Media & Communication

Diploma in Information Communication Technology

The Diploma in Information Communication Technology (ICT) Level 6 is a TVET CDACC qualification that equips trainees with competencies to support, install, operate, and maintain ICT systems and applications.

The curriculum covers computer essentials, computer operations, network setup and design, computer repair and maintenance, computer software installation, computer programming principles, database systems, system analysis and design, website application development, ICT security management, and desktop application development.

The programme is accredited by TVET CDACC under qualification code 061006T4 and leads to the Kenya National TVET Certificate in ICT Technician Level 6. Some institutions also offer a KNEC-examined variant under the same name.

Training combines classroom theory with extensive laboratory practicals and industrial attachment. Trainees work with real computer hardware, networking equipment, and software development tools, ensuring hands-on competency aligned with industry needs.

Graduates find employment across all sectors of Kenya's economy, as every organisation requires ICT support. Major employers include banks, telecommunications companies, government agencies, NGOs, schools, and technology firms.

The programme suits KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- who have an interest in computers and technology, as well as certificate holders in ICT seeking to upgrade to diploma level. It provides a progression pathway to degree programmes in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related fields.

Duration: 2-3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 77,000
Private, up to: Ksh 43,500
Job market: Very high

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

10 subjects

Computer Essentials and Operations
Computer Network Setup and Design
Computer Repair and Maintenance
Computer Software Installation
Computer Programming Principles
Computerised Database Systems
System Analysis and Design
Website Application Development
ICT Security Management
Desktop Application Development

Modules

12 in the programme

Computer Essentials and Operations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundation module covering computer hardware fundamentals, operating systems for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Computer Network Setup
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Network cabling, router and switch configuration, IP addressing for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Computer Repair and Maintenance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Hardware diagnosis, component replacement, preventive maintenance for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Network Design and Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced network design, network security basics, and network administration for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Basic Electronics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Electronic components, circuits, and principles underlying computer for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Computer Software Installation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Operating system installation, application software deployment for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Computer Programming Principles
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Programming fundamentals, algorithms, data structures, and introduction to for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Entrepreneurial Skills
Year 2Semester 23 creditsElective
Business plan development, financial literacy, and ICT enterprise management for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Computerised Database Systems
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Database design, SQL, database administration, and data management concepts for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Communication Skills
Year 2Semester 23 creditsElective
Business communication, technical writing, and presentation skills for professional practice and competency development in the field.
System Analysis and Design
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Systems development life cycle, requirements analysis, system modelling for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Industrial Attachment
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Three-month industry placement applying ICT skills in a real work environment for professional practice and competency development in the field.

Specialisations

Network Administration
Focuses on computer network design, configuration, security, and management, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Software Development
Focuses on programming, web application development, and desktop application development, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Database Management
Focuses on database design, administration, and data analytics, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
ICT Security
Focuses on network security, threat management, and cybersecurity practices, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

A day as a student

A typical day begins at 8:00 AM with a theory session on computer networking or programming concepts, followed by a two-hour lab practical where trainees configure routers, troubleshoot hardware, or develop web applications. Afternoons often involve database design exercises, system analysis workshops, or group programming projects. Industrial attachment in the second year places trainees in real IT departments at companies, banks, or government offices.

The trade offs

In its favour

Every organisation needs ICT support, making graduates employable across all sectors
Strong self-employment potential through ICT support businesses and freelance web development
Clear progression pathway to degree programmes in Computer Science or Information Technology

Against it

Rapidly changing technology requires continuous self-learning and certification updates
High competition for entry-level positions due to the popularity of the programme

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 106 media & communication courses

Public67k to 77k

67k at Public TVET colleges (standardised)77k at Meru University TVET

Private44k to 44k

44k at Vitech Training Institute44k at Vitech Training Institute

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

Meru TVET 77K/yr (tvet.must.ac.ke); TVET 67K; Vitech 43.5K/yr (vti.ac.ke)

HELB offers loans and bursaries for TVET students. County government bursaries and NG-CDF funds are widely available. Some institutions offer internal scholarships for top-performing trainees.

Funding options

HELB TVET Loan and Bursary
County Government Bursaries
NG-CDF Constituency Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

NG-CDF Bursary
BursaryKsh 15,000Kenyan
Constituency-based bursary for needy students
HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
All TVET students enrolled in KUCCPS-placed programmes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: KNQF Level 5 ICT or related course qualification, or equivalent as determined by TVETA.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Internal Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
Practical assessments, projects, and CATs conducted by the training provider
External Assessment (TVET CDACC)
External60% of the mark
Competency-based external assessment conducted by TVET CDACC
KNEC End-of-Module Examinations
Examination100% of the mark
National examinations at the end of each module (for KNEC variant)

Accreditation

Accredited by TVET CDACC (Level 6, qualification code 061006T4) and regulated by TVETA. Some institutions offer a KNEC-examined variant. The programme aligns with the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) Level 6.

Accredited by

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council
Curriculum and certificationRequired
Level 6 qualification, code 061006T4
Kenya National Examinations Council
Examination
Some institutions offer KNEC-examined variant
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
Institutional regulationRequired

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

ICT Technician
High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000
Installs, configures, and maintains computer hardware and software in organisations
IT Support Specialist
High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 55,000
Provides technical support to users, troubleshoots IT issues, and manages helpdesk operations
Network Administrator
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Manages and maintains organisational computer networks, ensuring security and connectivity
Web Developer
Very high demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Designs, develops, and maintains websites and web applications for clients
Database Administrator
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Manages organisational databases, ensures data integrity, and performs backup and recovery

Graduate outcomes

Graduates are in very high demand across all sectors of Kenya's economy. Entry-level salaries range from KSH 25,000 to KSH 50,000 per month, with experienced ICT professionals earning KSH 70,000 to KSH 150,000+ per month.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Wireshark
Security
Network protocol analyser for troubleshooting and security analysis
Visual Studio Code
DevelopmentPrimary
Code editor for web and desktop application development
Cisco Packet Tracer
NetworkingPrimary
Network simulation tool for designing and configuring computer networks
MySQL Workbench
DatabasePrimary
Database design, modelling, and administration tool
VMware/VirtualBox
Virtualisation
Virtual machine software for testing operating systems and network configurations

Industry links

Common misconceptions

An ICT diploma only leads to IT support jobs
Graduates can pursue careers in network administration, web development, database management, system analysis, and cybersecurity, with further specialisation through certifications.
ICT diploma graduates cannot compete with computer science degree holders
Diploma graduates often have stronger hands-on practical skills and find employment faster in technical support and networking roles. Many employers value the practical competency of TVET graduates.