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 short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 127,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 255,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, evening, weekend, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic DNA Scientist, at 15 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
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.
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 programmeDescriptive 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| Statistics skills are in demand across government, research, NGOs and private sector. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options. |
| The programme provides practical skills in statistical software and data analysis. | Statistics requires strong mathematical aptitude, which may challenge some students. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Statistics. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 science 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
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 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
6 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
- 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
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
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.
When it next starts
Taught at 4 institutionsIncluding Taita Taveta University, Technical University of Kenya, Eldoret Polytechnic.
Including Taita Taveta University, Technical University of Kenya, Eldoret Polytechnic.
Including Taita Taveta University, Technical University of Kenya, Eldoret Polytechnic.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous 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
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 rolesStatistical 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- Forensic DNA ScientistScience15Low exposure
- Neuromorphic Computing ResearcherScience15Low exposure
- Agricultural EntomologistScience17Low exposure
- Neurotechnology Research EngineerScience17Low exposure
- Phage Therapy ResearcherScience17Low exposure
- Applied GeochemistScience18Low exposure
- Computational ToxicologistScience18Low exposure
- Computational Toxicology SpecialistScience18Low exposure
Tools you will learn
R
ToolPrimary
SPSS
Tool
Microsoft Excel
Tool
Certifications
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.