Diploma in Software Development
The Diploma in Software Development is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in diploma in software development. The programme falls under the ICT & Computing category and typically spans 3 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
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 99,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- (Minus) or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 3 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 11 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Computer Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms, Computer Networks, Database Systems, Web Development, Operating Systems. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Animation, Big Data Architectures, Computer Hardware, Computer Networks, Computer Programming. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Introduction to Programming, Computer Mathematics & Logic, Computer Systems & Architecture, Data Structures & Algorithms, Object-Oriented Programming. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.
The programme offers specialisations in Software Engineering, Data Science & Analytics, Artificial Intelligence. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.
Graduates of the Diploma in Software Development pursue careers as IT Support / Network Technician, Junior Software / Web Developer, Database / Systems Administrator. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.
What you study
8 subjects- Computer Programming
- Data Structures & Algorithms
- Computer Networks
- Database Systems
- Web Development
- Operating Systems
- Information Systems
- Cyber Security Fundamentals
Modules
12 in the programmeComputer Mathematics & Logic
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Discrete mathematics, Boolean algebra, set theory and computational thinking for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Introduction to Programming
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamentals of programming using Python: variables, loops, functions for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Computer Systems & Architecture
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Hardware components, CPU architecture, memory systems and operating system for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Data Structures & Algorithms
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, sorting and searching algorithms for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Object-Oriented Programming
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
OOP principles using Java/C#: classes, inheritance, polymorphism for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Database Systems
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Relational database design, SQL, normalisation, transactions and NoSQL for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Computer Networks
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Network protocols, OSI model, TCP/IP, routing, switching and network for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Software Engineering
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Software development lifecycle, agile methods, version control for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Web & Mobile Application Development
Year 3Semester 13 creditsElective
Full-stack development: HTML/CSS/JS, React, Node.js, REST APIs and mobile for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Cybersecurity
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Threats, vulnerabilities, cryptography, authentication, penetration testing for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Industrial Attachment / Internship
Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore
Supervised industry placement applying computing skills in real-world projects for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Machine Learning & AI
Year 3Semester 23 creditsElective
Supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, NLP and computer vision for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Specialisations
Software Engineering
Covers the software lifecycle — requirements, architecture, coding, testing and deployment — using modern languages and methodologies. Students build real systems and graduate with a portfolio.
Data Science & Analytics
Combines statistics, programming, machine learning and data engineering to extract insight from data. Students work with real datasets and tools, preparing for high-demand analyst and data-science roles.
Artificial Intelligence
Focuses on machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and intelligent systems. Students build and evaluate AI models, positioning themselves for emerging roles in Kenya's tech sector.
Networks & Security
Covers network architecture, protocols, systems administration and cybersecurity. Students learn to design, run and defend IT infrastructure — skills every connected organisation needs.
Database Systems
Covers relational and non-relational database design, SQL, optimisation and administration. Students learn to model, build and manage the data backends that power modern applications.
A day as a student
A typical day on the Diploma in Software Development blends theory with practice. Mornings are spent on Computer Programming and Data Structures & Algorithms lectures, followed by hands-on sessions in the technology workshop, laboratory or studio. Afternoons involve project work, group assignments and industrial-attachment preparation.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Strong, practical ict & computing skills directly applicable in the Kenyan job market. | Hands-on ict & computing practice requires dedicated workshop, lab or studio time and equipment. |
| Multiple career and self-employment pathways across ICT and Banking & Fintech. | Job-market competition is growing; graduates must build portfolios and practical experience to stand out. |
| Clear progression route to higher ICT & Computing qualifications. | Some specialisations are concentrated in specific counties, which may require relocation. |
| Industrial attachment builds real workplace experience and networks before graduation. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 191 technology 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 pub. Zetech 99K/yr priv (zetech.ac.ke).
Funding is available through HELB loans and bursaries, the CDF, county government bursaries, and institutional and corporate scholarships from leading ict employers.
Funding options
HELB
Scholarships
4 recordedGovernment TVET Capitation
GrantKsh 30,000Kenyan
All KUCCPS-placed students in public TVET institutions receive government capitation.
NG-CDF Bursary
BursaryKsh 15,000Kenyan
Constituency-based bursary for needy students in respective constituencies.
HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited TVET diploma programmes.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Bursaries for needy students from their respective counties.
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- 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
A relevant Craft Certificate, or KCSE with the required subject cluster.
When it next starts
Taught at 11 institutionsIncluding Gretsa University, St. Paul's University, Zetech University.
Including Gretsa University, St. Paul's University, Zetech University.
Including Gretsa University, St. Paul's University, Zetech University.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Practical Assignments
Project30% of the mark
Final Examination
Exam40% of the mark
Accreditation
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
NationalRequired
Kenya National Qualifications Authority
National
Computer Society of Kenya
National
Accredited by TVETA and examined by KNEC; Kenya National Qualifications Authority, Computer Society of Kenya.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesMobile App Developer
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 95,000
Develops mobile applications, implements user interfaces, and maintains mobile software for tech companies and organisations in Kenya.
IT Support / Network Technician
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 95,000
IT Support / Network Technician roles available to Diploma holders in ICT & Computing.
Junior Software / Web Developer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 130,000
Junior Software / Web Developer roles available to Diploma holders in ICT & Computing.
Database / Systems Administrator
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 140,000
Database / Systems Administrator roles available to Diploma holders in ICT & Computing.
Graduate outcomes
Diploma holders in ICT & Computing find roles in ICT, Banking & Fintech, Telecommunications. Most secure employment or self-employment within months of graduation, while others progress to higher-level study.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
MySQL
Database software
Python
CodePrimary
Java
Code
GitHub
Code
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
ICT & Computing courses are a fallback for low scorers.
ICT & Computing offers skilled, well-paid careers and is central to Kenya's economic growth; top performers thrive here too.
You must work in Nairobi to succeed in ICT & Computing.
ICT & Computing skills are in demand across all 47 counties and in self-employment, not just in Nairobi.
Diploma-level study has no career growth.
Diploma holders can upgrade to higher levels (diploma → degree → postgraduate) and rise into supervisory and professional roles.
This field is being replaced by technology.
Technology is transforming ICT & Computing, raising demand for practitioners who can use new tools rather than replacing them.