Kenya offers a diverse range of business courses, catering to individuals seeking foundational knowledge, professional certifications, or advanced degrees in business.
These courses are designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in management, entrepreneurship, marketing, and other key areas of business.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a professional looking to advance your career, business courses provide the tools to thrive in Kenya’s dynamic economy.
What is a Business Course?
The demand for business education in Kenya stems from the growing entrepreneurial spirit and the country’s position as an economic hub in East Africa.
Key traits of business courses offered in the country include:
Various Offerings
Business courses offer flexibility, with programs ranging from short certificates to advanced degrees.
Multiple Sectors
These courses cater to a variety of fields such as accounting, marketing, and supply chain management.
Easy Access
They are accessible through various institutions, including universities, technical colleges, and online platforms.
Diverse Careers
Courses for business prepare learners for diverse career opportunities, from corporate roles to running successful startups.
Key Business Courses in Kenya
Below, we explore the most popular business courses in Kenya, their structure, and career prospects.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
The Bachelor of Business Administration is a foundational degree that prepares students for managerial and entrepreneurial roles.
It covers essential areas such as finance, marketing, and human resource management.
Key Units
- Business Law
- Principles of Management
- Financial Accounting
- Marketing Strategies
- Human Resource Management
Duration
- 4 years (full-time).
Institutions Offering BBA
- University of Nairobi
- Strathmore University
- Kenyatta University
- Mount Kenya University
Career Opportunities
- Business Manager
- Operations Manager
- Human Resource Officer
- Entrepreneur
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
A Bachelor of Commerce degree focuses on specialized areas of business such as accounting, finance, and procurement.
It’s ideal for individuals interested in corporate or consulting roles.
Specializations
- Accounting
- Banking and Finance
- Marketing
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management
Duration
- 4 years (full-time).
Institutions Offering BCom
- Moi University
- Egerton University
- JKUAT (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology)
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Career Opportunities
- Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Procurement Officer
Diploma in Business Management
This course provides practical skills for managing small to medium-sized businesses.
It’s a popular choice for those who may not qualify for a degree or want a quicker entry into the job market.
Key Units
- Organizational Behavior
- Financial Planning
- Entrepreneurship Development
- Customer Relationship Management
Duration
- 1–2 years.
Institutions Offering Diploma in Business Management
- Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)
- Technical University of Kenya
- Zetech University
- TVET Institutions
Career Opportunities
- Business Consultant
- Small Business Manager
- Sales Executive
- Administrative Assistant
Certificate in Business Administration
An entry-level program designed for individuals seeking foundational knowledge in business operations.
It’s an excellent starting point for those with minimal academic qualifications.
Key Units
- Basics of Business Communication
- Introduction to Business Law
- Principles of Marketing
- Basic Accounting
Duration
- 6 months–1 year.
Institutions Offering Certificate in Business Administration
- East African Institute of Certified Studies
- NIBS Technical College
- TVET Institutions
Career Opportunities
- Clerical Assistant
- Customer Service Assistant
- Sales Representative
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An advanced degree for professionals aiming to enhance their strategic management and leadership skills.
An MBA is ideal for individuals with work experience seeking executive roles.
Specializations
- Strategic Management
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
Duration
- 1.5–2 years.
Institutions Offering MBA
- Strathmore Business School
- University of Nairobi
- KCA University
- Daystar University
Career Opportunities
- CEO
- Project Manager
- Management Consultant
- Strategic Planner
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
CPA certification is a professional course for individuals pursuing careers in accounting, auditing, and finance.
It is divided into six levels and is a requirement for practicing accountants in Kenya.
Key Units
- Taxation
- Financial Accounting
- Auditing and Assurance
- Financial Management
Duration
- 6 months–3 years (depending on study pace).
Institutions Offering CPA
- KASNEB-accredited centers
- Vision Institute of Professionals
- Strathmore University
Career Opportunities
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Tax Consultant
- Finance Manager
Diploma in Supply Chain Management
This course focuses on logistics, procurement, and inventory control, making it essential for roles in operations and supply chain management.
Key Units
- Procurement Principles
- Inventory Management
- Transport and Logistics
- Warehousing
Duration
- 1–2 years.
Institutions Offering Diploma in Supply Chain Management:
- Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM)
- KCA University
- TVET Institutions
Career Opportunities
- Logistics Manager
- Procurement Officer
- Warehouse Supervisor
Digital Marketing Courses
With the rise of online businesses, digital marketing courses teach strategies like SEO, social media marketing, and Google Ads.
These short courses are perfect for entrepreneurs and marketing professionals.
Key Units
- Social Media Advertising
- Content Marketing
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Google Analytics
Duration
- 1 week–6 months.
Institutions Offering Digital Marketing Courses
- Google Digital Skills for Africa (Free Online Training)
- Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI)
- Udemy and Coursera (Online Platforms)
Career Opportunities
- Social Media Manager
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Content Creator
- Online Business Consultant
Take Away
Kenya’s diverse business courses provide flexible options for individuals at various stages of their careers.
Whether you’re starting with a certificate, pursuing a professional CPA qualification, or aiming for an advanced MBA, there’s a course tailored to your goals.
These programs equip learners with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and credentials needed to thrive in Kenya’s competitive job market or entrepreneurial ecosystem.
By choosing the right course and institution, you can unlock endless career opportunities and achieve your professional aspirations.