Every secondary school student in Kenya wishes to pursue a degree program. But what if you fail to meet the required cut-off grade? While this can be disheartening, you do have another option of pursuing the most marketable diploma courses.
You can enroll in a number of diploma courses offered by Kenyan higher education institutions. However, not all of them are reliable, and some can waste a lot of time and money. However, with the right education, you may learn in-demand skills that will help you find a decent job.
Most marketable diploma courses
Diploma programs are a wonderful option for students who do not qualify for degree programs to pursue an enriching career. Here is a list of some of Kenya’s most marketable diploma courses.
1. Diploma in Information Technology
This is one of the best diploma courses in Kenya. It is offered in several institutions, including:
- KCA University
- JKUAT
- African Nazarene University
- Mount Kenyan University
- Zetech University
- Kenyatta University
The course can equip you with a wide range of ICT, software, and technological skills. It is also a marketable course, given that the country is now in a digital era and the ICT industry is booming.
After graduating, you can land a job at a government office, private company/business, or NGO. You can also start your own IT business – offering ICT services and products.
2. Diploma in Human Resource Management
This is one of the top KUCCPS diploma courses offered in Kenya. It is available in several institutions such as:
- Nairobi TTI
- Thika TTI
- Kisumu Polytechnic
- Meru Polytechnic
- Nyeri Polytechnic
- Runyejes TVC
It is also offered by top universities and colleges (self-sponsored) such as:
- University of Nairobi
- Kenyatta University
- Multimedia University
- African Nazarene University
The course is highly marketable due to the rising number of private companies and businesses in the country. On top of that, more and more organizations realize the importance of human resource management in increasing productivity.
After completing the program, you can find a job at various private companies and businesses. Other opportunities include government offices and NGOs.
3. Diploma in Nursing
If you are interested in a medical field, a Diploma in Nursing is a great course to consider. It is mainly offered at Kenya Medical Training Colleges around the country. In Kenya, there is a shortage of skills when it comes to nursing due to rising healthcare needs.
As a result, most hospitals, particularly government hospitals, are short-staffed and always looking for skilled employees. On top of government hospitals, you can land a job at a private hospital.
4. Diploma in Project Management and Evaluation
The Project Management program equips individuals with the skills needed to research, design, and execute projects. The course is offered at:
- Kenya Institute of Management
- JKUAT
- Moi University
- Kenyatta University
- KCA University
- Zetech University
Project management is a marketable career in Kenya, with skilled employees running various government and private sector projects. It is also lucrative, with starting salaries of about Ksh 50,000 – 90,000.
Most people who complete the course usually end up working for NGOs. However, there is also a high demand for private companies/businesses and government offices (primarily parastatals and county governments).
5. Diploma in Real Estate Management
A diploma in real estate management is an excellent option if you want to work in the real estate industry. Top institutions currently offering the course include the University of Nairobi, Pioneer University, and Gretsa University.
It is a highly marketable course due to the booming real estate industry in Kenya. After graduating, you can find a job at various real estate companies in the country. You can also become self-employed – and offer your services to individuals/companies looking to purchase, rent, or have their properties managed.
6. Diploma in Procurement and Supply Chain Management
Procurement and Supply Chain Management is one of the top diploma programs in the country. You can pursue the course at leading institutions such as KCA University, African Nazarene University, and Egerton University
Procurement and supply chain is one of the fasted growing professions in the country. As a result, there is a high demand for skills in this field. Government departments and parastatals are usually the top employers. However, the profession is also in high demand in the private sector and by NGOs.
7. Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism
Do you want to work in the media industry? A Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism is a perfect option. The course is available at top institutions such as:
- KCA University
- Maseno University
- Gretsa University
- Kenyatta University
- Mount Kenya University
After completing the course, you can start a journalism career, one of the most marketable professions in the country. There are numerous opportunities, especially with the massive increase of TV stations following the switch from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Aside from TV, several radio stations and news publications hire journalists in the country. Furthermore, you can go into digital journalism – working at one of the digital publications or starting your online news platform.
8. Diploma in Sales and Marketing
Sales and Marketing is one of the most marketable diploma courses in Kenya. It is offered at several universities and colleges, including:
- Nairobi Institute of Business Studies
- Maseno University
- Technical University of Mombasa
Sales and marketing are among the top careers in the country – no organization can survive without sales and marketing professionals. There is also a massive skill shortage in the country, with employers even hiring certificate holders and form four leavers.
With a diploma, you can land a lucrative position. The private sector (companies and businesses) is the best place to look for a job with a sales and marketing diploma.
9. Diploma in Quantity Surveying
Diploma in Quantity Surveying currently is one of the top programs in the country. You can find it at institutions such as the Nairobi Institute of Technology and other Technical and Vocational Education Training centres.
Completing the program opens up many opportunities, especially with the rising number of people building, buying, and sub-dividing land. You can land a job with a government agency, a private quantity surveying company or offer your services on a one-to-one basis to clients.
10. Diploma in Food & Beverage Production
A Diploma in Food and Beverage Production is an excellent course if your interests lie in the food and hospitality industry. The best institutions to pursue the course include Nairobi Institute of Business Studies and Thika Institute of Business Studies.
It is a marketable course with a thriving food and beverage industry that promises several job opportunities. After completing the course, you can land a job at a hotel, restaurant, bars, or any private or government organization operating food canteens. You can also start your food or hospitality business – hotel, and outside catering business.
11. Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
If you are interested in an engineering program, Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering is a good choice. The course is offered by institutions such as:
- Mount Kenya University
- Machakos Training Institute
- Nairobi Technical Training Institute
- Murang’a University of College
Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering is one of the top engineering programs in the country. Graduates from the course are usually employed by leading companies such as Kenya Power and KenGen. You can also become self-employed, offering your services to individuals and companies in need of electrical services.
12. Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is another top diploma course in the engineering field. It is offered at the following colleges:
- Murang’a University College
- Multimedia University
- Machakos University
- Technical University of Kenya
It is a great course to pursue due to the numerous job opportunities available. With the diploma, you can land a job at an automotive company, engineering companies, factories, and industrial plants. You can also start your own company geared towards repairing and maintain mechanical equipment and tools.
13. Post-graduate Diploma in Education
Post-graduate Diploma in Education is an excellent course if you wish to teach but have studied another degree course (not in the education field). It is offered at several colleges and universities such as:
- KCA University
- Mount Kenya University
- African International University
- Kenyatta University
The course is short-term (about one year) and is an excellent way of venturing into the teaching field instead of pursuing another three to a four-year program. After graduating, you can land a job at several educational institutions in the country – mainly primary, secondary, and early childhood education schools.
14. Diploma in Web and Graphic Design
Web and Graphic design are other top IT-related careers in Kenya. You can venture into the field by completing a Diploma in Web and Graphic design. Top institutions offering the program include Africa Digital Media Institute, Technical University of Mombasa, and Machakos Institute of Technology.
Graphic and web design is a lucrative career, with salaries ranging from Ksh. 60,000 – 200,000. Most of the graduates are self-employed – either on a freelance basis or outsourcing for various private companies, businesses, and government organizations.
The above are some of the most marketable diploma courses in Kenya, which can offer you a great start in your professional life. With these courses, you can be sure to land a great job or even start your own company. What’s more, with a diploma, you qualify for a degree program in your chosen or related field.
