One way of boosting your employability is by taking one of the best short courses around.

In addition, enrolling for one or more of the marketable short courses in Kenya can help you start a lucrative side hustle to boost your current income.

Still, some of the in-demand short training courses in Kenya give you skills to start earning immediately and can give you a soft landing after losing your job.

The best short courses can as well be your passport to a new business if your current business isn’t performing.

This article introduces you to some of the excellent short professional courses offered by institutions in Kenya.

I will also explain who the course is ideal for.

Summary of the best short courses in Kenya at the moment..

• Languages
• Sales and marketing short course
• Digital marketing course
• Programming courses (Coding)
• Online jobs courses
• SPSS & Advanced Excel
• Web design
• Graphic design
• Agricultural value addition
• Baking and pastry
• Video production course
• Cyber security course
• Computerized accounting
• Mobile apps development course
• Social media marketing
• Research Methods
• Short Counseling course
• Biometric systems
• CCTV installation
• Electrical installation and wiring
• CISCO
• Gas welding
• Arc welding
• 3D Animation

I should add that you should carefully weigh your interests before investing in any short training courses in Nairobi or anywhere else for that matter.

Here now are the full details for each of the above-mentioned courses..

 

1.   Best short technical courses in Kenya

One of the most marketable courses in Kenya are technical…

I am referring to degrees, diplomas, and certificates in fields such as engineering, building technology, plumbing, automation, and more.

Now, if you don’t have time to pursue such a course fulltime and you are willing to get dirty, you can change your life by registering for any of the popular short technical courses in Kenya.

You don’t even have to attend a formal college for these…

The welder, panel beater, or mechanic in your town can train you on apprenticeship basis after which you book for the NITA exam at a technical college near you.

Of course, some of these colleges have such programs and you can always choose to study there.

Here now are some of the best short courses to take as far as technical skills are concerned.

 

·         Electrical installation and wiring

I would propose that you concentrate on in-demand electrical installation skills such as Electric Fence Installation.

And from the look of things, demand for electrical fence technicians spreads even to our neighbors Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

 

·         Biometric systems and CCTV installation

We are living in an age where security comes first.

As a result, schools, hospitals, hotels, and tens of other institutions are installing biometric and CCTV security systems to help control access/track visitors.

The sector is hugely unexploited and only a few artisans are offering biometric and CCTV installations services in Kenya so you could earn handsomely.

 

·         Gas welding and arc welding

Though massively underrated, welding is one of the best technical courses in Kenya, at least if you look at it from the income perspective.

If you don’t believe me, just survey your neighborhood and find out how much welders make.

 

·         Panel beating

Car sales in Kenya have been on an upward trajectory for the last decade and are not expected to slow down anytime soon.

And so panel beating technicians are always in demand across the country.

Here you’re trained how to repair and restore the bodies of accident cars as well as how to give fresh shine to second-hand cars imported into the country.

 

·         Solar PV Systems installation

The World is shifting to renewable energy sources like solar as supply from traditional energy sources continues to dwindle.

As a result, the market for solar technicians has never been this high..

Notably, the government has enacted a rule that requires landlords to install Solar PV (Photovoltaic) heating systems further enhancing the market.

Again, everywhere you turn, you will notice home solar power projects going on.

Need I say more?

 

·         Computerized vehicle diagnostics

Are you aware that there are car models which are not sold in Kenya because of lack of qualified ‘mechanics’?

Yeah, you heard me right..

You see, the 21^st century car is increasingly computerized and hence require specially trained personnel to troubleshoot.

These guys are not many in Kenya so you are assured of a ready market.

 

Where to study

If in Nairobi, you can visit the Kenya polytechnic (Technical university).

The easiest way to get more information is by downloading the Kenya polytechnic short courses brochure.

 

ALSO READ: No connections? No worries: Here are the actual skills that will give you a Job in Kenya

 

2.   Information technology short courses in Kenya

ICT cuts across the board and offers immense employment and self-employment openings for ambitious Kenyans.

Remember that Kenya is considered a leading global player when it comes to ICT because of inventions such as MPESA.

Kenya’s tech ecosystem, christened the Silicon Savannah, is also the home to reputable entities like iHub, Akirachix, and BRCK.

Here now are some of the most marketable short courses in Kenya within the ICT field.

 

·         Digital marketing course and Social Media marketing

Various digital marketing courses in Kenya curriculum gives you the foundation to launch your own digital marketing firm or get a job at one of the fast-growing local digital marketing firms.

You can even choose to sell your online selling skills internationally through freelancing websites such as UpWork and Fiverr.

