Top 20 Most Marketable Courses To Study In Kenya 2025

For many Kenyan students, including myself, when I was doing my KCSE exams, pursuing a top-notch marketable course was a dream. This is likely the same for you, which is why you’re reading this guide. Let’s face it: The job market in Kenya is constantly evolving, and the demand for skilled professionals is now higher than ever. To stand out in the Kenyan job market, you must select courses that align with both current and future industry needs so that when you complete your studies, you can land your dream job immediately.

According to the 2025 Kenya Job Search Report published by My Job Mag (a leading Kenya job website), the Kenyan job market demonstrated a positive trajectory with a 7% growth in 2024, indicating continued expansion of opportunities into 2025. From IT and business to healthcare, the opportunities are extensive. However, as mentioned earlier, success begins with studying marketable courses. So this brings us to the question: What are the most marketable courses in Kenya?

Top 20 Most Marketable Courses in Kenya

Based on our analysis of the current job market trends and growth in various sectors in the country, the current marketable courses in Kenya revolve around Information technology and related fields, healthcare and medicine, and engineering and agriculture. The courses that we will mention in this guide fall into these categories as follows:

Software Engineering/Development

Kenya is always referred to as the Silicon Savannah of Africa, and the drivers steering this transformation are none other than software engineers. Skills in this field are in constant demand, as businesses and even the Kenyan government rely on digital platforms such as the e-Citizen portal to provide services to citizens.

Once you join the university, you’ll learn and master various programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, and C++, which are essential in this field. When you get a job, your work will mostly revolve around designing, creating, testing, and maintaining software applications that power modern enterprises.

What makes Software engineering stand out in Kenya is the lucrative salaries you can get. As of 2025, entry-level developers earn between Ksh 50,000 and Ksh 200,000 monthly.

Where to Study: United States International University (U.S.I.U.), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Multimedia University of Kenya, Zetech University, Murang’a University, Railway Training Institute, and Kenya Institute of Software Engineering and Professional Studies

Cybersecurity

As Kenya undergoes rapid technological evolution, the demand for cybersecurity professionals who protect businesses’ and governments’ sensitive data and infrastructure is increasing due to the rising threat of cyberattacks.

Now is the best time to consider a cybersecurity course because industry experts predict that Kenya will need at least 10,000 cybersecurity professionals by the end of 2025 to meet growing demand. However, you should know that the field only accommodates those with the right skills C, from cryptography to ethical hacking to risk management.

One of the most attractive aspects of being a cybersecurity professional is the lucrative salary, which can reach up to Ksh 400,000 per month for experienced professionals.

Where to Study: University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Open University of Kenya, Zetech University, Kenyatta University, Multimedia University of Kenya, Nairobi Technical Training Institute, Pwani University TVET College, JKUAT Nairobi CBD Campus, and Catholic University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Data Science and Analytics

The job market in Kenya is evolving with the emergence of newer fields, such as Data Science, which are crucial for organizational success.

Therefore, this only means one thing: as technology advances, the need for information analysis will continue to grow, meaning organizations will always need professionals who can analyze and interpret data to help businesses scale—this is where Data Scientists come in.

To excel in this field, you need skills in data mining, data warehousing, data visualization, machine learning, and proficiency in tools like SQL, Python, and R.

Where to Study: Open University of Kenya, Zetech University, University of Nairobi, KCA University, Strathmore University, and Sonek Data School.

Cloud Computing

The number of businesses in Kenya is growing as more companies continue to invest in the country. As they do so, they prioritize solutions that help them improve their scalability and global reach in their operations, and the best way to do so is through cloud computing.

Cloud computing is a new concept in the world of technology, but in Kenya, it is still one of the emerging fields with a lot of opportunities. In fact, according to a report by Business Wire, the Kenya Data Center Market is projected to reach a value of 440 million by 2029 from a value of $227 million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 11.66% from 2023-2029, making it a suitable career option for you to jump in right now.

