Technology

Diploma in Ict Technician

The Diploma in ICT Technician is a TVET-CDACC examined programme at Level 6 that trains technicians in information and communication technology systems, networking, and technical support. The course covers computer hardware, software installation, network configuration, system administration, troubleshooting, and cybersecurity across progressive modules.

Students develop competencies in computer systems maintenance, network setup and administration, software installation and configuration, ICT support, and basic programming. The programme reflects employer demand for qualified ICT personnel in Kenya's rapidly evolving technology sector.

Kenya's digital transformation, including e-government services, mobile money platforms, and growing tech startup ecosystem, has created strong demand for ICT technicians. Organisations across all sectors including government, banking, healthcare, education, and telecommunications require qualified ICT support personnel.

The programme combines classroom theory with extensive laboratory practicals in computer assembly, network configuration, software installation, and system troubleshooting. Students work with routers, switches, servers, and various operating systems. A supervised industrial attachment with an ICT department or service provider provides hands-on workplace experience.

Graduates work as ICT support specialists, network technicians, system administrators, and IT officers in organisations across all sectors. Employers include banks, government departments, schools, hospitals, telecom companies, and IT service providers. Many graduates also establish ICT support businesses or cyber cafes.

This programme is suitable for KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- (minus) who have aptitude in computing and technology and are interested in ICT technical support and networking careers.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 122,103
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

6 subjects

Research Methods
Communication Skills
Information Technology
Project Management
Entrepreneurship
Statistics

Modules

10 in the programme

Introduction to ICT and Ethics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamentals of computing and professional ethics for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Computer Application I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Word processing, spreadsheets and databases for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Structured Programming
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Programming fundamentals using C language for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Operating Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Process and memory management in Windows and Linux for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Systems Analysis and Design
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
System development life cycle and modelling for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Object Oriented Programming
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
OOP principles using Java or C++ as applied to ict technician principles, practices, and professional competency requirements.
Database Management System
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Database design, SQL and normalisation including planning, organising, staffing, and controlling operational activities and resources.
Internet Based Programming
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Web application development and database integration for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Management Information System
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Information systems for management decision support for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Data Communication and Networking
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Network fundamentals, routing and switching for professional practice and competency development in the field.

Specialisations

Network Administration
Configuration and management of computer networks including routing, switching, and network security, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
System Support
Installation, configuration, and maintenance of computer hardware, operating systems, and application software, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
ICT Technical Support
Providing end-user technical support, troubleshooting, and helpdesk services for ICT systems, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards.
Hardware Repair and Maintenance
Focus on computer hardware troubleshooting, component replacement, peripheral servicing, and equipment maintenance within Kenyan ICT support environments.

A day as a student

Students attend morning theory classes and spend afternoons in practical sessions, workshops, or laboratory work applying concepts learned in class.

The trade offs

In its favour

ICT skills are in demand across every sector of Kenya's economy.
Self-employment opportunities through ICT support services and cyber cafe businesses.

Against it

Rapidly changing technology requires continuous skills updating and certification.
Competition from degree holders and certified professionals for senior ICT roles.

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 122k

67k at Public TVET colleges (standardised)122k at Kibabii University TVET

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 67K/yr (kamukunjitvc.ac.ke); Kibabii 122K/yr (kibu.ac.ke). Private unverified.

Students can access HELB TVET loans, county government bursaries, and NG-CDF bursaries to support their studies.

Funding options

HELB loan

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in KUCCPS-placed or accredited diploma programmes at recognised TVET institutions.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Bursaries provided by county governments for needy students from their respective counties.
NG-CDF Bursary
BursaryKsh 15,000Kenyan
Constituency Development Fund bursaries for needy students from the respective constituency.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: ICT Technician Level 5 certificate with one year of continuous work experience.

Mathematics
English or Kiswahili

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester CATs covering theory and practical components.
KNEC Module Examinations
Exam60% of the mark
National examinations administered by KNEC at the end of each module.
Industrial Attachment Assessment
Practicum10% of the mark
Supervised industrial attachment report and employer assessment.

Accreditation

Programmes accredited by TVETA and examined by KNEC, NITA, or CDACC in Kenya.

Accredited by

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for TVET institutions offering this diploma programme.
Kenya National Examinations Council
Examination bodyRequired
Administers national examinations for the diploma programme at each module level.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

ICT Support Specialist
High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 55,000
Provides technical support to computer users, troubleshooting hardware and software issues in organisations.
Network Technician
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 60,000
Installs, configures, and maintains computer networks including LAN, WAN, and wireless systems.
System Administrator
Medium demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 65,000
Manages computer servers, user accounts, and system security for organisational IT infrastructure.
ICT Officer
High demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 58,000
Manages ICT resources, provides user support, and maintains computer systems in organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates of the Ict Technician programme work in relevant industries across Kenya, with opportunities in both public and private sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Multimeter
Diagnostic equipmentPrimary
Digital multimeter for hardware testing and troubleshooting
Wireshark
Network analysis softwarePrimary
Network protocol analyser for troubleshooting network issues
Crimping Tool
Network tools
Tool for crimping RJ45 connectors and making network cables
VMware Workstation
Virtualisation software
Virtualisation software for testing and lab environments

Certifications

Industry links

ICT Authority Kenya

Common misconceptions

The Ict Technician diploma is just theory with no practical value.
The programme emphasises hands-on practical training in workshops, laboratories, and industrial attachment, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
Graduates of this programme end up unemployed in Kenya.
Kenya's expanding sectors create steady demand for diploma holders, with opportunities in county governments, private companies, and self-employment.