The same can be said of best short courses in social media marketing.

 

·         Programming courses (Coding) and Mobile apps development course

Getting into coding (creation of computer and mobile software) is a smart way of ensuring a long, successful career.

Programming involves creating logical solutions to daily societal problems and can be a fantastic choice if you have a creative brain.

And I should add that coding is one of the best paying certificate courses in Kenya with some coders pocketing as much as kshs.250,000 per month.

The course is especially great for those with a firm background in ICT.

·         CISCO networking course (CCNA)

Having a CCNA validates your foundational knowledge in network types, networking devices such as routers/switches, network troubleshooting techniques, etc.

It’s a must-have if you dream of working as a Network support Engineer, System administrator, Network Security Associate, and even Tech support staff

The CCNA certification can hence be a wonderful addition to your papers if your main course is ICT related.

 

·         Cyber security certification course

I recommend that you pursue a Cybersecurity certification if you have a diploma or degree in ICT.

You learn how to protect IT systems and devices from cybercrimes perpetrated online/offline.

A good certification is CISA (Certified information systems auditor) and CEH (certified ethical hacker)

Jobs are aplenty since very few Kenyans have cyber security qualifications.

If possible, you should take a CISCO certification course alongside this course as employers tend to favor those with both.

 

·         Advanced Excel

Advanced Excel has always ranked among the most marketable certificate courses in Kenya since Excel is a headache to most computer users.

I know that some can comfortably analyze numbers, generate charts, sort data, and perform such basic spreadsheet tasks.

But you will get a blank if want help with VLOOKUP, MATCH, Pivot tables, auditing formulae, conditional formatting, and related advanced Excel aspects.

You might subsequently become a hotcake if you add these skills to your resume.

You can even earn a living running a freelance advanced excel training consultancy.

This can be particularly helpful for those with CPA and ACCA.

 

·         SPSS and R Programming

If your background is in statistics or you have a passion for data analysis, enroll for SPSS/R programming lessons.

These are the two most marketable courses in Kenya for statisticians and data scientists.

In any case, many employers in the data research industry and NGOs won’t touch you even with a ten-foot pole if you lack SPSS knowledge.

 

·         Web design and Graphic design

In web design, you learn how to create websites like this from scratch or using content management systems like Joomla and WordPress.

Your market is businesses (many Kenyan firms lack websites), celebrities, and private personalities.

Graphic design is, on the other hand, all about designing myriad graphical works for publications, websites, businesses, promotional materials, social media etc.

You will be coming up with logos, brochures, business cards, Ads, banners, magazine design and layout among others.

In both, you ought to be an amazing communicator besides oozing creativity and intuition.

This is another course you can use to make money as an online freelancer.

 

·         Computerized accounting

Accounting packages courses are an excellent addition for those with Bcom, Business management, CPA, ATD, ACCA, and indeed, most business courses.

You can easily confirm this by checking recent business-related job advertisements in Kenya.

To be on the safe side, I suggest that you take at least 3 units from the following list of accounting packages:

1. Quickbooks
2. Sage
3. Tally
4. Pastel
5. SagePastel
6. Zoho

There are dozens of accounting systems but these are the best short courses in accounting computer packages in Kenya so you should start with them.

Knowledge in ERP systems such as Microsoft Navision/Microsoft Dynamics NAV and SAP ERP can additionally be hugely beneficial.

 

Where to study

The good news is that some of these are offered as purely part time courses in Kenya so learning won’t interfere with your day schedule.

Again, some take even less than a month.

What’s more, they are offered in a majority of the mushrooming ICT colleges in Kenya and they’re quite affordable.

However, programming and cyber security courses are best taught at some of the leading colleges in Nairobi like the award-winning Moringa School and  Computer Pride.

The soon-to-open Kenya Online College will also be offering some of these best short courses and programs both online and offline..

 

ALSO READ:  Latest accounting jobs in Kenya

 

3.   Open short courses in Kenya

The following short courses don’t require any background or basic qualifications.

 

·         Hair and beauty therapy

The Kenyan beauty industry is worth billions of shillings hence there is money and opportunity.

But instead of following the normal route, go for the virgin segments..

For instance, the demand for rasta hair stylists in Kenya is at an all-time high thanks to the popularity of dreadlocks among Kenyan youth.

Having said that, the course is wide and you can specialize in a variety of areas including chemical technology.

If you ask me, it’s by far one of the best courses for ladies whether you’re searching for employment or to start a business.

 

·         Video editing (and Animation here)

It you love taking video – even if it’s using your phone, It’s perfectly possible for you to make money as a video editor.

