Certificate in Information Science
The Certificate in Information Science provides foundational skills in library operations, records management, archives administration, and information organisation. Students learn library and information centre operations, information resources management, records management, archives operations, and preservation of information materials. The programme is designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in libraries, archives, records offices, or information centres.
Students develop competencies in library operations, information resource organisation, records management, archives administration, computer applications in information work, and preservation techniques. The curriculum covers library and information centre operations, information resources, computer applications in information, records management, archives operations, preservation and conservation, mail and courier services, and professional ethics. Practical skills are developed through laboratory and attachment sessions.
Information management is critical for organisations across government, education, and private sectors. Kenya's devolved government structure has increased the need for records management at county level, while libraries, archives, and documentation centres require trained personnel. The digitisation of information services and the integration of ICT in information management create additional demand for personnel with both traditional and digital information skills.
The programme combines classroom lectures with practical sessions in library and information science laboratories. Students practise cataloguing, classification, records filing, archives arrangement, and computer applications in information work. Teaching methods include practical demonstrations, project-based assignments, and supervised industrial attachment in libraries, archives, or records offices.
Graduates find employment as library assistants, records management assistants, archives assistants, or information centre assistants in universities, government departments, schools, NGOs, and private organisations. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma programmes in library and information science, records management, or archives management. Some graduates progress to degree-level studies in information science.
This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in information management, libraries, or records work, as well as individuals already working in records offices or libraries who seek formal qualification. The accessible entry requirements make it suitable for those exploring information science as a career before committing to diploma or degree-level studies.
- Duration
- 1 year
- Public, up to
- Ksh 77,000
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time, Part-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 25 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
10 subjects- Library and Information Centre Operations
- Information Resources and Organisation
- Computer Applications in Information
- Records Management
- Archives Operations
- Preservation and Conservation of Information
- Information Communication Technology
- Mail and Courier Services
- Professional Ethics in Information
- Entrepreneurship and Communication
Modules
8 in the programmeLibrary and Information Centre Operations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Library and information centre operations covering library types, user services, circulation procedures, reference services, and information centre management fundamentals.
Information Resources and Organisation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Information resources covering print and electronic resources, cataloguing, classification systems, subject analysis, and information organisation methods.
Computer Applications in Information
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer applications in information work covering library management software, databases, digital cataloguing, and ICT tools for information management.
Communication and Quantitative Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication skills for information professionals and quantitative methods for information work covering data collection, basic statistics, and report writing.
Records Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Records management covering records lifecycle, filing systems, records classification, retention schedules, disposal procedures, and digital records management.
Archives Operations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Archives operations covering archival principles, records appraisal, arrangement and description, archival access, and archives administration.
Preservation and Conservation of Information
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Preservation and conservation of information materials covering environmental control, repair techniques, disaster preparedness, and digital preservation.
Professional Ethics, Entrepreneurship and Project
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Professional ethics in information work, mail and courier services, entrepreneurship in information services, and a course specialisation project.
Specialisations
Library and Information Centre Management
Focus on library operations, user services, cataloguing, classification, and information centre management.
Records Management
Focus on records lifecycle management, filing systems, retention schedules, and digital records management.
Archives Administration
Focus on archival principles, records appraisal, arrangement, description, and archival access management.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on library science or records management theory with afternoon practical sessions. Students practise cataloguing, classification, records filing, archives arrangement, and computer applications in information work. Industrial attachment in a library, archives, or records office provides real-world experience.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Information management skills are needed across government, education, and private sectors in Kenya.
- Devolved government has increased demand for records management personnel at county level.
- Provides a direct pathway to diploma and degree programmes in library, information, and records management.
Against it
- The field is relatively niche with limited positions compared to broader fields like business or ICT.
- Senior information science roles require diploma or degree-level qualifications.
- Fee data for public university offerings is not publicly available; prospective students should contact institutions directly.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 science 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
TVET 67,189/yr (Kasarani TVC). Meru Univ TVET 77K/yr (tvet.must.ac.ke). Pvt: unverified.
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 recordedHELB 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
- Gretsa: KCSE D+ or Gretsa University Foundation Certificate. Garissa/Kirinyaga: KCSE D+ or equivalent recognised by university senate.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Regular CATs evaluating understanding of library science, records management, and archives theory.
Practical Assessment
Practical assessment40% of the mark
Practical assessment of cataloguing, classification, records filing, archives arrangement, and computer applications.
End of Module Examinations and Project
Project30% of the mark
KNEC examinations at the end of each module and a course specialisation project demonstrating practical competencies.
Accreditation
Gretsa University, Garissa University, and Kirinyaga University are chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is examined by KNEC and covers library, records, and archives management fundamentals.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
All three universities are chartered by CUE. The programme is examined by KNEC.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesLibrary Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 16,000 to Ksh 45,000
Assists in library operations including circulation, shelving, cataloguing, reference services, and user support in public, school, or university libraries.
Records Management Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 50,000
Manages records in government departments, NGOs, or private organisations, handling filing, records classification, retention, and disposal.
Archives Assistant
Low demandKsh 17,000 to Ksh 48,000
Assists in archives operations, arranging and describing archival materials, supporting researcher access, and maintaining archival collections.
Information Centre Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 16,000 to Ksh 45,000
Supports information centre operations in organisations, managing information resources, providing reference services, and maintaining digital and physical information systems.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as library assistants, records management assistants, and archives assistants in libraries, government departments, and organisations, with opportunities for progression to diploma programmes.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Information science is just about working in libraries.
Information science encompasses library operations, records management, archives administration, digital information management, and knowledge organisation across all sectors.
Records management is just filing documents.
Records management involves systematic control of records throughout their lifecycle, including creation, classification, retention, disposal, and digital records management.
Information science is becoming obsolete in the digital age.
The digital age has increased the need for information professionals who can organise, preserve, and manage both physical and digital information resources.
There are no career opportunities in information science.
Government departments, universities, schools, NGOs, and private organisations require trained personnel for library, records, and archives management functions.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Information Science are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.