Every programme, with the real numbers.

The Diploma in Islamic Psychology is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in psychology from an Islamic perspective, integrating conventional psychological theories with Islamic principles of human nature, mental health and counselling. Offered at the Islamic University of Kenya, the programme prepares students for counselling and community support roles in Muslim communities and broader society. The curriculum covers Islamic perspectives on human nature (Insan), conventional psychology theories, Islamic counselling approaches, mental health in Islam, marriage and family counselling from an Islamic perspective, grief and trauma counselling, child and adolescent psychology, Islamic ethics in counselling, research methods, communication skills and industrial attachment. Students develop both psychological and Islamic counselling skills. Kenya's Muslim community has growing demand for counsellors who understand Islamic values and can provide culturally appropriate mental health support. The programme responds to the need for trained personnel who can address psychological issues within an Islamic framework, supporting individuals, families and communities. The programme is delivered through lectures, counselling practicum, case studies, field visits, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in counselling, mental health support and community outreach through attachment at counselling centres, hospitals, mosques or community organisations. Graduates pursue careers as Islamic counsellors, community support workers, family counselling assistants, mental health assistants and youth workers in counselling centres, hospitals, religious organisations and community-based organisations. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or related degree programmes. Prospective students should have interest in psychology, counselling and Islamic studies. The programme is suitable for students seeking counselling careers with an Islamic perspective, serving both Muslim and broader communities.

The Diploma in Leadership is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in leadership theory, governance, organisational management, ethics and strategic planning. Offered at International Leadership University and the Presbyterian University of East Africa, the programme prepares students for leadership and management roles in public, private and non-profit organisations. The curriculum covers leadership theory, organisational behaviour, strategic management, governance and public policy, ethics and integrity, change management, conflict resolution, project management, communication skills, research methods, entrepreneurship and industrial attachment. Students develop both analytical and practical leadership skills. Kenya's devolution and governance reforms have created demand for trained leaders at national, county and community levels. The programme responds to the need for ethical, competent leaders who can manage organisations, lead teams and drive development initiatives across sectors. The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, leadership simulations, field visits, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in leadership practice, organisational management and project implementation through attachment at government offices, NGOs or private organisations. Graduates pursue careers as leadership development officers, project coordinators, governance assistants, administrative officers and community leaders in government, NGOs, churches and private organisations. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management or related degree programmes. Prospective students should have interest in leadership, governance and organisational management. The programme is suitable for students and professionals seeking to develop leadership competencies for career advancement and community impact.

The Diploma in Management of NGOs is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in non-governmental organisation management, project planning, fundraising, community development and governance. Offered at The East African University, the programme prepares students for management and coordination roles in NGOs, community-based organisations and development agencies. The curriculum covers NGO management principles, project planning and management, fundraising and resource mobilisation, community development, governance and accountability, monitoring and evaluation, advocacy and lobbying, financial management for NGOs, proposal writing, communication skills, research methods and industrial attachment. Students develop both management and development practice skills. Kenya's NGO sector is one of the largest in Africa, with thousands of organisations working in health, education, environment, human rights and community development. The programme responds to the need for trained personnel who can manage NGO operations, coordinate projects and ensure accountability in the development sector. The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, field visits to NGOs, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in NGO operations, project management and community engagement through attachment at NGOs or community-based organisations. Graduates pursue careers as NGO project officers, programme assistants, community development officers, fundraising assistants and monitoring and evaluation assistants in NGOs, CBOs and development agencies. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies or related degree programmes. Prospective students should have interest in development work, community service and social impact. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in the NGO and development sector.

