Diploma in Leadership
The Diploma in Leadership is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in leadership theory, governance, organisational management, ethics and strategic planning. Offered at International Leadership University and the Presbyterian University of East Africa, the programme prepares students for leadership and management roles in public, private and non-profit organisations.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 201,567 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 86,100 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 3 years, full-time, part-time, odel, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 7 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Adolescent Mentorship Officer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers leadership theory, organisational behaviour, strategic management, governance and public policy, ethics and integrity, change management, conflict resolution, project management, communication skills, research methods, entrepreneurship and industrial attachment. Students develop both analytical and practical leadership skills.
Kenya's devolution and governance reforms have created demand for trained leaders at national, county and community levels. The programme responds to the need for ethical, competent leaders who can manage organisations, lead teams and drive development initiatives across sectors.
The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, leadership simulations, field visits, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in leadership practice, organisational management and project implementation through attachment at government offices, NGOs or private organisations.
Graduates pursue careers as leadership development officers, project coordinators, governance assistants, administrative officers and community leaders in government, NGOs, churches and private organisations. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management or related degree programmes.
Prospective students should have interest in leadership, governance and organisational management. The programme is suitable for students and professionals seeking to develop leadership competencies for career advancement and community impact.
What you study
8 subjects- Leadership Theory and Organisational Behaviour
- Strategic Management and Governance
- Ethics, Integrity and Public Policy
- Change Management and Conflict Resolution
- Project Management and Entrepreneurship
- Communication Skills and Research Methods
- Community Leadership and Development
- Industrial Attachment and Leadership Project
Modules
8 in the programmeLeadership Theory and Organisational Behaviour
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers leadership theories, leadership styles, organisational behaviour, motivation, team dynamics, organisational culture and leadership development.
Strategic Management and Governance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers strategic planning, strategic management, governance principles, public policy, institutional governance, accountability and transparency.
Ethics, Integrity and Public Policy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers ethics in leadership, integrity, anti-corruption, public policy analysis, policy formulation and ethical decision-making frameworks.
Change Management and Conflict Resolution
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers change management, organisational change, conflict resolution, negotiation, mediation, peace-building and stakeholder management.
Project Management and Entrepreneurship
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers project planning, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, entrepreneurship, business plan development and resource mobilisation.
Communication Skills and Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers communication skills, public speaking, report writing, research methods, data collection, analysis and leadership research.
Community Leadership and Development
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers community leadership, community development, participatory development, community mobilisation, devolution and county governance.
Industrial Attachment and Leadership Project
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
A three-month industrial attachment at a government office, NGO or private organisation, plus a leadership project assessed through a report and presentation.
Specialisations
Governance and Public Policy
Focuses on governance, public policy and county government for careers in public service.
Organisational Leadership
Specialises in organisational management and change leadership for careers in private sector.
Community Leadership
Focuses on community development and participatory leadership for careers in NGOs and community organisations.
Church and Religious Leadership
Specialises in church governance and religious organisational leadership for careers in religious institutions.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on leadership theory or governance, followed by a case study on organisational behaviour or change management. Afternoon sessions may include a leadership simulation, a group discussion on ethics and integrity, or a workshop on project management. Students also work on leadership projects and prepare for industrial attachment.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Leadership skills are transferable across all sectors, providing diverse career opportunities. | The programme is offered at only two private universities, which may limit affordability and access. |
| Kenya's devolution and governance reforms have created demand for trained leaders at county and community levels. | Some employers may prefer business management or public administration qualifications for similar roles. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management or related degree programmes. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 241 social sciences 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
TVET 67K/yr (KUCCPS rate). ILU 86.1K/yr (tuko.co.ke).
Students can access HELB loans. Both universities may offer internal bursaries and church-based sponsorships for deserving students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
6 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
- 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
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Recognised certificate with at least a credit pass in a relevant field from a recognised institution.
When it next starts
Taught at 7 institutionsIncluding Lukenya University, Presbyterian University of East Africa, International Leadership University.
Including Lukenya University, Presbyterian University of East Africa, International Leadership University.
Including Lukenya University, Presbyterian University of East Africa, International Leadership University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering leadership theory, governance, ethics and organisational behaviour.
Coursework Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of case studies, essays, presentations and group projects on leadership and governance topics.
Leadership Research Project
Project40% of the mark
A research project on a leadership or governance topic, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a government office, NGO or private organisation.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at International Leadership University and the Presbyterian University of East Africa.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesLeadership Development Officer
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 180,000
Supports leadership development programmes in organisations, coordinates training and mentoring initiatives and assists with capacity building.
Project Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 170,000
Coordinates project activities, supports project planning and implementation, and assists with monitoring and evaluation in NGOs and community organisations.
Administrative Officer
Moderate demandKsh 27,000 to Ksh 160,000
Manages administrative functions, supports organisational operations and assists with governance and compliance in public and private organisations.
Governance Assistant
Low demandKsh 26,000 to Ksh 150,000
Supports governance functions in county governments and NGOs, assists with policy implementation and public participation initiatives.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as leadership development officers, project coordinators and administrative officers in government, NGOs and private organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Correctional CounselorSocial Sciences15Low exposure
- Child Protection OfficerSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- CriminologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Human Rights InvestigatorSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Social GerontologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Community Resilience SpecialistSocial Sciences17Low exposure
- Gender Integration SpecialistSocial Sciences17Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Leadership is an innate skill that cannot be taught.
Leadership involves learnable competencies including strategic thinking, communication, conflict resolution and ethical decision-making, all of which are covered in the programme.
A leadership diploma is only for aspiring politicians.
Leadership skills are applicable across all sectors including business, NGOs, education, healthcare and community development.
Leadership studies are not practical.
The programme includes industrial attachment, leadership simulations and project work, providing practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.
You need to be in a management position to benefit from leadership training.
The programme develops foundational leadership competencies that prepare graduates for entry-level leadership roles and career advancement.