However, having the right skills in Cloud computing will make you different from the pack and even increase your chances of landing a high-paying Job. Therefore, focus on areas such as cloud architecture, cloud migration, cloud security, and the management of platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Where to Study: African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

As we know, the world is undergoing a major technological revolution, especially with the artificial intelligence bubble that has existed since late 2022. Even though the Kenyan government has been late to talk about how it plans to use these technologies, there has been a lot of interest lately, with the government set to unveil the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) draft policy

Another compelling reason to consider this field is that a report done by the ICT Authority, Google, and other stakeholders shows that AI could contribute USD 2.4 billion to Kenya’s economy, indicating how promising this field is.

Therefore, to get started with AI or machine learning, you can sign up for software engineering or computer science classes. If you have the knowledge already, you can pursue additional courses or certificates that focus on AI concepts, machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and deep learning and their applications in areas like robotics and natural language processing.

Where to Study: University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Technical University of Kenya, Kabarak University, Africa International University, and Digital Regenesys.

UX/UI Design

Although you dont need to walk into any university or college, you can be a UX/UI designer by learning it by yourself through various certifications from Google or even YouTube and landing a high-paying role based on what I have been able to see from the industry experts and even my colleagues.

As we know, we live in the age of the Internet, where having an online presence is necessary, especially for businesses looking to succeed. Thus, the ability of UX/UI designers to create intuitive, user-friendly digital interfaces is more crucial for companies and customers in 2025 than ever.

If you have decided to take a deep dive into this field, I suggest that you either take a marketable four-year course in ICT and then proceed to add UX/UI design as one of the skills to give you an edge over other applicants when looking for Jobs.

Where to Study: NIE Technical College, Spectrum Film School, Moringa School, and Kenya School of Security Management

Business Information Technology (BIT)

If you’re looking for a marketable business course in Kenya, business information alone is insufficient for success in today’s competitive work environment. However, when you combine it with information technology by pursuing Business Information Technology, you open endless opportunities that make you a valuable asset across various industries.

The BIT course offers numerous career paths, including:

• IT Consultant
• IT Manager
• Business Analyst
• Systems Administrator
• Database Administrator

Where to Study: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenyatta University, Technical University of Mombasa, Muranga University of Technology, University of Eastern Africa Baraton, University of Embu, Kenya Methodist University, St Paul’s University, Scott Christian University, East African University, Meru University of Science and Technology, Kirinyaga University, KCA University, and Riara University.

Medicine and Surgery

The healthcare sector in Kenya is a vital component of the national ecosystem, essential for the well-being of citizens. Doctors and medical officers will always be in high demand, especially as Kenya’s population exceeds 50 million, increasing the need for qualified medical professionals.

To become a doctor in Kenya, you’ll need to complete a 5-6 year degree in medicine and surgery. Success in this field requires patience, dedication, and extensive study. Kenya has several prestigious medical schools, with the University of Nairobi being the most renowned for medicine and surgery. Upon completing your studies, you can secure a job with the government, join private hospitals, or even establish your own practice.

Where to Study:  University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Egerton University, Kenya Methodist University, Maseno University, Mount Kenya University, Uzima University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kisii University, The Aga Khan University, Pwani University, North Coast Medical Training College, Outspan Medical College, Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences.

Nursing and Health Sciences

The health medical field is not just meant for doctors alone; it takes many professionals to ensure everything works smoothly. For this reason, Nurses are very important in the medical field as they step in to offer the needed patient care, promote health, and prevent diseases.

Likewise, with the increasing population and more hospitals being set up, the demand for Nurses in Kenya will always be on the rise, and thus, if you are looking to pursue a career in Nursing in 2025, you shouldn’t look back.

What makes this field even more exciting is that it offers several specialization areas, including critical care, pediatric nursing, oncology nursing, and mental health nursing. All of these areas guarantee immediate employment and better salaries when enrolled.

