Social Sciences

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 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.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 86,100
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, ODeL
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Diploma

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 programme

Leadership 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

Leadership skills are transferable across all sectors, providing diverse career opportunities.
Kenya's devolution and governance reforms have created demand for trained leaders at county and community levels.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management or related degree programmes.

Against it

The programme is offered at only two private universities, which may limit affordability and access.
Some employers may prefer business management or public administration qualifications for similar roles.

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 courses

Public67k to 67k

67k at TVET institutions (KUCCPS rate)67k at TVET institutions (KUCCPS rate)

Private86k to 86k

86k at International Leadership University86k at International Leadership 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

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 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C
Alternative entry: Recognised certificate with at least a credit pass in a relevant field from a recognised institution.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous 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

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at International Leadership University and the Presbyterian University of East Africa.

Accredited by

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 roles

Leadership 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

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

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.