Media & Communication

Diploma in Mass Communication

The Diploma in Mass Communication is a KNEC-examined programme that trains individuals in journalism, broadcasting, media production, and communication. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

Trainees develop competencies in news writing, radio and television production, media ethics, digital media, public relations, photography, and communication theory. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with extensive practical training in media studios and through industrial attachment.

Kenya's media industry is one of the most vibrant in East Africa, with numerous television stations, radio stations, newspapers, and digital media platforms creating demand for trained media professionals. The programme supports the growth of professional media practice in Kenya.

The course is delivered through classroom sessions, studio practicals, and industrial attachment. Trainees work in radio and television studios, produce news content, and practise digital media production using industry-standard equipment.

Graduates can work as journalists, radio producers, television producers, media assistants, or public relations assistants in media houses, production companies, corporate communication departments, and NGOs. The programme provides a foundation for progression to Bachelor of Mass Communication.

This programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) who have an interest in media and communication. It provides practical skills for employment in Kenya's media and communication industry.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 101,000
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

8 subjects

News Writing and Reporting
Radio Production
Television Production
Media Ethics and Law
Digital Media
Public Relations
Photography
Communication Theory

Modules

8 in the programme

Communication Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces communication theories, models, and the role of mass media in society and development.
News Writing and Reporting
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Develops skills in news writing, interviewing, reporting techniques, and journalistic writing styles.
Radio Production
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers radio studio operations, programme production, sound recording, editing, and radio presentation techniques.
Television Production
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Trainees learn TV studio operations, camera work, video editing, directing, and television programme production.
Media Ethics and Law
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers media ethics, journalistic standards, media law in Kenya, defamation, and press freedom principles.
Digital Media and Online Journalism
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers digital media platforms, online journalism, social media management, and digital content production.
Photography and Photojournalism
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops skills in photography, photo editing, and photojournalism for print and digital media.
Public Relations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsElective
Introduces public relations principles, PR writing, media relations, and corporate communication practices.

Specialisations

Broadcast Journalism
Focuses on radio and television news production and presentation.
Print Journalism
Specialises in newspaper and magazine writing and editing.
Digital Media
Covers online journalism, social media, and digital content production.
Public Relations
Focuses on corporate communication, media relations, and PR management.

A day as a student

A typical day includes morning theory on communication or media ethics, followed by afternoon studio sessions where trainees produce radio programmes, shoot and edit video content, write news stories, and practise digital media production.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya has a vibrant media industry with diverse employment opportunities.
Digital media has expanded career options beyond traditional broadcasting.
Clear progression to Bachelor of Mass Communication and related degrees.

Against it

Media industry can be competitive with irregular working hours.
Entry-level media positions may offer modest remuneration.

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 101k

67k at Public TVET colleges101k at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication

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, KIMC 96K-101K/yr (eafinder.com, kenyaeducationguide.com). Private: unverified.

HELB TVET loans, KUCCPS capitation, and county bursaries are available for eligible students.

Funding options

HELB TVET Loan
KUCCPS Government Capitation
County Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

HELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions
County Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Residents of the respective county enrolled in TVET programmes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Passed Certificate in Mass Communication or equivalent.

English
C-

How you are assessed

3 components

KNEC Module I Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module I theory examination covering communication and media foundations.
KNEC Module II Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module II theory and practical examination covering production and advanced media skills.
Practical Studio Assessment
Practical assessment30% of the mark
Assessment of radio and television production competencies in studio settings.

Accreditation

Examined by KNEC and accredited by TVETA. Media practice is regulated by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

Accredited by

Kenya National Examinations Council
AcademicRequired
KNEC examines and certifies the Diploma in Mass Communication.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
AcademicRequired
TVETA accredits institutions offering mass communication programmes.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Journalist
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000
Reports, writes, and produces news content for print, broadcast, and digital media.
Radio Producer
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 65,000
Produces radio programmes including content planning, recording, editing, and presentation.
Television Production Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 60,000
Assists in television production including camera operation, editing, and studio coordination.
Public Relations Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 55,000
Supports PR activities including media relations, content creation, and event coordination.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as journalists, radio producers, and media assistants in media houses, production companies, and corporate communication departments.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Mass communication is only about being on TV.
The field includes radio, print, digital media, public relations, and corporate communication.
Journalism is dying with digital media.
Digital media has created new platforms and opportunities for trained media professionals.
You need to be outgoing to work in media.
Many media roles including editing, production, and writing suit introverted personalities.
Diploma-level media graduates cannot find jobs.
Media houses, production companies, and corporate departments employ diploma-level staff for production and support roles.