Diploma in Security Management
The Diploma in Security Management is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in security management, risk assessment, security operations, crisis management and disaster response. Offered at multiple universities including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Pan Africa Christian University, Marist International University College and Kenya Methodist University, the programme prepares students for security management roles in corporate, public and humanitarian settings.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 98,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 196,000 to Ksh 294,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 75,000 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, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 6 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers security management principles, physical security, information security, risk management, security operations, crisis management, disaster management, security investigation, criminal justice systems, community policing, loss prevention, surveillance and CCTV systems, law of evidence, communication skills, research methods and industrial attachment. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical security management skills.
Kenya faces complex security challenges including terrorism, crime, corporate fraud and natural disasters, creating demand for trained security management professionals. The programme responds to the need for qualified personnel who can design, implement and manage security systems in corporate organisations, government agencies, NGOs and security firms.
The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, security simulation exercises, field visits, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience through supervised attachment in security firms, corporate security departments or disaster management agencies.
Graduates pursue careers as security managers, security officers, risk management assistants, loss prevention officers, disaster management assistants and security consultants in corporate organisations, security firms, government agencies and NGOs. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Security Management or related degree programmes.
Prospective students should have interest in security, risk management and disaster response. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in security management and related fields.
What you study
8 subjects- Security Management Principles and Physical Security
- Risk Management and Security Operations
- Crisis Management and Disaster Management
- Security Investigation and Criminal Justice Systems
- Information Security and Surveillance Systems
- Loss Prevention and Community Policing
- Research Methods and Security Project
- Industrial Attachment and Security Practice
Modules
8 in the programmeSecurity Management Principles and Physical Security
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers security management principles, security frameworks, physical security, access control, perimeter security, security lighting, security barriers and security system design.
Risk Management and Security Operations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers risk assessment, risk analysis, security risk management, security operations, security planning, security procedures, threat assessment and vulnerability analysis.
Crisis Management and Disaster Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers crisis management, emergency response, disaster management, disaster preparedness, business continuity planning, incident command systems and humanitarian response.
Security Investigation and Criminal Justice Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers security investigation, evidence collection, crime analysis, criminal justice systems, law of evidence, finger printing, community policing and loss prevention.
Information Security and Surveillance Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers information security, cybersecurity basics, CCTV systems, surveillance technology, access control systems, alarm systems and security monitoring.
Loss Prevention and Community Policing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers loss prevention, asset protection, retail security, community policing, crime prevention strategies, security law and ethics, and communication skills.
Research Methods and Security Project
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods, data analysis and a security management project on a relevant topic, assessed through a written report and presentation.
Industrial Attachment and Security Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised industrial attachment in a security firm, corporate security department or disaster management agency, assessed through an attachment report and supervisor evaluation.
Specialisations
Corporate Security Management
Focuses on corporate security operations and risk management for careers as security officers.
Disaster Management
Specialises in disaster preparedness and emergency response for careers as disaster management assistants.
Loss Prevention
Focuses on asset protection and loss prevention for careers as loss prevention officers.
Security Investigation
Specialises in security investigation and crime analysis for careers in security firms and corporate investigation.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on security management principles or risk assessment, followed by a case study on crisis management or disaster response. Afternoon sessions may include a security simulation exercise, a surveillance systems workshop, or preparation for industrial attachment. Students also work on security projects and research assignments.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's security sector is growing, creating demand for trained security management professionals. | Some career paths may require additional professional certifications for advancement. |
| The programme combines security management with disaster management, providing versatile career options. | Security management careers can involve irregular hours and high-stress situations. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Security Management. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities 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
KU 98K/yr pub (ku.ac.ke). KISCJ 75K/yr priv, 150K total/2yr (kiscj.ac.ke).
Students can access HELB loans. Public university students may access government funding through the new funding model.
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
8 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
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Certificate in security management or related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.
When it next starts
Taught at 6 institutionsIncluding Marist International University College, Kenya Methodist University, Pan Africa Christian University.
Including Kenya Methodist University, Pan Africa Christian University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Including Marist International University College, Kenya Methodist University, Pan Africa Christian University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering security management, risk management, crisis management and security investigation.
Coursework Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of risk assessment reports, security plans, case studies and group presentations.
Security Project
Project40% of the mark
A security management project on a relevant topic, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment in a security firm, corporate security department or disaster management agency.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Pan Africa Christian University, Marist International University College and Kenya Methodist University.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesSecurity Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages security operations, implements security procedures, conducts risk assessments and oversees security personnel in corporate organisations and security firms.
Risk Management Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 170,000
Supports risk assessment processes, conducts vulnerability analysis, prepares risk reports and assists with risk mitigation strategies in corporate organisations.
Loss Prevention Officer
Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 165,000
Implements loss prevention strategies, conducts investigations, monitors surveillance systems and supports asset protection in retail and corporate settings.
Disaster Management Assistant
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 160,000
Supports disaster preparedness and response activities, assists with emergency planning and coordinates humanitarian response in NGOs and government agencies.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as security managers, security officers, risk management assistants, loss prevention officers and disaster management assistants in corporate organisations, security firms and government agencies.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Security management is just about being a guard.
Security management involves risk assessment, security system design, crisis management, policy development and strategic planning, far beyond physical guarding.
Security management is only for law enforcement backgrounds.
Security management is relevant to corporate organisations, NGOs, government agencies and private security firms, not only law enforcement.
A diploma in security management has limited career prospects.
Kenya's growing security sector creates demand for trained professionals. Graduates can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Security Management.
Security management is the same as criminology.
While related, security management focuses on protecting assets and managing security operations, while criminology focuses on the study of crime, its causes and the criminal justice system.