If you’re looking for the most marketable courses in Kenya that you can pursue, this article is for you. My previous article touched on marketable diploma courses in Kenya. This article touches on marketable certificate courses in Kenya. Consider it a general guide if you need help choosing your certificate course.

Marketable certificate courses are those that are attractive to potential employers. And while the labor market changes continuously, one thing is constant – employers are always looking for well-rounded graduates to hire. Employers are looking for people with different skills, degrees, and diplomas.

Marketable courses in Kenya

If you want to do a certificate course, here is a list that will guide you in making the right decision. I have created this list based on employability and career progression in no particular order.

#1: Certificate in Information Technology

The demand for IT specialists keeps increasing with the advancements of technology and its necessity in most businesses. A certificate in Information Technology gives you a general understanding of information systems, software, hardware, programming, and computer operating systems.

With this skill, you can develop IT solutions that solve practical organizational problems using a technological and engineering approach. These skills can give you a position in any company’s IT department. You can also start your IT consulting service upon graduation.

Requirements

• KCSE mean grade of C-
• C- in English/Kiswahili
• D in Biology
• D- in Mathematics/Physics/Chemistry

Duration:

• 2 years

Top Institutions

• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
• Technical University of Kenya

#2: Certificate in Business Administration

A certificate in business administration is among the most marketable courses in Kenya. The certificate course focuses on managerial and administrative skills that are undoubtedly a necessity in the workplace. A business administration certificate touches on topics like economics, planning, accounting, computer applications, risk management, and financial management. A certificate in business administration arms you with the necessary skills you can use in business management, marketing, or entrepreneurial ventures.

Requirements

• KCSE mean grade D+
• Mathematics/Business Studies D+
• English/Kiswahili D+

Duration

1 year

Top institution

• Maseno University
• East Africa Institute of Certified Studies (ICS) College

#3: Certificate in Human Resource Management

Another certificate programme that will prepare you for the job market is a certificate in Human Resource Management. A Human Resource Management course equips you with skills for positions in office administration and management. A certificate in human resource management gives you an advantage to apply for executive positions in the corporate world. HRM gives you the ability to apply for jobs in different industries.

Requirements

• KCSE mean grade D
• English/Kiswahili D+
• Mathematics D+

Duration

• 1 year

Top institution

• College of Human Resource Management
• Kenya Institute of Management (KIMS)
• Kentrac College

#4: Certificate in Sales and Marketing

This certificate equips you with the skills required to thrive as a manager in the sales and marketing field. Your employer entrusts you with the company’s brand, lead generation, and company revenue generation. This undoubtedly means the income and commission are high.

As a marketer, you earn as high as the sales you bring. Should your skills land you in leading banks or insurance companies, rest assured you will have a high income by the end of the month. Furthermore, as a sales and marketing manager, part of your job includes recruiting, training, staff management, and motivation among other responsibilities.

Requirements

• KCSE mean grade D plain
• English/Kiswahili D-
• Mathematics/Business Studies D-

Duration

• 1 year

Top institutions

• KISWCD Technical College
• Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)

#5: Certificate in Health Records and Information

Health Records and Information is also among the most marketable courses in Kenya. The certificate programme equips you with the skills of collecting and maintaining medical information like patient records, diagnostics, insurance, and financial information. The course gives you the opportunity to work in any hospital or clinic set up as a health records officer. You can also be a receptionist or a dental secretary.

Requirements

• KCSE mean grade C-
• English/Kiswahili C-
• Biology D
• Mathematics/Physics/Chemistry D-

Duration

• 2 years

Top Institution

• KMTC

#6: Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

If you are passionate about everything electricity, you need a certificate course in electrical engineering. This course has been ranked among the best KNEC certificate courses in Kenya that you can pursue if your entry points are low to take a diploma course. You can check out the requirements for a diploma course in my previous article on marketable diploma courses in Kenya.

It is ranked among the most marketable courses in Kenya because you get hands-on experience through laboratory work aside from classroom work. Here, you learn about both electronic and computer equipment.

Besides, the programme teaches you how to use the latest equipment in the electrical engineering field. Once you qualify as an electrical engineer, you become more employable in the automotive, IT, and electronics industries among others. You can also get employment in the power or telecommunications industry.

Requirements

• KCSE mean grade D plain

Duration

• 2 years

Top Institutions

• Nairobi Institute of Business Studies
• East Africa Institute of Certified Studies
• Mount Kenya University
• Machakos Institute of Technology

#7: Certificate in Catering and Accommodation Operations

If you’re looking for the best-paying certificate courses in Kenya, you can pursue a certificate course in Catering and Accommodation Operations. This certificate programme equips you with the skills and knowledge required to take a career in the hospitality industry.

The hospitality industry is an ever-changing, ever-growing market which means there is a high demand for manpower year in and year out. You will learn how to perform basic food production, cost control strategies, housekeeping operations, and how to manage the front office. You gain the right knowledge and skills to be a pastry chef, hotel/restaurant manager, or food/beverage manager.

Requirements

• KCSE mean grade D

Duration

• 2 years

Top Institutions

• East African Institute of Certified Studies
• Nairobi Institute of Business Studies

#8: Certificate in Accounting and Finance

Being among the custodians of an organization’s funds makes this a sensitive field and you, a highly sought-after professional. A certificate in Accounting and finance is among the most marketable courses in Kenya. If you have a liking for numbers, this is an area of study worth pursuing.

Requirements

• KCSE mean grade D+

Duration

• 1 year

Top Institution

• College of Human Resource Management
• KCA University

#9: Certificate in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

Another KUCCPS certificate course that you can consider is hairdressing and beauty therapy. The hair and beauty industry is a thriving and demanding one. Once you have skills like plaiting, styling, nail art, or make-up, your opportunities for career growth can be high. The best part is your skills can allow you to start your own business venture instead of waiting for someone to employ you.

Requirements

• KCSE mean grade D plain

Duration

• 1 year

Top Institutions

• Vera Beauty & Fashion College
• NITA Textile Training Institute
• Machakos Institute of Technology

Summing Up

A certificate course may not be equivalent to a degree course, but the knowledge and skills you gain can increase your chance of employment or self-employment. These marketable courses in Kenya are currently in demand in our ever-changing market. Before enrolling, conduct your research and consult to find a course that matches your qualifications and passion. Feel free to ask any questions on marketable certificate courses in Kenya. I will be happy to answer them all.