desktop and laptop systems.
Computer Applications and Operations
Focus on office productivity software, computer operations, and data management for business environments.
Basic Networking
Focus on computer networking fundamentals, network configuration, and basic network troubleshooting.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on computing theory or programming concepts with afternoon computer laboratory sessions. Students practise office applications, hardware maintenance, basic networking, and operating system configuration. Hands-on exercises and project-based assignments reinforce learning, and industrial attachment provides real-world IT support experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

ICT skills are in demand across all sectors of Kenya's economy, from government to private sector.
Skills enable entrepreneurship with low startup capital for computer repair, training, or cyber cafe businesses.
Provides a direct pathway to diploma and degree programmes in ICT, computer science, and information technology.

Against it

Technology evolves rapidly, requiring continuous learning and skills updating.
Entry-level ICT positions may offer modest compensation, particularly for basic computer operator roles.
Senior ICT roles require diploma or degree-level qualifications plus professional certifications.

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 Public TVET colleges (standardized rate)67k at Public TVET colleges (standardized rate)

Private67k to 77k

67k at KCA University (Craft Certificate ICT)77k at KCA University (Certificate in IT)

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

TVET 67,189/yr public. Pvt: KCA ~67,460-76,720/yr (kcau.ac.ke fee structure).

HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries are available for eligible Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities.

Funding options

HELB Loan
NGCDF Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective constituencies pursuing certificate-level studies

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: D+
Alternative entry: Daystar: KCSE D+ or 3 Credits in IGCSE or equivalent. Outspan: KCSE D or D+ for TVET-CDACC Level 5.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Regular CATs evaluating understanding of computing theory, operating systems, and networking concepts.
Practical Laboratory Assessment
Practical assessment40% of the mark
Practical assessment of computer operations, software applications, hardware maintenance, and networking in laboratory settings.
End of Semester Examinations and Attachment
Project30% of the mark
Final examinations and supervised industrial attachment report demonstrating practical ICT competencies.

Accreditation

Daystar University is chartered by CUE. Outspan Global University offers TVET-CDACC accredited ICT courses through its TVET Institute. The programme provides foundational ICT skills aligned with industry needs.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Daystar University is chartered by CUE. Outspan Global University offers TVET-CDACC accredited ICT courses.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

IT Support Assistant
High demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 55,000
Provides basic IT support in offices, schools, and organisations, assisting with computer operations, software installation, hardware troubleshooting, and user support.
Computer Operator
Moderate demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 40,000
Operates computer systems for data entry, document processing, printing, and basic system administration in offices and service centres.
Computer Maintenance Technician
Moderate demandKsh 16,000 to Ksh 50,000
Maintains and repairs computer hardware, performing installations, upgrades, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for clients and organisations.
ICT Entrepreneur
High demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 120,000
Establishes small ICT businesses offering computer repair, training, typing and printing, or basic web services to individuals and small businesses.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as IT support assistants, computer operators, and maintenance technicians across various sectors, with opportunities for entrepreneurship and progression to diploma programmes.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Office
SoftwarePrimary
Windows OS
Software

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

ICT is only for people who are good at mathematics.
While basic mathematics is helpful, ICT encompasses practical skills like computer operations, software applications, and hardware maintenance that do not require advanced mathematics.
A certificate in ICT is not enough for employment.
Many organisations require personnel with basic ICT skills for IT support, computer operations, and data entry roles, making the certificate a viable entry point.
ICT skills become outdated quickly.
While technology evolves, foundational skills in computing, office applications, and hardware remain relevant, and the certificate provides a base for continuous learning.
Everyone knows how to use computers, so ICT training is unnecessary.
Professional ICT training provides structured knowledge of hardware, networking, operating systems, and troubleshooting that goes beyond basic computer literacy.