Business

Certificate in Secretarial Studies

The Certificate in Secretarial Studies is a KNEC-examined programme that trains individuals in office administration, document processing, shorthand, and communication skills. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

Trainees develop competencies in typing and keyboarding, office procedures, shorthand, computerised document processing, communication skills, and office management. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with extensive practical training in office simulation environments.

Kenya's business sector requires trained secretarial personnel to support office operations in government, private companies, and NGOs. The programme supports the professionalisation of office administration roles.

The course is delivered through classroom sessions and practical training in computer laboratories and simulated offices. Trainees practise typing, document preparation, office procedures, and communication skills under instructor supervision.

Graduates can work as secretaries, office assistants, typists, or administrative clerks in various organisations. The programme provides a foundation for progression to Diploma in Secretarial Studies or business management qualifications.

This programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of D (plain) who have an interest in office administration. It provides practical skills for employment in clerical and secretarial roles.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 45,000
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: 40 students
Award: Certificate

What you study

8 subjects

Office Procedures
Computerised Document Processing
Shorthand
Communication Skills
Office Administration
Information Communication Technology
Commerce
Secretarial Duties

Modules

8 in the programme

Office Procedures I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers office organisation, filing systems, telephone procedures, mail handling, and basic office management principles.
Computerised Document Processing I
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Develops typing and word processing skills using computers including document formatting, mail merge, and document production.
Shorthand I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces shorthand theory and practice for rapid note-taking in office and meeting environments.
Communication Skills I
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Develops written and oral communication skills for professional office environments.
Information Communication Technology I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers computer basics, operating systems, office productivity software, and internet usage for office work.
Commerce I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces business and commerce concepts including trade, business organisations, and commercial transactions.
Secretarial Duties
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers the duties and responsibilities of a secretary including diary management, meeting preparation, and executive support.
Entrepreneurship
Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective
Introduces entrepreneurship concepts and business skills for self-employment opportunities.

Specialisations

Executive Secretarial
Focuses on supporting senior executives with advanced administrative skills.
Legal Secretarial
Specialises in secretarial support for law firms and legal departments.
Medical Secretarial
Covers secretarial support for medical offices and hospital departments.
Office Administration
Focuses on general office management and administrative coordination.

A day as a student

A typical day includes morning theory on office procedures or commerce, followed by afternoon practical sessions in computer labs where trainees practise typing, document processing, shorthand, and office communication skills.

The trade offs

In its favour

Office administration skills are needed in every sector of the economy.
Short training duration enables quick entry into employment.
Clear progression path to diploma and degree programmes in business management.

Against it

Automation has reduced demand for some traditional secretarial roles.
Entry-level positions may offer modest remuneration.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public67k to 67k

67k at Public TVET (standardised fee)67k at Public TVET (standardised fee)

Private33k to 45k

33k at AITEC College45k at Zetech University

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

Public TVET 67,189/yr. Private: AITEC 33,000, Zetech 45,000/yr (aitec.ac.ke, kenyaplex.com).

HELB TVET loans, KUCCPS capitation, and county bursaries are available for eligible students.

Funding options

HELB TVET Loan
KUCCPS Government Capitation
County Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

HELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions
County Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Residents of the respective county enrolled in TVET programmes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: D
Alternative entry: KCSE D- (minus) with a pass in English and Mathematics of at least D+.

English
D+
Mathematics
D+

How you are assessed

2 components

KNEC Theory Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Written examination covering secretarial studies theory and commerce.
KNEC Practical Examination
Practical examination30% of the mark
Practical examination assessing typing, document processing, and shorthand skills.

Accreditation

Examined by KNEC and accredited by TVETA.

Accredited by

Kenya National Examinations Council
AcademicRequired
KNEC examines and certifies the Certificate in Secretarial Studies.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
AcademicRequired
TVETA accredits institutions offering secretarial studies programmes.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Secretary
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 45,000
Provides secretarial support including document processing, correspondence, and office administration.
Office Assistant
High demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 40,000
Assists with general office operations including filing, document preparation, and reception.
Typist
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 38,000
Prepares typed documents, correspondence, and reports for organisations.
Administrative Clerk
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 42,000
Handles administrative tasks including records management, correspondence, and office coordination.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as secretaries, office assistants, and typists in government, private companies, and NGOs.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Secretarial studies is outdated in the digital age.
Modern secretarial roles combine traditional skills with digital proficiency in office software and communication tools.
Secretarial work is only for women.
Office administration roles are open to all genders, with many male professionals in the field.
Anyone can be a secretary without training.
Professional training provides skills in document processing, office procedures, and communication that employers require.
There is no career progression from secretarial studies.
Graduates can progress to diploma programmes in business management, human resources, and office administration.