Computer courses, requirements, universities and colleges in Kenya

Computer programmers and IT experts are in high demand in Kenya now than ever before. As recession-proof jobs, a career or a skill in IT allows you to be innovative, develop, and troubleshoot different types of technologies. While many people think a degree in computer programming or IT is only for the more experienced individuals, they are wrong. Anybody can enroll for computer courses in Kenya.

Whether it is coding or computer science, you do not need any experience to learn a technology course and become good at it. Besides, a certification in this field will open up many opportunities for you to work in various sectors of the economy.

Kenya has many colleges and universities that are offering many computer courses with different entry levels. Regardless of your pass marks, you will get a programme that fits you and your career path.

What are the basic computer courses?

The purpose of the courses is to teach basic computer literacy skills to individuals. It helps learners to meet the minimum technical and software requirements of computers. Most of the free computer courses for adults offered online are introductory classes.

Some of the basic computer courses in Kenya include:

• Microsoft Office and word processing
• Website design
• Internet and digital marketing
• Hardware maintenance
• Graphic design and animation

It is also helpful to learn basic and advanced Adobe Photoshop courses as well as productivity courses such as software installation. The above are short computer courses you can complete within six months. Furthermore, consider enrolling for free online computer courses with a certificate to get started as a novice.

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What is the best computer course to get a job?

If you are looking for a computer course that will get you a job after graduation, consider the following list of computer courses, the colleges and universities offering them, and enrolment qualifications.

1. Computer science

A course in computer science allows you to study both software and computer hardware design. It combines theoretical algorithms studies and the practical problems involved in solving them using software and computer hardware.

As a student, you will learn computer skills and subjects, including artificial intelligence, programming, computer graphics, software engineering, and more. Some of the schools that offer the course include:

• University of Nairobi
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology
• Kenyatta University
• Kabarak University
• Egerton University
• Strathmore University

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Minimum entry requirements

The qualifications for admission will differ depending on the institution. However, for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, you must meet the following:

• Minimum mean grade of C+ in Mathematics, Physics, Second Group II or any Group III.
• Two principal passes in Mathematics or Physics and a subsidiary pass with a Credit pass in Physics at O’ Level.
• Ordinary Diploma in Computer Science or equivalent with a pass at Credit level from an institution recognised by the Senate.
• Higher Diploma in Computer Studies from a recognised institution.

You can also enrol for the course if you hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised institution.

Is computer science marketable in Kenya?

In Kenya’s economy where technology has been advancing, potential employees that know how to create and improve software programmes are highly marketable. Thus, a degree or diploma in computer science is in demand.

If you want to land a well-paying job after graduation, this is one of the best courses you can take. Furthermore, companies are eager to hire talented people in all areas of computing to help in automating some of their processes.

2. Computer engineering

Computer engineering makes this computer courses list because of its marketability. It is a field of study where students learn how to develop, design, test, and maintain computer hardware and software.

As a learner, the course will introduce you to computer science and bring you up to speed with the theory and design of data storage, computer engineering, and optimisation of interactions between software and hardware systems. The various schools offering the course include:

• Technical University of Kenya
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology
• Mount Kenya University

Minimum entry requirements

You can start with a Diploma in Computer Engineering at various institutions of higher learning in Kenya. For that, you will need the following entry requirements:

• Minimum aggregate of C (plain) in KCSE and C- (minus) in Mathematics and Physics.
• Division III in KCE with credit passes in English and Mathematics.
• A credit pass in Certificate in Computer Engineering or equivalent from a recognised institution by the Senate.

For a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, you will need a minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) and at least a C+ in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and other cluster subjects.

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3. Information technology

Information technology is one of the most marketable computer courses in Kenya, especially for those with technical skills and a degree in the field. The course covers the general design, administration, and support of telecommunications and computer systems.

Graduates of this course tend to hold many positions. Some of these include database and network administrators, system analysts, and support specialists, among others.

The advantage is that a majority of colleges and universities in Kenya offer this course. Some of these include:

• Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology
• Technical University of Kenya
• Zetech University
• Mount Kenya University
• Kenya Institute of Social Work
• Nairobi Institute of Business Studies
• Daystar University
• Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
• Kenyatta University

Minimum entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements for a Diploma in Information Technology include:

• Mean grade of C (plain) at KCSE or equivalent.
• A mean grade of C (plain) in Mathematics and English.
• A mean grade of C- (minus) at KCSE or equivalent with a certificate in IT from a recognised institution.

To enrol for a degree programme in IT, you need a mean grade of C+ (plus) at KCSE or equivalent and a C (plain) in both Mathematics and English. You can also join if you have a diploma in Information Technology.

4. Business information technology

As one of the best computer courses for beginners, business information technology teaches students how to create, maintain, and update business programmes, systems, and databases. It also covers an array of computer knowledge that helps students to identify niches they may be proficient at and show them in-depth skills needed to become professionals in the field of IT.

Colleges and universities offering the course include:

• Strathmore University
• Mount Kenya University
• Kabarak University
• Kenya School of Monetary Studies
• KCA University
• Kirinyaga University College
• Machakos Institute of Technology
• Taita Taveta University College

Minimum entry requirements

The entry requirements for a Diploma in Business Information Technology include:

• A mean grade of C (plain) at KCSE.
• C (plain) in Mathematics, English, and Business Studies.

For a degree course, you need a minimum mean grade of C+ (plus) at KCSE. You also need a C (plain) in Mathematics and English/Kiswahili and a C- (minus) in Chemistry/Physics or any Group II unit.

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5. Software engineering

The course helps students to learn how to create new software programmes for use in various industries. Learners involve themselves in the research, development, design, and operational testing of the software development process.

Schools in Kenya that offer the programme include:

• Zetech University
• Railway Training Institute
• Nairobi Institute of Business Studies
• Multimedia University of Kenya
• University of East Africa, Baraton

Minimum entry requirements

Diploma and degree courses in software engineering are offered in the country. The exact qualifications for entry for a diploma include:

• KCSE mean grade of C- (minus).
• A D- (minus) in Mathematics and D- in either English or Kiswahili or relevant qualification approved by the University Senate.

If you want to enrol for a degree in the programme, you will need a mean grade of C+ (plus) at KCSE, with C+ in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English. Alternatively, you will be accepted if you have an A-Level with 2 principal passes and one subsidiary pass in the relevant subject.

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6. Computer studies

Computer studies is a course designed to provide students with a practical and updated foundation for a career in software technology. Its primary focus is the development of software applications in system operations for different types of businesses.

Educational institutions that offer the programme include:

• Kisumu Polytechnic
• Rift Valley Technical Training Institute, Eldoret
• Kaiboi Technical Training Institute
• Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology

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Minimum entry requirements

The minimum admission requirements for a Diploma in Computer Studies are:

• A mean grade of C (plain) at KCSE.
• A certificate in a relevant field with a credit pass or higher or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.

Depending on the institution, a student must meet additional or specific entry requirements as specified by the respective school, faculty, or department offering the programme.

Computer courses improve your knowledge and skills in computer technology. They also teach you how to utilise these skills in your career or daily routine. However, you can only enrol at any university or college in Kenya after meeting the minimum educational requirements.

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This comes at a point when many graduates are struggling to find employment due to the fewer opportunities available. For many youths, job sites are a great way to know of existing opportunities where they can try their luck at getting a job.