Mount Kenya University (MKU) accepts a D+ mean grade for more than 20 certificate programmes. These courses cover business, technology, health, and social sciences. They provide a structured pathway to diploma and degree studies. This guide lists every D+ course at MKU, with entry requirements, fees, and how to apply.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- MKU requires a minimum D+ KCSE mean grade for all certificate programmes.
- More than 20 certificate courses are open to D+ holders, from IT to community health.
- Fees range from KSh 29,550 to KSh 34,550 per trimester for most certificate courses.
- D+ students can apply for a HELB loan to cover their fees.
- Applications are submitted online at application.mku.ac.ke.
What are the D+ courses at MKU?
MKU offers more than 20 certificate programmes to students with a D+ in KCSE. Most run for five trimesters, about two academic years. Completing a certificate qualifies you to progress to a diploma or degree in the same field.
The following D+ courses at MKU are available for enrolment:
Course | Duration |
Certificate in Community Health and Development | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Information Technology | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Business Information Technology | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Community Development and Social Work | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Security Studies and Criminology | 4 trimesters |
Certificate in Conflict Resolutions and Peace Studies | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Public Relations | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Journalism and Mass Communication | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Maritime Transport Logistics | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Business Management | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Human Resource Management | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Marketing Management | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Entrepreneurship | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Supplies and Procurement Management | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Project Management | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Financial Science | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Accounting | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Banking & Finance | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Risk Management and Insurance | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Food Production | 6 trimesters |
Certificate in Food and Beverages | 5 trimesters |
Certificate in Travel and Tourism Operations | 6 trimesters |
Source: MKU academic programmes and 2024/2025 prospectus. Confirm available courses for your intake at mku.ac.ke.
The minimum entry requirement for MKU certificate courses is a D+ mean grade in KCSE. Some courses also specify subject-cluster grades. These are the general requirements:
- Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics: Requires a minimum mean grade of D (Plain) in KCSE (along with specific subject cluster grades in English/Kiswahili and Sciences/Biology).
- Other KMTC Certificate Programmes: Courses such as the Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology and Certificate in Medical Engineering accept a minimum KCSE mean grade of D+.
- A copy of your KCSE certificate or results slip.
- A National ID or birth certificate.
- One passport-size photograph.
- A non-refundable application fee of KSh 1,000.
Check the subject requirements for your chosen programme in the MKU 2024/2025 prospectus, as cluster requirements vary by course.
Correction & Clarification: KMTC Certificate Requirements
- Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics: Requires a minimum mean grade of D (Plain) in KCSE (along with specific subject cluster grades in English/Kiswahili and Sciences/Biology).
- Other KMTC Certificate Programmes: Courses such as the Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology and Certificate in Medical Engineering accept a minimum KCSE mean grade of D+.
MKU certificate course fees
MKU certificate fees are charged per trimester. Most programmes cost between KSh 29,550 and KSh 34,550 per trimester. The table below shows fees for selected courses, as published in 2024.
Course | Fee per Trimester (KSh) |
Certificate in Business Management | 29,550 |
Certificate in Information Technology | 34,550 |
Certificate in Business Information Technology | 29,550 |
Certificate in Maritime Transport Logistics | 34,550 |
Certificate in Risk Management and Insurance | 29,550 |
Certificate in Accounting | 29,550 |
Certificate in Human Resource Management | 29,550 |
Certificate in Marketing Management | 29,550 |
Certificate in Entrepreneurship | 29,550 |
Certificate in Banking & Finance | 29,550 |
Fees sourced from published 2024 data. Contact MKU at apply@mku.ac.ke or +254709153000 to confirm current fees before enrolling.
Additional costs to budget for
- Application fee: KSh 1,000 (one-off, non-refundable)
- Registration and examination fees (charged separately each trimester)
- Accommodation costs if studying on a residential campus
- Textbooks and study materials
How to apply for D+ courses at MKU
MKU certificate applications are submitted online. Follow these steps to apply to the academic institution:
- Go to the MKU application portal at admission.mku.ac.ke.
- Create an account using your email address and set a password.
- Select your preferred certificate programme and your preferred campus.
