You may not have received the desired grades to enroll in a degree program at your chosen university, but that does not mean the end of the road for you. There are various competitive courses that can still lead to a fantastic profession that you might pursue.
While a university degree was once seen as a sure ticket to a rewarding profession, the growth of technical and vocational training institutions (TVETs) and changing labor needs have made non-degree courses a viable option.
In fact, it is no longer unexpected that a student with a C+ or higher chooses a TVET college over a university degree. In 2021, about 15,500 candidates, or around 10% of the 143,140 students who qualified to attend institutions, chose diploma and certificate programs over degree programs.
If you wish to work your way up to a degree, the Kenyan education system permits you to go from a certificate to a diploma and then to a postgraduate degree.
Is it possible to get a decent course with a D+, D, or D-? Yes, indeed! Let’s take a closer look at them.
Best Kenyan Courses for Students with a D+ (Plus)
Although D+ diploma courses were previously accessible in Kenya, as stated below, many universities now offer advanced certificate and certificate courses.
(1) Civil Engineering Certificate
Civil engineers work in the construction business, typically planning, designing, and constructing various buildings such as transportation infrastructure (such as highways and bridges) and communications gear (such as radio masts).
Civil engineering is one of Kenya’s most marketable technical degrees, with several job and business prospects.
Institutions that offer this course.
- Nyandarua Institute of Technology,
- Kipkabus Technical & Vocational College,
- Kenya Coast Polytechnic,
- Mawego Technical Training Institute,
- Sigalagala National Polytechnic,
- Karumo Technical Training Institute, and
- Kenya Coast Polytechnic
(2).Advanced Information Technology Certificate
We live in an era where technology is deeply embedded in our daily lives. The dominance of large technological businesses like Microsoft exemplifies this. The potential is limitless, both globally and locally, with major businesses such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Visa setting up shop in Nairobi.
IT abilities are in great demand across industries, and with this advanced diploma in IT, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a highly sought-after expert, depending on how well you hone your skills.
Relevant job experience is now commonly included in ICT programs to assist students in developing critical practical skills and making key industry connections.
Institutions that offer this course.
- Kajiado West Technical & Vocational College,
- Kisumu Polytechnic,
- Bushiangala Technical Training Institute,
- Nyeri National Polytechnic,
- Tseikuru Technical Training Institute, and
- Rift Valley Institute of Science & Technology.
(3).Certificate in Food and Beverage
A Certificate in Food and Beverage Studies provides students with hands-on experience as well as important information about the history of the food and beverage business as well as current industry information.
This course can provide students with essential experience and skills, whether they want to create their own recipes or work as directors and managers in the food and hospitality industry.
Institutions that offer this course
- Rwika Technical Institute,
- Friends College Kaimosi,
- Coast Institute of Technology,
- Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College,
- Kenya Coast Polytechnic, and
- Nyeri National Polytechnic
(4).Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering focuses on the design and operation of various machines. Machine parts are routinely evaluated in this field of engineering to develop the optimum manufacturing machining procedures.
This certificate program teaches specific skills in this area and provides the opportunity to graduate with a diploma degree.
Institutions that offer this course.
- Kaiboi Technical Training Institute,
- Keroka Technical Training Institute,
- Kenya Coast National Polytechnic,
- Kisii National Polytechnic, and
- Kabete National Polytechnic are some of the institutions that offer this course.
(5).Certificate in Land Surveying
There is yet another excellent course that you can pursue with a D+ (plus). A land and surveying certificate covers units in construction legislation, land planning, mapping, and land subdivision concerns, as well as the inspection of properties or land spaces for occupation readiness.
Institutions that offer this course.
- Sigalagala National Polytechnic,
- Aldai Technical Training Institute,
- Kaiboi Technical Training Institute,
- Eldoret Polytechnic,
- Kenya Institute of Surveying & Mapping, and
- Kitale National Polytechnic
Best Kenyan Courses for Students with a “D”
The most significant benefit of these TVET-D courses is that, because they are skill-based, you can still work for yourself if jobs are scarce or if you so desire.
(1)Certificate in Sales and Marketing/Certificate in Marketing Management.
To thrive, most, if not all, businesses require sales and marketing personnel. Sales and marketing positions are among the most prevalent in Kenya today. This industry also provides rewards such as high commissions and travel bonuses.
Marketing is a marketable course since it is widely considered to be one of the most crucial positions in any organization.
Kenya Institute of Management, Ekerubo Gietai Technical Training Institute, and Siaya Institute of Technology are among the institutions that offer this programme.
(2) Certificate Building and Construction Technology.