The Diploma in Marriage and Family Therapy is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in marriage counselling, family therapy, relationship dynamics and therapeutic interventions. Offered at Pan Africa Christian University through the PAC Institute, the programme prepares students for counselling roles focused on marital and family wellbeing. The curriculum covers marriage and family systems theory, theories of counselling, human sexuality within marriage, parenting and child development, family health and illness, lifespan development, psychological testing and assessment, conflict resolution in families, grief and trauma counselling, ethics in counselling, communication skills, research methods and practicum. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical counselling skills. Kenya faces increasing family and marital challenges including conflict, breakdown, domestic violence and mental health issues. The programme responds to the need for trained marriage and family therapists who can support couples and families through counselling, mediation and therapeutic interventions in churches, counselling centres and community organisations. The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, role plays, counselling simulations, field visits, research projects, group discussions and practicum. Students gain hands-on experience in marriage and family counselling through supervised practicum at counselling centres, churches or community organisations. Graduates pursue careers as marriage and family counsellors, relationship coaches, family support workers and counselling assistants in churches, counselling centres, NGOs and community organisations. They can also progress to a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at PAC University or related degree programmes. Prospective students should have interest in counselling, family dynamics and helping relationships. The programme is suitable for students and professionals seeking to develop therapeutic skills for supporting couples and families.

The Diploma in National Security and Strategy is a specialised programme that equips students with knowledge and analytical skills in national security policy, strategic studies, defence management and international security. Offered at the National Defence University of Kenya through the National Defence College, the programme prepares senior military officers and civil servants for higher responsibilities in national security direction and management. The curriculum covers national security strategy, defence policy, strategic studies, international relations and security, intelligence studies, crisis management, conflict resolution, geopolitics, military strategy, security sector governance, terrorism and counter-terrorism, cybersecurity policy, economic security and research methods. Students develop analytical and strategic thinking skills for security policy formulation. Kenya faces complex security challenges including terrorism, border insecurity, cyber threats and regional instability. The programme responds to the need for senior personnel equipped with strategic-level knowledge to direct and manage national security affairs, supporting Kenya's national security architecture. The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, case studies, strategic simulations, research projects, study tours, guest lectures from security practitioners and a research thesis. Students engage with contemporary security challenges through scenario-based learning and strategic analysis exercises. Graduates serve in senior national security roles within the Kenya Defence Forces, National Intelligence Service, National Police Service, Ministry of Defence and other government security agencies. They can also progress to a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategy at NDU-K. Prospective students should be senior military officers or equivalent civil servants nominated for strategic-level security training. The programme is designed for professionals already serving in security-related capacities.

The Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies is a programme that equips students with knowledge and analytical skills in peace building, conflict resolution, security studies, mediation and reconciliation. Offered at Africa Nazarene University, Daystar University and Garissa University, the programme prepares students for roles in peace building, conflict management, security governance and community development. The curriculum covers introduction to peace and conflict studies, conflict analysis, conflict resolution and management, peace building and reconciliation, security studies, mediation and negotiation, community policing, human rights, humanitarian assistance, governance and democracy, counselling skills, research methods and field practicum. Students develop both analytical and practical conflict resolution skills. Kenya and the broader East African region face security and conflict challenges including ethnic conflicts, resource-based conflicts, terrorism and border insecurity. The programme responds to the need for trained personnel who can support peace building, conflict transformation and security governance in communities, organisations and government agencies. The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, conflict simulation exercises, field visits to conflict-affected areas, research projects, group discussions and field practicum. Students gain hands-on experience in conflict analysis and peace building through supervised field practicum in community organisations, peace NGOs or government agencies. Graduates pursue careers as peace building officers, conflict resolution facilitators, community development workers, security analysts and humanitarian workers in NGOs, government agencies, community organisations and international bodies. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies or related degree programmes. Prospective students should have interest in conflict resolution, social justice and community development. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in peace building, security and humanitarian work.

The Diploma in Public Administration is a KUCCPS-listed programme, offered at institutions including Moi University and Maseno University, that trains graduates to support the management and administration of government and public-sector organisations. Students study public management, development administration, public policy, financial accounting and management, human resource management, and project planning, building competence across the core functions of public administration. Skills RequiredPublic ManagementDevelopment AdministrationPublic Policy BasicsFinancial Accounting and ManagementProject Planning and ManagementKey SubjectsIntroduction to Management and AdministrationPublic ManagementDevelopment AdministrationPublic Policy and ManagementFinancial Accounting and ManagementProject Planning and ManagementCertificationsKenya Institute of Management (KIM) MembershipSpecializationsCounty Government AdministrationFocus on devolved government structures and county-level service delivery. NGO and Development AdministrationFocus on administering development programmes and NGO operations. Kenya's devolved county governments and national ministries need trained administrators to support policy implementation, service delivery, and public financial management, sustaining consistent demand. Training combines classroom public administration theory with case studies of government and NGO operations, culminating in a project component. Graduates work as county/national government administrative officers, NGO programme administrators, and public sector support staff, with progression into a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or Policy. The programme suits students interested in government, policy, and public-sector service delivery who want a broad administrative qualification applicable across ministries, counties, and NGOs.

