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 short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 77,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 154,000 to Ksh 231,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 43,500 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2-3 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 199 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
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.
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 programmeComputer 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| Every organisation needs ICT support, making graduates employable across all sectors | Rapidly changing technology requires continuous self-learning and certification updates |
| Strong self-employment potential through ICT support businesses and freelance web development | High competition for entry-level positions due to the popularity of the programme |
| Clear progression pathway to degree programmes in Computer Science or Information Technology | — |
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 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
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 recordedNG-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
Scholarships you could apply for
10 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 50% tuition waiver
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KNQF Level 5 ICT or related course qualification, or equivalent as determined by TVETA.
When it next starts
Taught at 199 institutionsIncluding Makueni University College, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Rongo University.
Including Makueni University College, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Rongo University.
Including Makueni University College, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Rongo University.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous 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
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
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.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesICT 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- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
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.