Science

Diploma in Statistics

The Diploma in Statistics is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in statistical methods, data analysis, probability theory and statistical computing. Offered at Taita Taveta University, the programme prepares students for technical roles in data collection, analysis and interpretation in various sectors.

The curriculum covers descriptive statistics, probability theory, statistical inference, regression analysis, sampling methods, survey design, statistical computing, data visualisation, biostatistics, operations research, quality control, research methods and practicum. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in statistical analysis and data management.

Kenya's data-driven economy is growing, with increasing demand for statistical personnel in government, research institutions, NGOs and private sector organisations. The programme responds to the need for trained statisticians who can collect, analyse and interpret data to support decision-making in various fields.

The programme is delivered through lectures, computer lab sessions, statistical software workshops, data analysis projects, case studies, group discussions and practicum. Students gain hands-on experience through data analysis assignments, survey projects and supervised practicum in research institutions or data departments.

Graduates pursue careers as statistical assistants, data analysts, research assistants, data entry officers and survey coordinators in government statistics offices, research institutions, NGOs and corporate organisations. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Statistics or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have interest in mathematics, data analysis and problem-solving. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in statistics, data analysis and research support.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 127,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

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

What you study

7 subjects

Descriptive Statistics and Probability Theory
Statistical Inference and Regression Analysis
Sampling Methods and Survey Design
Statistical Computing and Data Visualisation
Biostatistics and Operations Research
Quality Control and Research Methods
Practicum and Statistical Practice

Modules

7 in the programme

Descriptive Statistics and Probability Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers descriptive statistics, data presentation, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability theory, probability distributions, random variables and expected values.
Statistical Inference and Regression Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical inference, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, estimation, correlation analysis, simple and multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance.
Sampling Methods and Survey Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers sampling methods, simple random sampling, stratified sampling, cluster sampling, systematic sampling, survey design, questionnaire design and data collection techniques.
Statistical Computing and Data Visualisation
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Covers statistical computing, R or SPSS, data management, data cleaning, data visualisation, graphical methods and statistical software applications.
Biostatistics and Operations Research
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biostatistics, epidemiological statistics, clinical trials, operations research, linear programming, optimisation and decision analysis.
Quality Control and Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical quality control, control charts, process capability, research methods, research design, data collection and report writing.
Practicum and Statistical Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised practicum in a statistics office, research institution or data department, assessed through a practicum report, data analysis project and supervisor evaluation.

Specialisations

Biostatistics
Focuses on statistics in health and medicine for careers in health research.
Survey Statistics
Specialises in survey design and data collection for careers as survey coordinators.
Data Analysis
Focuses on statistical computing and data visualisation for careers as data analysts.
Quality Control
Specialises in statistical quality control for careers in manufacturing and production.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on probability theory or statistical inference, followed by a computer lab session using statistical software. Afternoon sessions may include a data analysis workshop, a survey design exercise, or preparation for practicum. Students also work on data analysis projects and statistical assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

Statistics skills are in demand across government, research, NGOs and private sector.
The programme provides practical skills in statistical software and data analysis.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Statistics.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
Statistics requires strong mathematical aptitude, which may challenge some students.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public33k to 128k

33k at Murang'a University of Technology128k at Technical University of Kenya

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

MUT 32,950/yr (mut.ac.ke); TUK DipTech Applied Stats 127,500/yr Yr1. Private: unverified.

Students can access HELB loans. Public university students may access government funding through the new funding model.

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: Division II in KCE with Credit pass in English and Mathematics, or Certificate in Statistics with D+ in Mathematics and English, or KACE with Subsidiary Pass in Mathematics, or equivalent qualification recognised by the University Senate.

Mathematics
D+
English
D+

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering descriptive statistics, probability, inference and sampling methods.
Data Analysis Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of data analysis assignments using statistical software, survey design projects and data visualisation tasks.
Statistical Project
Project40% of the mark
A statistical analysis project, assessed through a written report, data analysis output and presentation.
Practicum Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during supervised practicum in a statistics office or research institution.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Taita Taveta University.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Taita Taveta University.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Statistical Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 160,000
Assists with data collection, entry, cleaning and basic statistical analysis in government statistics offices, research institutions and corporate organisations.
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 200,000
Analyses data, creates reports and dashboards, supports data-driven decision-making and uses statistical software for data analysis in NGOs and corporate organisations.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 170,000
Supports research projects, collects and analyses data, prepares research reports and assists with survey coordination in research institutions and universities.
Survey Coordinator
Low demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 165,000
Coordinates survey activities, manages data collection teams, ensures data quality and supports survey design in research organisations and government agencies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as statistical assistants, data analysts, research assistants and survey coordinators in government statistics offices, research institutions and NGOs.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

R
ToolPrimary
SPSS
Tool
Microsoft Excel
Tool

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Statistics is just about counting numbers.
Statistics involves data collection, analysis, interpretation, probability theory, modelling and decision-making, using advanced mathematical and computational methods.
A diploma in statistics has limited career prospects.
Data-driven decision-making is growing across all sectors, creating demand for statistical personnel. Graduates can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Statistics.
Statistics is only for math geniuses.
While mathematical ability is important, the programme teaches statistical concepts and software skills systematically, making it accessible to students with basic mathematical competence.
Statistics is the same as mathematics.
Statistics focuses on data analysis, interpretation and uncertainty, while mathematics focuses on abstract reasoning and proof. Statistics applies mathematical tools to real-world data.