Where to Study: University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Maseno University, Kisumu Great Lakes University, Mount Kenya University, Aga Khan University, Kenya Methodist University, Amref International University, St. Paul’s University, Umma University, Uzima University, Chuka University, Baraton University, and the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)

Pharmaceutical Sciences

In the hospital ecosystems, whether private or public, one key area that often can’t be ignored is the role that Pharmacists have to play. When you talk to a doctor or are assisted by nurses, pharmacists are also there to manage medications and support healthcare systems. Therefore, to be a certified pharmacist in Kenya, you must pursue a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, which now gives you knowledge in studying drug composition, development, usage, and regulation.

Where to Study: University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Maseno University, Kisii University, United States International University-Africa, Kenya Methodist University, Mount Kenya University, and Kabarak University.

Public Health

When it comes to implementing health policies not just in hospitals but also in communities, the role of Public health professionals speaks louder than the name itself. These professionals will be more prominent from 2025 onwards because they are essential for managing disease outbreaks and ensuring access to healthcare for all.

For those who might ask why they pursue it, the answer is simple: now, many people are going to school and have basic knowledge, but there is still increasing emphasis on preventative healthcare and the need to address public health challenges. Therefore, it is also a competitive field, and you need to have pursued a bachelor’s degree in public health to get a well-paying Job

Where to Study: Meru University Of Science And Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenyatta University, Kabarak University, Amref International University, and Mount Kenya University.

Business Administration

Business courses are one of the hotcake courses in Kenya, especially since the Kenyan economy needs businesses to thrive and grow. So, if you are looking for a marketable business course in Kenya, then Business Administration is an excellent area of study you should ignore as it will give you a broad understanding of various aspects of business management, including finance, marketing, operations, and organizational behavior which are highly sought after by employers in the job market.

Where to Study: Mount Kenya University, University of Nairobi, Strathmore Business School, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Egerton University, Africa International University, United States International University – Chandaria School of Business, Pan Africa Christian University, and Adventist University of Africa.

Finance and Accounting

Accountancy has been a top-notch course in Kenya since the 1990s and early 2000s, but surprisingly, its future is even brighter today. Professionals in this field are essential for managing organizations’ financial resources and ensuring financial accountability.

The best part is you can start with a diploma, Bachelor’s degree, and several certifications, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA ), which guarantee immediate employment and landing high-paying job roles that attract larger payslips.

To be the best in finance and accounting in Kenya, you need to be an expert in financial analysis, reporting, investment strategies, and risk management, which are highly valued.

Where to Study: University of Nairobi, Strathmore University, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University, Mount Kenya University, Zetech University and Egerton University

Digital Marketing

The world is becoming a global village, and so is Kenya; the better businesses adapt to emerging solutions, the better they scale. In the current modern world, inappropriate marketing is what makes businesses unique in the competitive business environment; thus, the role of digital marketing professionals will always be in demand.

If you are looking to thrive in this sector, you will need to have the right and needed skills, which are from search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content creation, and digital strategy, which top employers highly seek after

Where to Study: Visualdo Institute, Zetech University,  Africa Digital Media Institute, Starnet College, Amity Global Institute, and Kenya Online College.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

In any working environment, especially the business side, employers are also looking for individuals who have entrepreneurship skills and are innovative.

Although not a course per se, entrepreneurship, and innovation are skills that several universities in Kenya and even online offer, and you can use these skills as an added advantage when looking for work.

The best part of having these skills is that you do not need to rely solely on employment. You can even start your own business as a self-employed person.

Where to Study: Strathmore University, KCA University, and The Co-operative University of Kenya.

Project Management

From finance, education, and technology, the role of project managers is growing daily as it comes from its name. These individuals are essential to successfully planning, executing, and delivering projects. Did you know that Project Management roles account for 18% of all job openings in Kenya? Well, if you didn’t know that, now you are in the know, thus highlighting the need for high demand for project managers in all sectors.

Where to Study: Kenya Institute of Project Management (KIPM), Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), KCA University, Kenyatta University, St. Paul’s University, Zetech University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), and Kenya Methodist University.

