Technology

Certificate in Networking

The Certificate in Networking provides foundational training in computer networking principles, network configuration, network security, and network troubleshooting. Students learn network fundamentals, LAN and WAN technologies, routing and switching, network protocols, and network security basics. The programme is designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in IT networking or as a pathway to further studies in information technology.

Students develop competencies in network design, configuration, troubleshooting, network protocols, IP addressing, wireless networking, network security, and network administration. The curriculum covers network fundamentals, local area networks, wide area networks, routing and switching, network protocols, IP addressing and subnetting, wireless networking, network security, and network troubleshooting. Practical skills are developed through laboratory sessions and network configuration exercises.

Kenya's technology sector is expanding with increasing demand for networking professionals across businesses, government, ISPs, and data centres. Every organisation with IT infrastructure requires networking personnel to configure, maintain, and secure their networks. The programme addresses the demand for foundational networking skills in Kenya's growing digital economy.

The programme combines classroom lectures with practical laboratory sessions and network configuration exercises. Students configure routers and switches, design network topologies, troubleshoot network problems, and implement security measures. Teaching methods include lectures, lab sessions, practical demonstrations, and project-based work. The programme emphasises hands-on networking skills.

Graduates find employment as network assistants, IT support assistants, network technicians, or help desk support in companies, ISPs, government agencies, and IT service providers. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma programmes in IT networking or computer science at EKI University and other institutions.

This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in computer networking and IT infrastructure, as well as individuals seeking practical networking skills for employment in Kenya's technology sector. The practical focus provides directly employable skills in computer networking.

Duration: 9 months
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Certificate

What you study

10 subjects

Network Fundamentals
Local Area Networks (LAN)
Wide Area Networks (WAN)
Routing and Switching
Network Protocols and OSI Model
IP Addressing and Subnetting
Wireless Networking
Network Security Basics
Network Troubleshooting
Network Administration

Modules

8 in the programme

Network Fundamentals and OSI Model
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Network fundamentals covering network concepts, the OSI model, TCP/IP model, network topologies, network types, and basic networking principles.
Local Area Networks and Switching
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Local area networks covering LAN technologies, Ethernet, switches, VLANs, LAN design, and configuring managed switches.
IP Addressing and Subnetting
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
IP addressing covering IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnet masks, subnetting, CIDR, and IP address planning for networks.
Routing and Wide Area Networks
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Routing and WANs covering routing protocols (static, RIP, OSPF), router configuration, WAN technologies, and connecting networks across distances.
Wireless Networking and Network Services
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Wireless networking covering Wi-Fi standards, wireless access points, wireless security, and network services including DNS, DHCP, and NAT.
Network Security Basics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Network security covering security threats, firewalls, access control, VPNs, basic cryptography, and securing network infrastructure.
Network Troubleshooting and Administration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Network troubleshooting covering diagnostic tools, problem isolation, fault resolution, and network administration including monitoring and management.
Network Design Project and Capstone
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
A network design project involving designing, configuring, and testing a complete network for a small to medium organisation, demonstrating applied networking competencies.

Specialisations

Network Administration
Focus on network administration including device configuration, monitoring, management, and maintaining network infrastructure.
Network Security
Focus on network security including firewalls, access control, VPNs, and securing network infrastructure against threats.
Wireless Networking
Focus on wireless networking technologies, Wi-Fi configuration, wireless security, and mobile network infrastructure.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on networking theory with afternoon laboratory sessions. Students configure routers and switches, design network topologies, practise IP addressing and subnetting, and troubleshoot network problems. Lab exercises involve building and testing networks, implementing security measures, and using network simulation tools. Project work includes designing and configuring a complete small office network.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for networking skills across all sectors with IT infrastructure.
Provides directly employable technical skills with practical, hands-on training.
Provides a pathway to diploma programmes in IT networking and computer science.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility.
Specific fee data is not publicly available; prospective students should contact EKI University directly.
Networking technology evolves rapidly, requiring continuous learning to stay current.

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 colleges67k at Public TVET colleges

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 (rvtti.ac.ke). Private: 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 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: KCSE D (Plain) or equivalent qualification recognised by EKI University.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment
Written examination30% of the mark
Regular assessments evaluating understanding of networking theory, protocols, and concepts.
Practical Lab Assessment
Practical assessment40% of the mark
Practical lab assessments evaluating network configuration, troubleshooting, and equipment setup skills.
Network Design Project and Final Examinations
Project30% of the mark
Final examinations and a network design project demonstrating applied networking competencies.

Accreditation

Eastern Kenya Integrated University is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme provides foundational networking training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
EKI University is accredited by CUE.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Network Assistant
High demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 65,000
Assists in network administration and maintenance in companies or IT service providers, supporting network configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
IT Support Assistant
High demand
Provides IT support including network connectivity support, troubleshooting user network issues, and maintaining network infrastructure in organisations.
Network Technician
High demand
Installs, configures, and maintains network equipment including routers, switches, and access points in organisations or for IT service providers.
Help Desk Support
Moderate demand
Provides first-line technical support for network and connectivity issues, assisting users with network access, troubleshooting, and basic network problems.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as network assistants, IT support assistants, and network technicians in companies, ISPs, and IT service providers, with opportunities for progression to diploma programmes.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Cisco IOS
CodePrimary
Wireshark
Tool
GNS3
Tool

Certifications

Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Networking is only for large companies.
Organisations of all sizes require networking personnel to set up and maintain their IT infrastructure, from small offices to large enterprises.
Networking requires advanced programming skills.
Networking focuses on infrastructure configuration, protocols, and troubleshooting, not programming, though basic IT knowledge is helpful.
A certificate in networking has limited career value.
Every organisation with IT infrastructure needs networking personnel, and the certificate provides a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in IT.
Networking skills become outdated quickly.
While technologies evolve, networking fundamentals (protocols, routing, switching, security) remain consistent, and continuous learning keeps skills current.