Jobs again abound in weddings, graduations, church ceremonies, dowry ceremonies, to mention but a few.

You can even go a notch up and use your video editing talent to open and run a YouTube channel where you cover anything…

YouTube can on its own pay you enough to afford a decent lifestyle.

Take it from me: You will be smiling all the way to the bank if you can combine video and animation (2D and 3D)..

 

·         Baking and pastry

Baking is a good option if you’re searching for flexibility, a chance to make money from your natural creativity, and a very promising future.

Opportunities are still unlimited particularly if you’re business oriented..

You can start a small bakery, get a job in one of the biggest bakeries in Kenya, or open a baking school.

Baking and pastry related best short courses are pretty affordable.

 

·         Languages (and translation)

Some colleges in Nairobi offer different foreign languages including Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, and Russian.

Kenyans who are proficient in both local and foreign languages work as translators in courts, conferences, and elsewhere.

You can also make money working as a private language tutor or as a freelance online translator.

There are several language short courses in Kenyatta University including Chinese so you can check their website for fees and intake information.

 

·         Agricultural value addition short course in Kenya

Away from the above, there are openings in the agricultural value chain if you don’t mind working with farmers.

All you have to do is learn value addition skills like making packaging materials for agricultural produce, processing, and marketing.

You then go for the numerous openings in Kenya’s multibillion-dollar agricultural industry.

Short training programs exist in dairy, aquaculture, apiculture, meat and horticultural sectors.

 

Where to study

Here you’re spoilt for choice and you can attend government institutions like the Kenya technical training college or private colleges in Kenya such as Shang Tao Media Arts College (Animation/Video).

4.   Online jobs courses

Over 100000 Kenyans are already earning over $1000 monthly working for foreign companies and individuals online.

Some of the online jobs Kenyans flourish in include digital marketing, article writing, academic writing, online accounting, and transcription.

Some of the best short courses one can do in Kenya to succeed as an online worker are article writing training, virtual assistance training, academic writing training, and digital marketing.

These courses are mostly delivered virtually by experienced online workers. You can also self-train for free on YouTube or buy a relevant course on Udemy.

Overall, you could be missing out big-time if you haven’t yet joined the online workforce.

 

ALSO READ: Online Jobs In Kenya For Students

 

5.   Other short courses in Kenya

The following are considered evergreen since they hardly lack opportunities..

 

·         Sales and marketing short course

No company –big or small- can survive without sales making sales professionals highly marketable.

Even at the certificate level, sales and marketing jobs can be very promising.

A certificate in sales and marketing can also be an amazing inclusion in your CV when hunting for other jobs.

If aren’t yet convinced, just scan local newspapers and note the number of certificate jobs in Kenya requiring a sales qualification…

Conveniently, you can take sales and marketing in nearly any middle level college in Kenya.

 

·         Short Counseling course

According to WHO (World Health Organization), over 2 million Kenyans are stressed meaning that the market for counselors and wellness consultants is massive.

A certificate in counseling psychology will enable you to work as a counselor or psychologist.

You can take it online or from specialized institutions like the Kenya institute of professional counseling.

 

What are short courses?

A short course is simply a course that takes minimal duration to study and is a magnificent way to acquire fresh skills or separate yourself from the competition as a job seeker.

The best short courses are very practical and training is tailored to help you understand the content within a short time.

The curriculum also contains countless examples demonstrating how to apply learnt skills in practical situations.

Like I hinted earlier, some of the best short courses in Kenya take as little as 2 weeks.

 

Cost of certificate courses in Kenya

The cost of certificate courses in Kenya varies extremely and will depend on the specific course and the institution.

For example, a short baking and pastry course can cost you shs.10000. On the other hand, CISA can even cost you shs.100000 in some institutions.

Short courses in accounting packages, digital marketing, and academic writing can be incredibly low-priced and will set you back as little as shs.3000 on average.

And so forth.

 

Conclusion

You can also include under-estimated but well-paying courses such as Mobile phone technician and professional photography to the above list of the best short courses in Kenya.

Then, if business is your thing, you can take a short course such as yoghurt or ice cream making then use the skills to open a business.

On the whole, choose carefully especially since some of the courses need certain backgrounds.

For instance, coding is among the highly demanding courses in Kenya even for fresh school leavers and may not fit you if you lack an ICT background.

Also, take courses that match with your previous trainings..

For example, computerized accounting complements a CPA and other business courses.

Likewise, SPSS is best for those in statistics.

Above all, your interest and passion matter a lot so ensure you go for something that thrills you.

Good luck.

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