Best short courses for job seekers in Kenya

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In today’s competitive job market, employers in Kenya are looking for candidates with not only academic papers but also practical skills. That’s where short courses come in. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a form four leaver, or someone looking to change careers, short courses can help you get hired faster by giving you job-ready skills in a short amount of time.

In this guide, we explore the best short courses for job seekers in Kenya, their duration, where to study, and how they can boost your employability.

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Why Short Courses Are a Smart Choice

Short courses are practical, affordable, and often take just a few weeks or months to complete. Many are offered by TVET institutions, private colleges, NGOs, and government programs.

Benefits of short courses for job seekers:

• Gain employable skills in 1–6 months

• Increase chances of getting hired or starting a side hustle

• Access to job placements and attachments

• Learn specific skills that are in demand in your region

• Affordable compared to long-term diploma or degree courses

1. Computer Packages and ICT Skills

Duration: 1–3 months
Where to Study: Most TVET colleges and private computer schools
Cost: Ksh 4,000–15,000

Why It’s Useful:

• Almost every job requires basic computer knowledge

• Prepares you for office work, data entry, admin, and online jobs

• Enhances digital literacy

What You Learn:

• MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint

• Internet and email use

• Basic computer maintenance

Great add-on course: Graphic design, Tally, or QuickBooks

2. Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

Duration: 3–6 months
Where to Study: TVETA-accredited colleges and private beauty schools
Cost: Ksh 10,000–40,000

Why It’s Useful:

• High demand in salons, spas, and hotels

• Opportunity to start your own beauty business

• Popular with both male and female youth

Topics Covered:

• Hair styling, barbering, facials, manicure/pedicure

• Makeup application

• Salon hygiene and customer service

Pro Tip: Get NITA certification for better job chances.

3. Electrical Installation (Grade III)

Duration: 3–6 months
Where to Study: National polytechnics and TVET institutions
Cost: Ksh 15,000–50,000

Why It’s Useful:

• High demand in construction and maintenance

• Suitable for youth seeking blue-collar jobs

• Offers self-employment opportunities

Career Options: Wiring technician, electrician, apprentice under a contractor

4. Plumbing (Grade III)

Duration: 4–6 months
Where to Study: TVET colleges, NITA centers
Cost: Ksh 15,000–45,000

Why It’s Useful:

• Plumbers are needed in housing projects, schools, and businesses

• Easy to start your own repair business

• Short and practical training

Certifying Body: NITA or KNEC

5. Driving and Road Safety Training

Duration: 3–6 weeks
Where to Study: NTSA-approved driving schools like AA Kenya, Petanns, Rocky
Cost: Ksh 12,000–30,000

Why It’s Useful:

• Leads directly to employment as a driver

• Combine with PSV badge or motorcycle license

• Great for taxi (Uber, Bolt) or delivery jobs

Bonus Tip: Add defensive driving to increase chances of employment in logistics companies.

6. Food and Beverage Production

Duration: 3–6 months
Where to Study: Kenya Utalii College, polytechnics, and hospitality institutes
Cost: Ksh 20,000–60,000

Why It’s Useful:

• Job-ready course for hotels, restaurants, catering services

• Learn baking, cooking, food safety, and kitchen skills

• Can be combined with cake decoration or catering certification

Pro Tip: Offer event catering or baking services as a side hustle.

7. Digital Marketing

Duration: 1–3 months
Where to Study: Ajira Digital, private academies, or online platforms like Google, Alison, Coursera
Cost: Free – Ksh 20,000

Why It’s Useful:

• Every business now needs digital marketing skills

• Work as a freelancer or help businesses with social media and online sales

• Highly flexible and remote-friendly

What You Learn:

• SEO, social media, email marketing, content creation, Google Ads

8. Welding and Fabrication

Duration: 3–6 months
Where to Study: NITA centers, national polytechnics
Cost: Ksh 20,000–50,000

Why It’s Useful:

• High demand in construction, Jua Kali, and manufacturing

• Ideal for youth looking for hands-on jobs

• Offers both employment and self-employment opportunities

Certifying Body: NITA or KNEC

Summary Table: Best Short Courses for Job Seekers in Kenya

Where to Enroll for Short Courses in Kenya

Look for TVETA-accredited institutions such as:

• Kenya Coast National Polytechnic – Mombasa

• Nairobi Technical Training Institute

• Eldoret National Polytechnic

• Rift Valley Institute of Science & Technology (RVIST)

• Kenya Utalii College

• NITA Training Centres

Also explore community polytechnics and county technical centers in your area.

Funding and Support Options

Some programs offer government support for short courses:

• HELB TVET Loan and Bursary

• County government bursaries

• Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF)

• Uwezo Fund for youth groups

• Ajira Digital Program (ICT-related skills)

Conclusion

Short courses are a great way to boost your chances of getting hired in Kenya. They are affordable, quick to complete, and teach you skills that employers are actively looking for.

Action Tip: Pick one course based on your passion, availability, and job market needs. Enroll in an accredited institution and take the first step toward employment or self-reliance.

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