The Diploma in Social Work and Community Development is a KNEC and TVET-CDACC examined programme that trains professionals for social development and community work. The course covers social work theory and practice, community development, development economics, project management, advocacy and lobbying, disaster management, counselling psychology, and gender and development across three modules. Students develop competencies in community capacity building, resource mobilisation, social rehabilitation, counselling, community leadership, and social policy administration. The programme combines social work theory with practical community development methodologies. Kenya's devolved government system, growing NGO sector, and emphasis on community-based development have created demand for qualified social development professionals. County governments, NGOs, community-based organisations, and government departments recruit diploma holders for community development and social work roles. The programme combines classroom theory with community-based fieldwork, counselling practice, and project development exercises. Students conduct community assessments, develop project proposals, and practice counselling techniques. A supervised industrial attachment with an NGO, county government, or community organisation provides hands-on experience. Graduates work as social work assistants, community development officers, project officers, counselling assistants, and probation officers' assistants. Employers include county governments, NGOs, children's departments, probation offices, and community-based organisations. This programme is suitable for KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- (minus) who are passionate about community development and social welfare. It provides a pathway into Kenya's social development sector with progression options to degree programmes in social work or community development.

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). 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.

The Diploma in Social Work and Community Development is a three-year programme examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and offered at technical and vocational training institutions across Kenya. It equips students with competencies in social work practice, community development, project management, and counselling. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) under the TVET Act, 2013. Module I covers communication skills, information communication technology, introduction to community development, social work theory and practice, development economics, entrepreneurship, community-based organisations, and community capacity building and partnerships. Students learn foundational concepts in social work, community mobilisation, and economic development principles. Module II advances to social research methods, resource mobilisation and fundraising, project management, advocacy and lobbying, HIV/AIDS and other pandemics, basic mathematics, resource management, statistics, and legal aspects in social work. A supervised project unit is included. Module III covers social psychology and human development, introduction to counselling, social rehabilitation and reintegration, disaster management, social policy and administration, and a practicum. Entry requirements are a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) or a pass in a relevant Craft Certificate in social development, community development, or counselling. The programme is available at numerous public TVET institutions including Nairobi Technical Training Institute, Kabete National Polytechnic, and Rift Valley Technical Training Institute. Graduates pursue careers as social workers, community development officers, project officers, counselling assistants, and programme coordinators in government ministries, county governments, NGOs, and community-based organisations. The programme provides a progression pathway to a Higher National Diploma and subsequently to a bachelor's degree in social work or community development. The programme includes a compulsory industrial attachment and practicum that provides students with supervised field experience in community settings. Government-sponsored students placed through KUCCPS receive capitation funding, and HELB loans are available for eligible students. The standardised annual tuition fee at public TVET institutions is KES 67,189.

