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Social Sciences

Diploma in Social Work

The Diploma in Social Work is a KNEC-examined programme that trains individuals in professional social work practice, case management, and community development. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

Duration
3 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 201,567 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 201,567 for the whole course.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C- or above, plus 1 subject grade. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 3 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 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

Trainees develop competencies in social work theory, case work, group work, community organisation, social policy, counselling, research methods, and project management. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with extensive field practice and agency attachments.

Kenya's social sector requires trained social workers to address poverty, child protection, gender-based violence, substance abuse, and community development challenges. The programme supports the government's social protection agenda and the work of NGOs and community-based organisations.

The course is delivered through classroom sessions, field practice, and supervised attachments at social work agencies, children's departments, and NGOs. Trainees conduct case assessments, facilitate group sessions, and implement community interventions under professional supervision.

Graduates can work as social workers, case managers, community development officers, project officers, or counselling assistants in government departments, NGOs, children's homes, and community-based organisations. The programme provides a foundation for progression to Bachelor of Social Work.

This programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) who have a passion for helping vulnerable populations. It provides professional qualifications for social work practice in Kenya.

What you study

8 subjects
  • Social Work Theory
  • Case Work and Case Management
  • Group Work
  • Community Organisation
  • Social Policy
  • Counselling
  • Research Methods
  • Project Management

Modules

8 in the programme

  • Social Work Theory and Practice

    Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore

    Introduces social work as a profession, theoretical foundations, practice models, and the role of social workers in society.

  • Case Work and Case Management

    Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore

    Covers case work methods, assessment, intervention planning, case recording, and case management processes.

  • Group Work

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Develops skills in group work practice including group formation, facilitation, group dynamics, and therapeutic groups.

  • Community Organisation

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers community organisation principles, community assessment, mobilisation, and community development interventions.

  • Social Policy and Administration

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Introduces social policy frameworks in Kenya, social protection programmes, and social welfare administration.

  • Counselling Skills

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Develops counselling skills including active listening, empathy, crisis intervention, and basic counselling techniques.

  • Research Methods in Social Work

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Introduces research methods for social work including study design, data collection, and analysis for social interventions.

  • Project Management

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective

    Covers project management principles for social work projects including planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Specialisations

  • Child Protection

    Focuses on child welfare, protection services, and working with vulnerable children.

  • Community Development

    Specialises in community mobilisation, development projects, and social action.

  • Counselling and Mental Health

    Covers counselling practice and support for mental health services.

  • Social Policy and Advocacy

    Focuses on social policy analysis, advocacy, and programme design.

A day as a student

A typical day includes morning theory on social work methods or policy, followed by afternoon field practice where trainees conduct case assessments, facilitate group sessions, and implement community interventions under supervision at social work agencies.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
High demand for social workers in Kenya's expanding social protection sector.Working with vulnerable populations can be emotionally demanding.
Opportunities to work with international NGOs and UN agencies.Some positions are contract-based depending on project funding.
Clear progression to Bachelor of Social Work and related degrees.—

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
Public56k to 67k
56k at University of Nairobi67k at Public TVET Colleges (standardised rate)

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

UoN ~56K, TVET 67K/yr pub (uonbi.ac.ke). 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

Scholarships you could apply for

1 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C-minimum entry
Alternative entry

Passed Certificate in Social Work or equivalent.

Subject requirements
EnglishD

When it next starts

Taught at 2 institutions
January 20272 institutions

Including Ahmed Shahame Mwidani Technical Training Institute, ICS Technical College.

May 20272 institutions

Including Ahmed Shahame Mwidani Technical Training Institute, ICS Technical College.

September 20272 institutions

Including Ahmed Shahame Mwidani Technical Training Institute, ICS Technical College.

How you are assessed

3 components

  • KNEC Module I Examination

    Written examination70% of the mark

    Module I theory examination covering social work foundations.

  • KNEC Module II Examination

    Written examination70% of the mark

    Module II theory examination covering advanced social work practice.

  • Field Practice Assessment

    Practicum30% of the mark

    Assessment of field practice competencies in social work agencies.

Accreditation

  • Kenya National Examinations Council

    AcademicRequired

    KNEC examines and certifies the Diploma in Social Work.

  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority

    AcademicRequired

    TVETA accredits institutions offering social work programmes.

Examined by KNEC and accredited by TVETA. Social work practice in Kenya is overseen by the Department of Children's Services and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Social Worker

    High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000

    Provides professional social work services in government departments, NGOs, and community organisations.

  • Case Manager

    High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000

    Manages individual cases including assessment, intervention planning, and follow-up for vulnerable clients.

  • Community Development Officer

    Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 65,000

    Facilitates community development programmes and mobilises communities for social action.

  • Project Officer

    Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000

    Manages social work projects for NGOs including planning, implementation, and reporting.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as social workers and case managers in government departments, NGOs, and community-based organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Social work is just charity work.

    Social work is a professional discipline requiring training in case management, counselling, policy, and community development.

  • Social workers are volunteers.

    Diploma-level social workers are formally employed by government departments, NGOs, and international organisations.

  • There is no career progression in social work.

    Graduates can progress to Bachelor of Social Work and advanced qualifications.

  • Social work is only about helping poor people.

    Social work addresses diverse issues including child protection, mental health, substance abuse, and community development.

Further reading

Read next