JKUAT offers over 20 diploma programmes across business, technology, health, and communication. Most require a KCSE mean grade of C plain and cost between KES 119,844 and KES 239,532 for an 18-month programme. Intakes run in January, May, and September.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- JKUAT offers 21 diploma programmes across business, technology, health, and social sciences.
- The minimum entry grade for most diplomas is KCSE C (C plain).
- Fees range from KES 119,844 to KES 239,532 depending on the programme.
- Most diplomas run for 18 months, with intakes in January, May, and September.
- Diploma graduates can upgrade to a degree programme through JKUAT's bridging courses.
About JKUAT
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is a public university in Kenya. Its main campus sits in Juja on the Thika Super Highway, about 36 km from Nairobi CBD.
JKUAT is among Kenya's top public universities for science, technology, and business.
JKUAT offers 21 diploma programmes across business, technology, health, and social sciences. The table below lists every course with its fee and minimum entry grade.
Diploma Programme | Fees (KES) | Minimum KCSE Grade |
Diploma in Business Administration | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Human Resource Management | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Purchasing and Supplies Management | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Supply Chain Management | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Sales and Marketing | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Microfinance | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in County Governance | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Entrepreneurship | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Retail Management | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Transport and Logistics | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Business Information Technology | 217,267 | C (plain) |
Diploma in Mass Communication | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Public Relations | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Community Development | 217,267 | C– |
Diploma in Hotel and Catering Management | 217,267 | C (plain) |
Diploma in Information Technology | 119,844 | C– |
Diploma in Geographic Information Science | Contact admissions | C– |
Diploma in Architecture | Contact admissions | C (plain) |
Diploma in Clinical Medicine | 239,532 | Contact admissions |
Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management & Counselling | 196,639 | C (plain) |
Fee figures sourced from Kenya Times (April 2025). Confirm current rates with JKUAT admissions before enrolling, as fees are reviewed each academic year.
Extra costs include the application fee, accommodation, meals, and study materials, see the fee structure section below.
JKUAT diploma courses requirements and qualifications
The standard entry requirement for most JKUAT diploma programmes is a KCSE mean grade of C– (minus). You also need at least D+ in both Mathematics and English.
Some programmes set higher bars:
- Business Information Technology — C plain overall; C– in Mathematics and English
- Architecture — C plain; C– in English or Kiswahili, Mathematics, Physics, and Geography or Drawing and Design
- Hotel and Catering Management — C plain; C– in English or Kiswahili
- Mass Communication / Public Relations / Community Development — C–; C– in English or Kiswahili
- HIV/AIDS Management & Counselling — C plain; C– in English or Kiswahili and Biology
Holders of a KCE Division II, or a relevant certificate with a credit pass, may also qualify. The University Senate can recognise equivalent qualifications on a case-by-case basis.
Cluster points for JKUAT diploma courses
JKUAT does not publish fixed cluster-point cutoffs for diploma programmes the way KUCCPS does for degree courses. Diploma places are allocated by the university directly, based on your KCSE grade and programme-specific subject requirements.
Government-sponsored students should confirm current placement rules on the KUCCPS student portal.
Are any diploma courses at JKUAT free?
JKUAT does not offer completely free diploma programmes. All students, government-sponsored or self-sponsored, pay fees.
However, you can reduce the cost through:
- HELB loans — The Higher Education Loans Board funds eligible diploma students with low-interest loans
- County bursaries — Many county governments award bursaries to students from their counties; apply through your ward administrator
- Government sponsorship (KUCCPS) — Government-sponsored students pay subsidised rates lower than the self-sponsored figures in the table above
Contact the JKUAT Finance Office for a breakdown of the subsidised rate for your programme.
JKUAT diploma fee structure
The fees in the course table above cover tuition for the full 18-month programme. Budget for these additional costs:
- Non-refundable application fee: KES 1,500
- On-campus accommodation: approximately KES 15,000–30,000 per semester
- Meals: approximately KES 15,000–25,000 per semester
- Registration and activity fees: approximately KES 5,000–15,000 per year
- Medical cover: approximately KES 1,500–3,000 per year
Accommodation costs apply only if you choose to live on campus. Commuter students pay tuition and the registration fee only.