A certificate in building and construction technology can help you prepare for a future as a multi-tasking carpenter, working on masonry and carpentry projects.
When you’re done, you can work as a freelancer or create jobs for yourself and others.
Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology, Mukurweinin Technical Training Institute, Kapsinende Technical Vocational College, Chuka Technical, Eldoret Polytechnic, Bumble Technical Training Institute, PC Kinyanjui TTI, and Ol’Lessos Technical Training College are among the institutions that offer this course.
(3).Certificate Science Laboratory Technology
Laboratory technicians carry out tasks in the lab that allow scientists to focus on more complex analytical techniques. You will be prepared to do laboratory-based research in life science, chemistry, biology, and physics.
Endebess Technical Training Institute, Bushiangala Technical Training Institute, Kisiwa Technical Training Institute, Kisumu Polytechnic, Mawego Technical Training Institute, and Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology are among the institutions that offer this education.
(4).Certificate in Automotive Engineering
Formerly known as motor vehicle mechanics, You will learn how to repair and service automobiles, delivery vans, trucks, motorcycles, and coaches.
Wote Technical Training Institute, Mombasa Technical University, Baringo Technical College, Meru National Polytechnic, Kisumu Polytechnic, Ol’Lessos Technical Training Institute, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Emining Technical Training Institute, and Katine Technical Training Institute are some of the institutions that offer this course.
(5)Certificate In Plant Mechanics
Construction plant operators continually repair and maintain heavy plant machinery, such as dump trucks and diggers. With this qualification, you might work on a building site, examining gearboxes, engines, and hydraulics, or locating and repairing or replacing defective parts.
Loaders, dump trucks, bulldozers, and transport vehicles are among the heavy automobile sector equipment stored here. You’ll also learn how to examine and service transmissions, brakes, steering, fuel injection systems, batteries, and hydraulics, as well as identify common problems.
Nyeri National Polytechnic, Kisii National Polytechnic, the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT), and the North Eastern Province National Polytechnic are among the institutions that offer this course.
Best Courses in Kenya for D- Students
1)Electrical and Electronics Engineering Certificate (Power)
Electrical devices are strongly embedded in today’s culture, and our everyday lives rely on them, making this a viable sector.
Kiirua Technical Training, Kapsinende Technical Vocational College, Kaiboi Technical Training Institute, and Mukurweini Technical Training Institute are some of the institutions that provide this course.
2)Certificate in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy
The hair, beauty, and cosmetics industries have emerged as Kenya’s new investment hotspot, attracting enormous sums of money in multi-million shilling deals to develop new lines of business and purchase successful enterprises.
This course will teach you how to work as a hairdresser, masseuse, salonist, salon manager, and beauty expert.
Rwika Technical Institute, Meru National Polytechnic, Godoma Technical Training Institute, Bumbe Technical Training Institute, Ekerubo Gietai Technical Training Institute, Jodan College, and Uzuri Institute are among the institutions that offer this course.
3)Certificate in Plumbing Craft
This is one of Kenya’s best D-minus courses, and it covers a wide range of current plumbing techniques.
Plumbers are responsible for the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, as well as water distribution and sanitation systems.
If you gain the appropriate experience to handle medium- to large-scale projects, this can be a very satisfying employment. Furthermore, recent studies in the construction industry show that Kenya is facing a shortage of plumbers and masons as students eschew technical courses in favor of “glamorous courses.”
Kenya Institute Of Highways & Building Technology (KIHBT), Ziwa Technical Training Institute, Mathenge Technical Training Institute, Kenya Water Institute, Ugenya Technical and Vocational College, Murang’a Technical and Vocational College, and Emsos Technical and Vocational College are among the institutions that offer this course.
4)Certificate in Catering and Accommodation Craft
A catering and accommodation qualification is intended for students interested in working in the growing food and hospitality industries.
Students will study critical culinary and commercial skills for the food service and catering industries, as well as management and marketing, in this course.
Mathenge Technical Training Institute, Shamberere Technical Training Institute, Maasai Mara Technical Vocational College, Centre for Tourism Training & Research, ICS College, Nyeri National Polytechnic, and Nibs College are among the institutions that offer this course.
5)Craft Certificate in Welding and Fabrication
Welding and fabrication is one of Kenya’s most marketable trade certificate courses, with graduates finding work in both the commercial and public sectors. You could even establish your own welding firm.
Mathira Technical Training Institute, Okame Technical and Vocational College, Mathenge Technical Training Institute, Vihiga College of Commerce and Technical Training, and Emsos Technical Training Institute are among the institutions that offer this course.
