You Scored a C- or Below in KCSE? Here Are 30+ Killer Courses You Can Do in Kenya and Still Build a Great Life

Scoring a C- or below in KCSE is not the end of the road. In fact, it could be the beginning of something great. Kenyan education is evolving—and more than ever, alternative career pathways are being recognized, respected, and even prioritized over traditional degrees.

Today, you don’t need to chase a university degree to be successful. What you need is skills—skills that solve real-world problems, skills that the job market demands, and skills that can help you build something of your own. The good news? Kenya has hundreds of programs built just for you.

This article is your full guide. If you scored C-, D+, D, or even E, here are the best courses you can take—certified, employable, and future-ready. Whether you want to fix machines, create digital content, start your own beauty empire, or cook in a five-star hotel—there’s a course for you.

Let’s explore.

1. Technical and Engineering Courses

Technical skills are in demand. Whether you want to become an electrician, a mechanic, or work in construction, this field offers reliable, well-paying jobs.

Recommended Courses:

• Electrical Installation
• Welding and Fabrication
• Plumbing Technology
• Masonry
• Building and Construction
• Motor Vehicle Mechanics
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Where to Study:

• Kabete National Polytechnic
• Meru National Polytechnic
• Kisii National Polytechnic
• Kenya Technical Trainers College (KTTC)
• Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology

Why It Matters:

• These jobs pay well locally and are in high demand abroad.
• You can start with Artisan (for D and E students), upgrade to Certificate, then Diploma.

2. ICT and Digital Skills Courses

Tech isn’t just for A-students. With a passion for computers and the internet, you can learn practical digital skills and work remotely or freelance globally.

Recommended Courses:

• ICT Certificate
• Computer Packages (MS Word, Excel, Internet)
• Graphic Design
• Web Design and Development
• Computer Repair and Maintenance
• Mobile Phone Repair
• Cyber Security Basics
• Digital Marketing

Where to Study:

• Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS)
• Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI)
• Zetech University
• Nairobi Technical Training Institute
• Kenya School of TVET

Why It Matters:

• Many online jobs (freelancing, graphic design, web development) don’t require a degree.
• ICT opens up possibilities to work remotely for international companies or local clients.

3. Beauty, Fashion, and Personal Care Courses

The beauty industry in Kenya is exploding. From salons and makeup studios to fashion boutiques, people are earning big by using their hands, creativity, and hustle.

Recommended Courses:

• Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy
• Nail Technology
• Barbering
• Makeup Artistry
• Fashion Design and Garment Making
• Cosmetology (combined beauty therapy course)

Where to Study:

• Vera Beauty College
• Ashley’s Beauty College
• Beauty Point College
• NIBS College
• Kenya Industrial Training Institute (KITI)

Why It Matters:

• You can be self-employed, work in high-end salons, or open your own business.
• Short training period (3–12 months) with immediate job potential.

4. Hospitality, Food, and Catering

Kenya’s tourism and hospitality sectors are growing steadily. From lodges and hotels to international kitchens, these courses offer endless job paths.

Recommended Courses:

• Food and Beverage Production
• Catering and Accommodation
• Pastry and Bakery
• Hotel Management
• Front Office Operations
• Housekeeping and Laundry Services

Where to Study:

• Kenya Utalii College
• Amboseli Institute of Hospitality
• Nairobi Women’s Hospital College
• Cascade Institute of Hospitality

Why It Matters:

• High employability both in Kenya and abroad (hotels, airlines, cruises, lodges).
• Ideal for passionate cooks, hosts, and service-driven people.

5. Agriculture and Agri-Business Courses

Kenya’s economy thrives on agriculture. Modern agribusiness courses can help you turn farming into a profitable venture.

Recommended Courses:

• General Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Animal Health and Production
• Agribusiness Management
• Aquaculture (Fish Farming)

Where to Study:

• Bukura Agricultural College
• Baraka Agricultural College
• Egerton University (Certificate courses)
• Dairy Training Institute Naivasha

Why It Matters:

• Learn to produce and sell food commercially.
• You can start your own business or work for agribusiness companies and NGOs.

6. Health and Community Development Courses

If you love helping people and want to serve in communities, the following courses give you practical skills to build a purpose-driven career.

Recommended Courses:

• Community Health and Development
• Counseling Psychology (Certificate)
• Caregiving (Elderly and Children)
• Social Work and Community Development
• Health Records and Information Technology

Where to Study:

• Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)
• Amref International University
• Nairobi Women’s Hospital College

Why It Matters:

• These courses are in high demand in NGOs, hospitals, and humanitarian work.
• Caregiving is also a global opportunity—especially in Canada, UK, and Australia.

