It’s not a guarantee you’re going to land a high-paying job when you study in any field in Kenya. But picking the right course from the word go will definitely increase your chances of securing employment and earning a competitive salary.
Kenya’s GDP is expected to grow 6.0% in 2024. As the country’s economy continues to evolve and grow, certain sectors are experiencing rapid expansion, creating a higher demand for specific skill sets and qualifications.
These in-demand degrees often align with Kenya’s economic priorities, technological advancements, and societal needs.
Let’s talk some more!
Also Read: Best digital skills you can learn today and make a living!
Top 6 Degree Courses in Kenya
In this overview, we’ll explore some of the degrees that are currently highest in demand in Kenya. We’ll look at fields that are not only popular among employers but also crucial for the country’s progress.
From technology and engineering to healthcare and business, these degrees offer promising prospects for graduates entering the Kenyan job market.
Top 6 Marketable Courses in Kenya Infographic
Note: It’s important to note that while these degrees are in high demand, success in any field ultimately depends on individual skills, passion, and dedication.
1. Bachelor of Architecture and Quantity Surveying
Think about it. How many buildings are you seeing in construction in Kenya? How many estates are coming up? Plenty, right?
Architecture and Quantity Surveying are crucial fields in Kenya’s booming construction industry. From Nairobi’s ever-evolving skyline to the emergence of new residential estates in cities and towns across the country, the demand for skilled professionals in architecture and quantity surveying has never been higher.
Quantity Surveying, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial viability and success of construction projects.
As Kenya embarks on an ambitious infrastructure project (Boma Yangu Affordable Housing) and large-scale real estate developments, the expertise of quantity surveyors in cost estimation, contract administration, and project management becomes invaluable.
Job Prospects:
– Architectural firms
– Construction companies
– Government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development)
– Self-employment (consultancy)
Architecture and Quantity Survey Average Pay
| Career Stage | Monthly Salary Range (KES) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | 50,000 – 80,000 |
| Mid-career | 100,000 – 200,000 |
| Experienced professionals | 250,000+ |
2. Bachelor of Aviation
The aviation industry in Kenya has experienced significant growth over the past decade, making aviation degrees increasingly valuable and sought-after.
This expansion is largely driven by the development of Kenya Airways, the country’s flag carrier, which has been expanding its fleet and route network to become a major player in African and international air travel.
Additionally, Kenya’s strategic location as an East African hub has attracted numerous international airlines, further fueling the demand for aviation professionals.
The Bachelor of Aviation program in Kenya typically covers a wide range of subjects essential for various roles within the aviation industry. Students can expect to study aerodynamics, aircraft systems, aviation law, airline operations, airport management, and safety regulations.
Specializations include:
– Pilot training
– Aircraft maintenance engineering
– Aviation management
Job Prospects:
– Airlines (e.g., Kenya Airways, Jambojet)
– Kenya Airports Authority
– Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
– Private charter companies
Average Pay in Aviation:
| Position | Monthly Salary Range (KES) |
|---|---|
| Pilots | 300,000 – 800,000+ (depending on experience and airline) |
| Aviation Engineers | 100,000 – 300,000 |
| Aviation Managers | 150,000 – 400,000 |
3. Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
The Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in Kenya is a cornerstone degree in the country’s evolving healthcare landscape. As the government pushes for universal healthcare coverage, the demand for skilled medical professionals continues to rise sharply.
This degree program equips students with comprehensive medical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them to address Kenya’s diverse health challenges, from infectious diseases to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable conditions.
Job Prospects:
– Public hospitals
– Private hospitals and clinics
– International health organizations (e.g., WHO, MSF)
– Research institutions
Average Pay in the medical field:
| Position | Monthly Salary Range (KES) |
|---|---|
| Interns | 50,000 – 70,000 |
| Medical Officers | 150,000 – 250,000 |
| Specialists | 300,000 – 800,000+ (varies widely based on specialization and sector) |
4. Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
With Kenya positioning itself as the “Silicon Savannah,” software engineers are in high demand across various sectors.
This degree program equips students with comprehensive knowledge in programming languages, software development methodologies, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.
Graduates are at the forefront of Kenya’s tech revolution, developing innovative solutions for local challenges and contributing to the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
Job Prospects:
– Tech startups
– Multinational tech companies (e.g., Microsoft, Google)
– Banks and financial institutions
– Government agencies (e.g., ICT Authority)
Average Pay for a Career in Software Engineering
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary Range (KES) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| Mid-level | 150,000 – 300,000 |
| Senior engineers | 400,000+ |
5. Degree in Law
A Degree in Law remains one of the most prestigious and versatile qualifications in Kenya’s professional landscape. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Kenya’s legal system, constitutional law, international law, and various specialized areas such as corporate law, human rights law, and environmental law.
Career opportunities for law graduates in Kenya are diverse and abundant. In the public sector, graduates can pursue roles in the judiciary, becoming magistrates or judges, or work in government agencies as legal advisors.
The private sector offers equally attractive prospects, with opportunities in corporate law firms, where graduates can specialize in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, or tax law.
Job Prospects:
– Law firms
– Corporate legal departments
– Government agencies (e.g., Attorney General’s office)
– Judiciary
– NGOs
Average Pay for Lawyers and Advocates:
| Career Stage | Monthly Salary Range (KES) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level advocates | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| Mid-career lawyers | 150,000 – 300,000 |
| Senior lawyers/partners | 500,000+ |
6. Bachelor of Pharmacy
As Kenya strives to achieve universal health coverage and combat counterfeit medications, pharmacists play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and effective medication use, promoting public health, and contributing to medical research and development.
Career prospects for pharmacy graduates in Kenya are diverse and promising. In the public sector, opportunities abound in government hospitals, health centers, and regulatory bodies like the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, where pharmacists contribute to policy-making and quality control.
The private sector offers rewarding roles in community pharmacies, where graduates can provide direct patient care and medication counseling. Multi-national pharmaceutical companies present exciting opportunities in drug development, quality assurance, and marketing.
Job Prospects:
– Hospitals and clinics
– Retail pharmacies
– Pharmaceutical companies
– Regulatory bodies (e.g., Pharmacy and Poisons Board)
Average Pay of Pharmacist:
| Experience Level | Salary Range (per month) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | KES 50,000 – 80,000 |
| Experienced pharmacists | KES 100,000 – 250,000 |
| Senior positions in industry | KES 300,000+ |
Keep Learning!
As Kenya’s economy continues to grow and diversify, new opportunities are likely to emerge in these and other fields. Prospective students should consider their personal interests and aptitudes alongside market demand when choosing a course of study.
It’s important to note that while these courses are considered highly marketable, success in any field depends on individual skills, passion, and continuous learning. Additionally, salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location, employer, and individual performance.
