Certificate in Information Technology
The Certificate in Information Technology is a two-year Craft Certificate programme examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and offered at technical and vocational training institutions across Kenya. It equips students with foundational skills in computer applications, operating systems, computer maintenance, and programming basics. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) under the TVET Act, 2013.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 134,378 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 51,000 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 2 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Module I covers basic electronics, computer applications theory and practical, communication, introduction to information communication technology, mathematics, operating systems, and life skills. Students learn computer fundamentals, software applications, and basic hardware concepts. Module II advances to computer maintenance and support, structured programming, computer applications II theory and practical, and a business plan.
The programme combines theory with practical laboratory sessions. Students learn to install and configure operating systems, troubleshoot computer hardware, develop basic programs, and use office productivity software effectively. The curriculum is designed to meet the digital literacy needs of Kenya's growing ICT sector.
Entry requirements are a KCSE mean grade of D (plain) or D+ (plus). The programme is widely available at national polytechnics, technical training institutes, and ICT-focused colleges across Kenya.
Graduates pursue careers as IT support assistants, computer technicians, data entry clerks, and help desk assistants in businesses, schools, government offices, and ICT companies. The programme provides a progression pathway to a Diploma in Information Technology and subsequently to a degree in computer science or IT-related fields.
The programme includes an industrial attachment that provides students with practical workplace experience. Government-sponsored students placed through KUCCPS receive capitation funding, and HELB loans are available for eligible students. The standardised annual tuition fee at public TVET institutions is KES 67,189.
What you study
10 subjects- Introduction to Information Communication Technology
- Computer Applications
- Operating Systems
- Computer Maintenance and Support
- Structured Programming
- Basic Electronics
- Mathematics for Computing
- Communication Skills
- Entrepreneurship
- Life Skills
Modules
10 in the programmeIntroduction to Information Communication Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamental concepts of ICT including computer hardware, software, networks, and internet technologies.
Computer Applications I (Theory)
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Theoretical principles of office productivity applications including word processing and spreadsheets.
Computer Applications I (Practical)
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Practical sessions using office productivity software for document creation and data management.
Operating Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Operating system concepts, installation, configuration, and administration for desktop environments.
Basic Electronics
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Electronic components, circuits, and digital logic relevant to computer hardware.
Mathematics for Computing
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Mathematical concepts for computing including number systems, Boolean algebra, and sets.
Computer Maintenance and Support
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer hardware assembly, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance techniques.
Structured Programming
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Programming fundamentals using structured programming techniques and basic algorithms.
Computer Applications II (Theory)
Year 2Semester 12 creditsCore
Advanced office applications including databases and presentation software theory.
Business Plan
Year 2Semester 22 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship project developing a business plan for an ICT-related venture.
Specialisations
Computer Hardware Support
Focus on computer assembly, repair, and maintenance.
Software Applications
Specialisation in office productivity software and user support.
Network Basics
Introduction to computer networking and connectivity.
Programming Fundamentals
Foundation in structured programming for progression to diploma level.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on operating systems or programming concepts with afternoon laboratory sessions where students practise computer assembly, software installation, and basic programming exercises.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand for IT support skills in Kenya's growing digital economy. | Rapidly evolving technology requires continuous learning and skill updates. |
| Low entry requirements make it accessible to a wide range of students. | Entry-level salaries may be modest compared to advanced IT certifications. |
| Clear progression pathway to diploma and degree in IT and computer science. | Competitive field with many self-taught and certified professionals. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 191 technology 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 public (RVTTI, Nairobi TTI). Private: Zetech/TEAU 50K, ICS 51K/yr (studyinkenya, ics.ac.ke)
Government-sponsored students placed through KUCCPS receive capitation funding. HELB loans of up to KES 45,000 per year are available for eligible TVET certificate students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
KUCCPS Government Capitation
County Bursary
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 45,000Kenyan
Kenyan students placed by KUCCPS in accredited TVET institutions.
KUCCPS Government Capitation
SubsidyKsh 30,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored students placed by KUCCPS receive capitation funding.
County Bursary
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Various county governments offer bursaries for TVET students.
Scholarships you could apply for
1 usable where it is taught- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Pass in a relevant Artisan Certificate or equivalent qualification approved by KNEC.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Kipkabus Technical And Vocational College, Bartmore Technical College.
Including Kipkabus Technical And Vocational College, Bartmore Technical College.
Including Kipkabus Technical And Vocational College, Bartmore Technical College.
How you are assessed
3 componentsEnd of Module KNEC Examinations
Written examination60% of the mark
KNEC-administered examinations covering theory and technical knowledge.
Practical Examinations
Practical assessment30% of the mark
KNEC practical examinations assessing computer applications and maintenance competencies.
Business Plan
Project10% of the mark
Entrepreneurship project developing an ICT business plan.
Accreditation
Kenya National Examinations Council
AcademicRequired
Examined by KNEC. Institutions must be TVETA-accredited to offer this programme.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
InstitutionalRequired
All TVET institutions offering this programme must be registered and accredited by TVETA.
Examined by KNEC and accredited by TVETA under the TVET Act, 2013. Institutions offering this programme must be registered and accredited by TVETA.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesIT Support Assistant
High demandKsh 300,000 to Ksh 540,000
Provides technical support to computer users in offices, schools, and businesses.
Computer Technician
High demandKsh 300,000 to Ksh 480,000
Assembles, repairs, and maintains computer hardware and peripherals.
Data Entry Clerk
Moderate demandKsh 240,000 to Ksh 420,000
Enters and manages data using computer applications in offices and organisations.
Help Desk Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 300,000 to Ksh 480,000
Provides first-line technical support and troubleshooting for ICT users.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates are in high demand as IT support assistants and computer technicians in Kenya's growing digital economy.
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Windows
SoftwarePrimary
Microsoft Office Suite
SoftwarePrimary
Python (Basic)
Code
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
A certificate in IT is too basic for the job market.
Graduates fill critical IT support and technician roles, with many progressing to diploma and degree levels for advanced positions.
IT certificate holders only do data entry.
The programme covers computer maintenance, programming, and operating systems, leading to diverse technical support roles.
Self-taught computer skills are enough for IT jobs.
Employers increasingly require formal KNEC certification as proof of standardised competencies.
IT is only for young people.
The programme is open to all ages, with many adult learners upgrading their digital skills for career advancement.