The Doctor of Philosophy Political Science is a doctoral programme offered by Kenyan universities, designed to provide advanced training and research opportunities in philosophy and ethical studies. The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and delivered through coursework, seminars, and independent research. Students engage with ethical theory, logic, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind through a structured curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications. The programme emphasises critical reasoning, ethical analysis, and philosophical inquiry and prepares scholars to contribute original research to the discipline. Kenya's ethical challenges in technology, governance, and society require philosophical expertise. The programme addresses national development priorities and aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030, which emphasises the need for highly trained professionals in philosophy and ethics. Graduates are equipped to tackle complex challenges facing the country and the East African region. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions where applicable, fieldwork, and supervised research. Students work closely with faculty supervisors to develop their research proposals, conduct original research, and produce a thesis or dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, ethics consultants, policy analysts, and researchers in universities, research institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and private sector firms. The programme provides a strong foundation for academic careers and leadership roles in philosophy and ethics. This programme is ideal for individuals with a strong academic background in philosophy or a related humanities field who are passionate about research and advancing knowledge in philosophy and ethical studies. It suits those who wish to contribute to policy development, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making in Kenya and beyond.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology is a doctoral programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies. It is designed to produce scholars capable of advancing research on human cultures, social structures, biological diversity and cultural heritage in Africa. The programme combines social anthropology, biological anthropology and African studies to address contemporary challenges. Students engage with advanced topics in anthropological theory, ethnographic research methods, African cultural studies, medical anthropology, environmental anthropology, political anthropology, gender studies and research methods. The curriculum emphasises original research that contributes to understanding African societies, cultures and development challenges. Kenya's diverse cultural heritage, the need for evidence-based cultural policy and the growing interest in African studies create demand for doctoral-level anthropology expertise. The programme supports Kenya's cultural preservation efforts and contributes to understanding contemporary social issues including governance, health and environmental change. Teaching is delivered through seminars, workshops and supervised fieldwork at the University of Nairobi's Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies, located at Museum Hill in Nairobi. Students conduct ethnographic field research, present findings at conferences and engage with cultural institutions. The programme is offered full-time with a duration of three years. Graduates pursue careers as university professors, anthropological researchers, cultural heritage specialists, policy advisors and development consultants. They work in universities, museums, cultural institutions, government ministries and international development organisations. The programme is ideal for individuals with backgrounds in anthropology, sociology, African studies or related social sciences who wish to contribute original research to African anthropology.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies is a doctoral programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). It is designed to produce scholars capable of advancing research in development studies, development policy and social change. The programme addresses Kenya's development challenges including poverty, inequality, governance and sustainable development. Students engage with advanced topics in development theory, development economics, governance and development, rural development, urban development, gender and development, poverty analysis, climate change and development, project planning and management, and research methods. The curriculum emphasises original research that develops development insights for Kenya's social and economic challenges. Kenya's development challenges including poverty, regional inequality, governance issues, youth unemployment, climate change vulnerability and the need for evidence-based development policy create demand for doctoral-level development studies expertise. The programme supports Kenya's development planning and Vision 2030 goals. Teaching is delivered through coursework and supervised research at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Nairobi. Application fee is KSh 5,000. Prospective applicants must be cleared by IDS before formal application to the Graduate School. The IDS is a leading development research institute in Eastern Africa. Graduates pursue careers as university professors, development researchers, policy analysts, development consultants and programme managers. They work in universities, Ministry of Planning, international development organisations, NGOs, think tanks and research institutes. The programme is ideal for individuals with backgrounds in development studies, economics, sociology, political science or related fields who wish to contribute original research to development studies.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Gender and Development Studies is a doctoral programme offered at Kenyatta University through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and at the University of Nairobi through the School of Continuing and Distance Education. It is designed to produce scholars capable of advancing research in gender, women's studies and development. The programme addresses Kenya's gender equality and women's empowerment challenges. Students engage with advanced topics in gender theory, feminist research methodologies, gender and development, women's rights and law, gender-based violence, gender and governance, masculinities studies, gender and economics, African feminism and research methods. The curriculum emphasises original research that develops gender and development insights for Kenya's social development. Kenya's constitutional gender provisions (two-thirds rule), gender-based violence challenges, women's economic empowerment, gender parity in education and politics, and the SDG 5 agenda create demand for doctoral-level gender and development expertise. The programme supports Kenya's gender equality and social development goals. Teaching is delivered through coursework and supervised research. At KU, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers PhD in Gender and Development Studies at KSh 244,800/year for East Africans. At UoN, the School of Continuing and Distance Education offers PhD in African Women Studies. Graduates pursue careers as university professors, gender researchers, gender policy analysts, development consultants and NGO gender specialists. They work in universities, Ministry of Public Service and Gender, NGOs, UN Women and international development organisations. The programme is ideal for individuals with backgrounds in gender studies, sociology, development studies, social work or related fields who wish to contribute original research to gender and development.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Gender, Women and Development Studies is a doctoral programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the School of Continuing and Distance Education and at Kenyatta University. It is designed to produce scholars capable of advancing research in gender, women's studies and development with a focus on African women's experiences. The programme addresses Kenya's gender equality, women's empowerment and social development challenges. Students engage with advanced topics in feminist theory, women and development, gender and policy, African women's history, gender and education, women's economic empowerment, gender and health, gender and conflict, women's leadership and research methods. The curriculum emphasises original research that develops gender, women and development insights for Kenya's social transformation. Kenya's constitutional gender provisions, women's political representation, economic empowerment challenges, gender-based violence, women's education access and the SDG 5 agenda create demand for doctoral-level gender, women and development expertise. The programme supports Kenya's gender equality and women's empowerment goals. Teaching is delivered through coursework and supervised research. At UoN, the School of Continuing and Distance Education offers PhD Programme on African Women Studies. At KU, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers PhD in Gender and Development Studies at KSh 244,800/year. Graduates pursue careers as university professors, gender researchers, women's rights advocates, development consultants and policy analysts. They work in universities, Ministry of Public Service and Gender, NGEC, UN Women, FIDA Kenya and international development organisations. The programme is ideal for individuals with backgrounds in gender studies, women's studies, sociology, development studies or related fields who wish to contribute original research to gender, women and development.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Geography is a doctoral programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, at Kenyatta University through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and at Maseno University. It is designed to produce scholars capable of advancing research in geography, environmental studies and spatial analysis. The programme addresses Kenya's geographical research, environmental management and spatial planning needs. Students engage with advanced topics in geomorphology, climatology, biogeography, population geography, economic geography, urban geography, environmental geography, political geography, GIS applications in geography and research methods. The curriculum emphasises original research that develops geographical insights for Kenya's environmental and spatial planning challenges. Kenya's rapid urbanisation, environmental degradation, climate change impacts, population dynamics, resource management challenges and spatial planning needs create demand for doctoral-level geography expertise. The programme supports Kenya's environmental management and spatial development goals. Teaching is delivered through coursework, fieldwork and supervised research. At UoN, the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies offers PhD by thesis (C807) with tuition at KSh 192,000/year, total KSh 712,000 over 3 years. At KU, the School of Humanities offers PhD in Geography at KSh 244,800/year. Application fee KSh 3,000. Graduates pursue careers as university professors, geography researchers, environmental planners, GIS specialists and urban planners. They work in universities, Ministry of Lands, county governments, NEMA and research organisations. The programme is ideal for individuals with backgrounds in geography, environmental studies, urban planning or related fields who wish to contribute original research to geography.