7. Mass Media, Journalism, and Communication

Are you good with words, pictures, or stories? Media isn’t just about TV. With these skills, you can work online, on YouTube, or in mainstream media.

Recommended Courses:

• Mass Communication
• Radio and TV Production
• Photography and Videography
• Video Editing
• Journalism and Media Studies
• Public Relations

Where to Study:

• Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC)
• Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI)
• Talanta Institute
• Nairobi Film School

Why It Matters:

• Get hands-on skills to become a content creator, editor, or media producer.
• Digital platforms offer income from advertising, clients, and brand deals.

8. Driving, Transport, and Logistics

Driving is a skill you can monetize almost immediately. Combine it with logistics training and you could work in distribution, ride-hailing, or shipping.

Recommended Courses:

• Driving School (Class BCE)
• Motorbike Training
• Forklift & Crane Operation
• Logistics and Transport Management (Certificate)

Where to Study:

• AA Kenya
• NTSA-certified driving schools
• Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT)

Why It Matters:

• Good income with or without employment.
• Options include courier services, company driving jobs, logistics, and Uber/Bolt driving.

9. Artisan and Craft Courses

Even if you scored a D or E, you can start with Artisan courses. These are practical, step-by-step skill-building programs that lead to certification, then diplomas.

Recommended Artisan Courses:

• Artisan in Electrical Installation
• Artisan in Masonry
• Artisan in Plumbing
• Artisan in Garment Making
• Artisan in Hairdressing
• Artisan in Food and Beverage Production

Why It Matters:

• These are foundational courses designed to uplift students with very low grades.
• After an Artisan certificate, you can do a Certificate, then move to Diploma.

10. Business and Financial Courses

You can still become an entrepreneur or business professional with a C- or lower. Many colleges offer business and finance programs at certificate level.

Recommended Courses:

• Business Management
• Sales and Marketing
• Customer Service
• Accounting and Finance (Certificate)
• Entrepreneurship Development
• Front Office and Receptionist Training

Where to Study:

• Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)
• Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS)
• Zetech University
• East Africa Institute of Certified Studies (EAICS)

Why It Matters:

• Short courses with high employability.
• Gives you an edge when starting or running your own business.

11. Other High-Potential Short Courses You Should Know About

These short, intensive courses can give you an edge in a competitive job market:

• Security and Guard Training
• Real Estate Salesmanship
• Event Planning and Management
• Baking and Cake Decoration
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Operations
• Phone Photography and Editing
• Customer Experience and Call Center Training

These can be found in TVETs, private colleges, or even through online learning.

12. How to Move From C- to a Diploma or Degree

If you’re ambitious and want to continue your education, here’s how:

1. Start with an Artisan course (for D+ and below)
2. Progress to Certificate
3. Advance to a Diploma
4. Then apply for a Degree (at a university or via Open and Distance Learning)

This path takes longer, but it’s 100% possible. Many successful professionals today followed this route.

13. Where Can You Apply?

You can find these programs in:

• TVET colleges (government-sponsored) — Apply through KUCCPS
• Private technical colleges — More flexible but fee-paying
• Polytechnics — Located across the country
• County and village training institutes — Especially for artisan and short courses
• International colleges — For caregiving, beauty, or media

C- Is Not the End—It’s the Beginning

Your grade in KCSE is not your destiny. What really matters is your skills, discipline, and mindset. Some of the most successful businesspeople, artists, technicians, and innovators in Kenya today started with a D or less—but they pursued courses that built them up.

Your next steps should be:

• Reflect on what you enjoy and are good at
• Choose a course that has market demand
• Enroll, stay consistent, and gain real-world skills
• Keep upgrading—don’t stop learning

Here is a list of affordable and reputable institutions in Kenya where you can pursue the courses mentioned earlier—most of which accept C-, D+, D, and even E grades, especially through artisan and certificate programs.

TECHNICAL & ENGINEERING COURSES

1. Kabete National Polytechnic

• Location: Nairobi
• Courses: Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Building Technology
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: kabete.ac.ke

2. Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST)

• Location: Nakuru
• Courses: Welding, Masonry, Automotive Engineering
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: rvist.ac.ke

3. Meru National Polytechnic

• Location: Meru
• Courses: Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: merunationalpolytechnic.ac.ke

4. Kenya Coast National Polytechnic

• Location: Mombasa
• Courses: Building and Construction, Plumbing, Refrigeration
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: kenyacoastpoly.ac.ke

ICT & DIGITAL COURSES

5. Nairobi Technical Training Institute (NTTI)

• Location: Nairobi
• Courses: ICT, Computerized Accounting, Web Design
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: ntti.ac.ke

6. Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI)

• Location: Nairobi (CBD)
• Courses: Graphic Design, Web Dev, Animation
• KUCCPS Placement: No (private)
• Website: admi.ac.ke

7. Kenya School of TVET

• Location: Gigiri, Nairobi
• Courses: ICT, Computer Engineering
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: ks-tvets.ac.ke

BEAUTY, FASHION, DESIGN

8. Vera Beauty & Fashion College

• Locations: Nairobi, Eldoret, Meru, Thika
• Courses: Hairdressing, Fashion Design, Cosmetology
• KUCCPS Placement: No (private)
• Website: verabeautycollege.com

9. Ashley’s Hair and Beauty Academy

• Locations: Nairobi, Kisumu
• Courses: Hairdressing, Barbering, Beauty Therapy
• KUCCPS Placement: No
• Website: ashleyskenya.com

10. NIBS Technical College

• Locations: Nairobi, Ruiru
• Courses: Fashion Design, Cosmetology, Hairdressing
• KUCCPS Placement: Some branches have KUCCPS-approved programs
• Website: nibs.ac.ke

HOSPITALITY & CATERING

11. Kenya Utalii College

• Location: Nairobi
• Courses: Food Production, Hotel Management
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes (competitive)
• Website: utalii.ac.ke

12. Amboseli Institute of Hospitality

• Locations: Thika, Nakuru
• Courses: Catering, Housekeeping, Hospitality Management
• KUCCPS Placement: No (private)
• Website: amboselinstitute.ac.ke

13. Cascade Institute of Hospitality

• Location: Thika
• Courses: Food & Beverage, Front Office
• Website: cascade.ac.ke

HEALTH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

14. Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)

• 70+ Campuses Countrywide
• Courses: Community Health, Health Records (some accept C- with bridging)
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: kmtc.ac.ke

15. Amref International University

• Location: Nairobi
• Courses: Community Health, Caregiving
• KUCCPS Placement: No
• Website: amref.ac.ke

16. Nairobi Women’s Hospital College

• Location: Nairobi (Adams Arcade)
• Courses: Counseling, Nursing Aide, Community Health
• KUCCPS Placement: No
• Website: nwch.co.ke

BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

17. Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)

• Locations: All counties
• Courses: Business Management, Customer Service, Sales
• KUCCPS Placement: Some campuses allow government sponsorship
• Website: kim.ac.ke

18. East Africa Institute of Certified Studies (EAICS)

• Location: Nairobi CBD
• Courses: Business, Front Office, Event Management
• KUCCPS Placement: No
• Website: eacsc.ac.ke

19. Zetech University – TVET Division

• Location: Ruiru, Nairobi CBD
• Courses: Business, ICT, Hospitality
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes (TVET stream)
• Website: zetech.ac.ke

DRIVING & LOGISTICS

20. AA Kenya Driving School

• Locations: Countrywide
• Courses: All driving classes (BCE), Defensive Driving
• KUCCPS: Not applicable
• Website: aakenya.co.ke

21. Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT)

• Locations: Nairobi, Ngong
• Courses: Transport Management, Plant Operation
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: kihbt.ac.ke

AGRICULTURE & FARMING

22. Bukura Agricultural College

• Location: Kakamega County
• Courses: General Agriculture, Agribusiness
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: bukura.go.ke

23. Baraka Agricultural College

• Location: Molo
• Courses: Organic Farming, Horticulture
• KUCCPS Placement: No
• Website: barakaagricollege.ac.ke

24. Dairy Training Institute, Naivasha

• Courses: Dairy Production, Animal Health
• Website: moa.go.ke

MEDIA & CREATIVE ARTS

25. Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC)

• Location: South B, Nairobi
• Courses: Journalism, Film, Radio Production
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: kimc.ac.ke

26. Talanta Institute

• Location: Nairobi
• Courses: Photography, Videography, Content Creation
• KUCCPS Placement: No
• Website: talanta.global

ARTISAN COURSES FOR D & E STUDENTS

27. Mathenge Technical Training Institute

• Location: Nyeri County
• Courses: Artisan in Electrical, Masonry, Plumbing
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: mathengetti.ac.ke

28. Nyeri National Polytechnic

• Location: Nyeri
• Courses: Artisan, Certificate, Diploma in various fields
• KUCCPS Placement: Yes
• Website: nyerinationalpoly.ac.ke

Summary Table: TVET/College Type vs. Your KCSE Grade

There are hundreds of C- and below students across Kenya today running their own businesses, working abroad, or thriving in skilled trades. The only difference is—they took action.

Will you?

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