How to apply for a JKUAT diploma course
Applications are accepted for three intakes each year: January, May, and September.
- Visit the JKUAT admissions portal at www.jkuat.ac.ke, or collect a paper form from any JKUAT campus
- Complete the form, selecting your preferred diploma programme and preferred campus
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of KES 1,500 — in cash or by depositing into Absa Bank Kenya, Account No. 0775001216
- Collect the original payment receipt from the JKUAT Finance Office
- Submit the completed form with certified copies of your KCSE certificate and national ID
- Await confirmation from admissions — processing takes up to eight weeks
For queries, contact the Director, Board of Postgraduate Studies:
- Tel: 067-52711, Ext. 6114
- Mobile: 0708 602 225
- Email: director@bps.jkuat.ac.ke
JKUAT campuses offering diploma programmes
Diploma courses are available at multiple campuses across Kenya. Not every diploma runs at every campus — confirm your programme–campus combination with the admissions office.
- Main campus — Juja, Thika Super Highway (36 km from Nairobi CBD)
- Nairobi CBD Campus
- Karen Campus
- Kisii Campus
- Kitale Campus
- Mombasa Campus
- Kakamega Campus
- Westlands Campus
- Kisumu Campus
- Eldoret Campus
- KQ-Pride Centre, Nairobi
Most marketable JKUAT diploma courses in 2026
The most in-demand JKUAT diploma programmes align with high-growth sectors in Kenya's job market:
- Diploma in Information Technology — strong tech-sector demand; lowest fees at KES 119,844
- Diploma in Business Administration — widely accepted across private and public sector employers
- Diploma in Purchasing and Supplies Management — Kenya's growing procurement industry creates steady openings
- Diploma in Clinical Medicine — government and private health facilities are consistent employers
- Diploma in Mass Communication — media, public relations, and digital content roles continue to expand
After completing a diploma, graduates can upgrade to a related JKUAT degree programme through bridging courses or direct entry, subject to meeting degree admission requirements.
FAQ
- What diploma courses are available at JKUAT in 2026? JKUAT offers 21 diploma programmes in 2026, including Business Administration, Information Technology, Clinical Medicine, Architecture, Mass Communication, Human Resource Management, and Supply Chain Management. Check the Kenyan university's for the full current list and intake dates.
- Which 2-year diploma course is best in Kenya? The best diploma depends on your career goals. In Kenya, Clinical Medicine, Information Technology, and Electrical Engineering diplomas have strong job placement rates. JKUAT's Diploma in Information Technology is widely sought after, reflecting the continued growth of Kenya's technology sector.
- What are the top 20 marketable diploma courses in Kenya? Marketable diplomas in Kenya include Clinical Medicine, Information Technology, Nursing, Business Administration, Electrical Engineering, Procurement, Human Resource Management, Accounting, Mass Communication, and Architecture, among others.
- What is the minimum grade to join JKUAT? For diploma programmes, the minimum KCSE mean grade is C– (C minus). Some programmes require C plain or specific subject grades. Degree programmes at JKUAT generally require a minimum of C+ (plus).
- How long do JKUAT diploma courses take? Most JKUAT diploma programmes take 18 months to complete, full-time. Part-time study may extend the duration. Certificate programmes are shorter, at approximately four months.
JKUAT offers a wide range of programs in different fields. The diploma courses offered at JKUAT university provide practical skills and knowledge. They prepare graduates for careers in business, technology, health, engineering, and more. Exploring these programs can help you choose the right path.
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Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Tuko.co.ke, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile at Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
Sharon Boit (Lifestyle writer) Sharon J. Boit is a writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience in digital publishing. She writes across lifestyle, entertainment, sports, education, and finance, with work featured on MSN News, Ihamba Adventures, Industry Biz, and Tuko.co.ke. She previously worked as a project manager and researcher at the Center for Urban Research and Innovations, University of Nairobi. She holds a BA in Urban and Regional Planning and is pursuing an MA in Environmental Law. You can reach Sharon J. Boit by email at boit@gmail.com.
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