The Doctor of Philosophy in History and Political Science is a postgraduate research programme offered at Kenyatta University and the University of Nairobi through their respective Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences. The programme trains scholars to conduct advanced interdisciplinary research on historical processes and political systems, contributing to understanding of Kenya's political development, governance, and historical trajectory in African and global contexts. Students engage with advanced historiography, political theory, African political history, research methodology, and comparative politics. The programme combines coursework with thesis research, requiring candidates to develop a research proposal, conduct independent archival and field research, and produce a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to history and political science. Kenya's political landscape is shaped by its colonial history, independence struggle, multi-party democracy transition, and devolution reforms, requiring rigorous academic analysis. The programme addresses national priorities under Vision 2030 by training researchers who can inform governance, constitutionalism, and political development through historical and political analysis. Teaching methods include lectures, research seminars, archival research, field interviews, policy analysis, and supervised thesis work. Students have access to university humanities and social sciences resources and collaborate with the Kenya National Archives, the National Museum, and research institutions. Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, history and political science researchers, policy analysts, diplomatic officers, and governance consultants in universities, government, embassies, NGOs, and international organisations. This programme is ideal for holders of a Master's degree in history, political science, international relations, or related social sciences who are committed to advancing knowledge in history and political science.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities is a doctoral programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Faculty of Arts and at Kenyatta University through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. It is designed to produce scholars capable of advancing research across humanities disciplines including literature, philosophy, linguistics, cultural studies and history. The programme addresses Kenya's humanities research and cultural scholarship development needs. Students engage with advanced topics in humanities theory, interdisciplinary research methods, literary studies, philosophical inquiry, linguistic analysis, cultural studies, African studies, postcolonial studies, digital humanities and research methods. The curriculum emphasises original interdisciplinary research that develops humanities insights for Kenya's cultural and intellectual development. Kenya's cultural heritage preservation, literary production growth, language policy development, philosophical discourse needs, cultural identity formation and the role of humanities in national development create demand for doctoral-level humanities expertise. The programme supports Kenya's cultural and intellectual development goals. Teaching is delivered through coursework and supervised research. At UoN, the Faculty of Arts offers PhD by thesis. At KU, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers PhD at KSh 244,800/year for East Africans. Graduates pursue careers as university professors, humanities researchers, cultural consultants, policy analysts and writers. They work in universities, Ministry of Culture, National Museums of Kenya, media organisations and research institutes.

The Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations is a doctoral programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS) and at USIU-Africa. It is designed to produce scholars capable of advancing research in international relations, diplomacy and global governance. The programme addresses Kenya's international relations research and diplomatic development needs. Students engage with advanced topics in international relations theory, diplomatic studies, international law, international political economy, global governance, foreign policy analysis, conflict and security studies, regional integration, international development and research methods. The curriculum emphasises original research that develops IR insights for Kenya's foreign policy and diplomatic engagement. Kenya's diplomatic engagement, regional leadership in East Africa, UN headquarters in Nairobi, peacekeeping contributions, regional integration through EAC and the need for foreign policy research create demand for doctoral-level international relations expertise. The programme supports Kenya's diplomatic and foreign policy goals. Teaching is delivered through coursework and supervised research. At UoN, IDIS offers PhD in International Studies with specialisation in Diplomacy, International Relations, International Law, International Economics and International Politics. Total fees for PhD by thesis is KSh 450,000. Application fee KSh 4,000 for PhD. At USIU-Africa, PhD in International Relations is offered through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Graduates pursue careers as university professors, IR researchers, diplomatic advisors, foreign policy analysts and international consultants. They work in universities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UN agencies, think tanks and international organisations.

The Doctor of Philosophy in International Studies is a doctoral programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS) and at USIU-Africa. It is designed to produce scholars capable of advancing interdisciplinary research in international studies, combining diplomacy, international relations, international law and international economics. The programme addresses Kenya's international studies research and global engagement development needs. Students engage with advanced topics in international studies theory, diplomatic studies, international law, international political economy, global governance, foreign policy, security studies, international development, regional integration and research methods. The curriculum emphasises original interdisciplinary research that develops international studies insights for Kenya's global engagement. Kenya's strategic position as a regional hub, UN headquarters in Nairobi, EAC membership, AU participation, peacekeeping roles, trade diplomacy and the need for interdisciplinary international studies research create demand for doctoral-level expertise. The programme supports Kenya's international engagement and diplomatic goals. Teaching is delivered through coursework and supervised research. At UoN, IDIS offers PhD in International Studies by thesis. Total fees KSh 450,000. Application fee KSh 4,000 for PhD. Specialisations include Diplomacy, International Relations, International Law, International Economics and International Politics. At USIU-Africa, PhD in International Studies is offered with an international curriculum. Graduates pursue careers as university professors, international studies researchers, diplomatic advisors, policy analysts and international consultants. They work in universities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UN agencies, EAC, AU and international organisations.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Governance is a postgraduate research programme offered at JKUAT through the School of Business and Economics. The programme trains scholars to conduct advanced research on leadership theory, governance practices, organisational behaviour, and public sector management, contributing to effective leadership and governance in Kenya's public, private, and non-profit sectors. Students engage with advanced leadership theory, governance frameworks, organisational behaviour, public policy, ethics, and research methodology. The programme combines coursework with thesis research, requiring candidates to develop a research proposal, conduct independent field and organisational research, and produce a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to leadership and governance. Kenya faces leadership and governance challenges including corruption, weak institutions, and the need for transformative leadership in both public and private sectors. The programme addresses national priorities under Vision 2030 and the Constitution's governance reforms by training researchers who can inform leadership development, governance improvement, and institutional strengthening. Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, organisational research, policy analysis, leadership assessment, and supervised thesis work. Students have access to JKUAT's business and management resources and collaborate with government institutions, private sector organisations, and governance bodies. Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, leadership researchers, governance consultants, public administrators, and management consultants in universities, government, international organisations, and private sector companies. This programme is ideal for holders of a Master's degree in leadership, governance, business administration, public administration, or related fields who are committed to advancing knowledge in leadership and governance.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy provides advanced training in systemic family therapy, grounded in a Christian worldview that presents a holistic perspective of human nature. The programme focuses on the strengths and resiliency of family systems and communal resources to restore and build healthy family relationships. Students develop advanced clinical, research, and teaching competencies in marriage and family therapy. Students develop advanced competencies in systemic family therapy theories, clinical practice, research methodology, and therapeutic interventions. The curriculum covers advanced topics in family systems, psychopathology, therapeutic models, and research methods. Clinical skills are developed through supervised practice, retreats, and dissertation research. Marriage and family therapy is an emerging field in Kenya's mental health sector. The programme addresses the growing demand for qualified family therapists who can provide culturally sensitive therapeutic services. Graduates contribute to mental health services, academic scholarship, and community wellbeing through systemic therapeutic approaches. The programme combines coursework with clinical practice, research, and dissertation writing. Students study advanced family therapy concepts, engage in supervised clinical practice, design research projects, and write a doctoral dissertation. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, clinical supervision, retreats, and research supervision. The programme is offered on a full-time basis. Graduates find employment as university lecturers, clinical therapists, researchers, consultants, or programme directors in universities, hospitals, counselling centres, faith-based organisations, and non-governmental organisations. The doctoral degree supports careers in family therapy practice, education, research, and consultancy. This programme is ideal for mental health professionals seeking advanced qualifications in marriage and family therapy. The programme provides advanced clinical and research skills for therapeutic practice and academic scholarship.