- Upload your KCSE certificate or results slip, plus a copy of your National ID or birth certificate.
- Pay the KSh 1,000 application fee through the portal's payment options.
- Submit the application and watch your email for an admission letter.
MKU runs three intakes per year: January, May, and September. Some programmes are limited to one or two intakes annually. Check the MKU website for the closing dates of the next intake.
Can I get a HELB loan for MKU certificate courses?
Yes. The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) provides loans for students enrolled in accredited certificate and diploma programmes, including those at MKU. Apply through the HELB portal after you receive your MKU admission letter.
Confirm your programme's HELB eligibility directly with HELB before relying on the loan for fee payment, as eligibility rules can change by academic year.
Can I be a teacher with a D+?
A D+ does not meet the direct-entry requirements for a Bachelor of Education degree, which typically requires at least C+ in KCSE. However, you can follow a progression route:
- Enrol in an MKU certificate in a relevant subject area.
- Progress to a diploma programme.
- Apply for a degree once you hold the diploma.
Some teacher training pathways also accept mature-age entry. Contact the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for the current registration requirements before choosing your path.
Can I do nursing with a D+ at KMTC?
Most KMTC nursing programmes require a minimum mean grade of C minus, which is higher than D+. The Certificate in Community Health Nursing, for example, requires C- in KCSE plus C- in English or Kiswahili and Biology.
However, KUCCPS does advertise certain KMTC certificates open to D+ holders in specific intakes. For the March 2026 intake, these included:
- Certificate in Health Insurance Management
- Certificate in Medical Engineering
- Certificate in Nutrition and Diabetes
These courses change by intake. Check the current KUCCPS-KMTC advert for the courses offered in your intake cycle.
What courses can I take at KUCCPS with a D+?
KUCCPS primarily places government-sponsored students into universities and technical colleges. With a D+ mean grade, direct KUCCPS placement options are limited. Your main route is to apply directly to MKU as a self-sponsored student for a certificate programme.
If you choose to apply through KUCCPS, the available D+ options are typically a small set of KMTC certificate courses that vary by intake. Visit the KUCCPS student portal to see what is available in your intake year.
FAQ
1. Which course can I do with a D+ in KCSE?
With a D+ KCSE mean grade, you qualify for certificate programmes at higher learning institutions such as MKU, technical colleges, and national polytechnics. MKU alone offers more than 20 certificate courses to D+ holders, covering business, IT, community health, journalism, and hospitality.
2. Are the D+ courses at MKU free?
No, MKU certificate courses are not free. Fees range from KSh 29,550 to KSh 34,550 per trimester. Eligible students can apply for a HELB loan to cover the cost. Contact HELB at helb.co.ke after receiving your MKU admission letter to start the loan application.
3. How long do D+ certificate courses at MKU take?
Most MKU certificate courses run for five trimesters, which is approximately two academic years. Courses in Journalism, Mass Communication, Travel and Tourism, and Food Production run for six trimesters. MKU operates three trimesters per year.
4. Can I do nursing with a D+ at KMTC?
Most KMTC nursing programmes require a minimum of C minus, higher than D+. However, KUCCPS does list some KMTC health certificates open to D+ holders in select intakes. Check the current KMTC intake advert on the KUCCPS website for available options.
5. How do I contact MKU admissions?
Contact MKU admissions by email at apply@mku.ac.ke or by phone on +254709153000. You can also apply online at admission.mku.ac.ke.. MKU has campuses in Thika, Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret, and other towns across Kenya.
A KCSE D+ is a solid starting point for your academic journey at MKU. Enrolling in a certificate programme lets you gain job-ready skills while building a foundation for a future diploma or degree. Review the subject requirements, choose your preferred intake, and apply through the MKU portal to kickstart your career today.
Tuko.co.ke recently shared a look at Technical University of Kenya courses and cluster points. Technical University of Kenya courses cover fields such as Aeronautical Engineering and Data Science.
Its 2026 intake also includes programmes in computing, business, construction, health and applied sciences. The university offers degree, diploma and certificate programmes, with entry requirements and KUCCPS cut-offs varying by course.
Source: TUKO.co.ke