Civil Engineering

For those who are into engineering or if you’re just an ordinary citizen, you can tell that Kenya is currently undertaking infrastructure development projects such as the Konza City construction, Roads, Railways, affordable housing and programs, and so on.

Additionally, a report on the future trends of the building and construction market (2025-2027) by Buil Expo Kenya suggests the market is poised for significant growth, highlighting the essential need for professionals in this particular field currently and in the future.

Lastly, it’s not just about the endless career opportunities; civil engineering is one of the best-paying fields in engineering, with professionals earning anywhere from Ksh 816,900 to Ksh 2,605,500. 

Where to Study: Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Moi University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Technical University of Mombasa, Kisumu National Polytechnic, The Kabete National Polytechnic, Railway Training Institute (RTI), The Eldoret National Polytechnic and Kenya Institute of Professional Studies (KIPS)

Mechanical Engineering

Like civil engineering, mechanical engineering is a closely related field that is also in demand for industrial expansion and development in the country.

To be employed as a mechanical engineer in Kenya, you need either a diploma or bachelor’s degree, as they give you the knowledge to sign, develop, and maintain critical infrastructure. In addition, one thing that makes this unique is that employers don’t necessarily look at your education qualifications. Skills also matter, especially those with skills in areas like CAD, automation, and sustainable practices can easily land a job.

Lastly, the salary of mechanical engineers is also lucrative, but it varies mainly based on education and experience; those without academic papers can earn Ksh 36,000, while those who are highly educated can earn up to Ksh 357,000 per month and even more.

Where to Study: Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Technical University of Mombasa, Technical University of Kenya, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Machakos University, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, Maseno University, and Mount Kenya University.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Electricity is the crucial component that powers virtually all sectors of Kenya’s economy, from telecommunications to power generation and computing systems. Consequently, electrical and electronics engineers play an essential role in developing and maintaining these vital systems.

To become a professional in this field in Kenya requires academic certification, either at diploma or bachelor’s level, as there are no shortcuts in this discipline. With Kenya’s Vision 2030 focusing on industrialization and self-sufficiency, the government is providing substantial support for the development of electrical infrastructure, creating numerous opportunities for qualified engineers.

Graduates in this field can pursue careers with power generation companies, telecommunications providers, manufacturing firms, and various government agencies. The field also supports entrepreneurial ventures in areas such as renewable energy, automation, and electronics repair and maintenance.

Where to Study: Technical University of Kenya, Murang’a University of Technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Machakos University, Kenyatta University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Chuka University, Kirinyaga University, and Mount Kenya University.

Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness Management/Agronomy and Crop Science

Agricultural courses are among the most underrated in Kenya, as many prefer office jobs. But what if we told you that’s not the case? Agrarian courses are the highest-paid jobs in the country. And if that’s not all, Agriculture is what powers Kenya’s economy, accounting for 33% of the GDP and employing over 40% of the population.

Now, about the terms I have used in the subtitle to help you clear the confusion, first, there is agricultural Economics, an area of study primarily concerned with agriculture’s economic aspects, including resource allocation and policy formulation. Secondly, agribusiness Management focuses more on the business side of agriculture, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the sector. Finally, agronomy and Crop Science concentrate on the scientific aspects of crop production, improving yields, and addressing environmental challenges.

No matter the field you choose, they assure you immediate employment, especially with the various NGOs searching for professionals in roles such as agricultural economists, farm managers, logistics managers, and agronomists.

Where to Study: University of Nairobi, Egerton University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Maseno University, University of Eldoret, Laikipia University, Rongo University, University of Kabianga, and Maasai Mara University.

Questions And Answers

And there you have it. We hope this guide has given you a stepping stone on which courses to concentrate on from 2025 onwards. Choosing a course to study is one thing, and choosing a marketable course is another, so you should not know the difference between the two. For those who don’t understand, always go for marketable courses as they will always be in demand, and thus, they offer a strong foundation for a successful career.