The Doctor of Philosophy in National Security and Strategy is a doctoral programme offered at the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) through the National Defence College (NDC) and the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC). NDU-K is headquartered in Lanet, Nakuru, and is a chartered institution comprising specialised constituent colleges. The programme is designed to produce scholars capable of advancing research in national security, strategic studies and defence policy. Students engage with advanced topics in national security, strategic studies, defence policy, security sector governance, conflict analysis, peace support operations, counter-terrorism, intelligence studies, cybersecurity policy, regional security and research methods. The curriculum emphasises original research that develops security and strategic insights for Kenya's national security challenges. Kenya's security challenges including terrorism, border security, cyber threats, regional instability, transnational crime, maritime security, internal conflicts and the demand for security research create demand for doctoral-level national security expertise. The programme supports Kenya's national security and defence development goals. Teaching is delivered through coursework, seminars and supervised research. At NDU-K, the National Defence College trains senior military officers and civil servants in national security and strategy. IPSTC conducts postgraduate programmes including Master of Arts in Crisis Response and Disaster Management. NDU-K provides a unique platform to blend theory and practice in security and strategy. Graduates pursue careers as university professors, security analysts, defence consultants, policy researchers and intelligence analysts. They work in universities, Ministry of Defence, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Defence Forces, security think tanks and international organisations.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Peace and Conflict Management is a postgraduate research programme offered at Kenyatta University through the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences. The programme trains scholars to conduct advanced research on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, security studies, and governance, contributing to knowledge and practice in conflict management in Kenya, Africa, and beyond. Students engage with theories of conflict, peace, security, and development, applying them to real-world conflicts and peace processes. The programme is delivered by thesis only, requiring candidates to develop a research proposal, conduct independent field research, and produce a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of peace and conflict studies. Kenya and the broader East African region face complex security challenges including inter-communal conflicts, violent extremism, resource-based conflicts, and political violence. The programme addresses these challenges by training researchers who can inform policy and practice in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict reconstruction under national and regional frameworks. Teaching methods include supervised research, seminars, and thesis writing. Candidates work with supervisors to develop proposals, conduct field research in conflict-affected areas, and write their dissertations. The programme is delivered full-time over a minimum of three years at Kenyatta University’s main campus. Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, peacebuilding specialists, conflict resolution officers, policy advisors, and researchers in universities, government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations including the UN and African Union. The programme provides advanced expertise for leadership roles in peace and security sectors. This programme is ideal for holders of a Master’s degree in peace studies, conflict management, international relations, political science, or related fields who are committed to advancing knowledge and practice in peacebuilding.