Education and Training
Top 10 Marketable Courses in Kenya (2025 Update)
Article by: Peter Omollo Updated: 20-Jun-2025 Not all degrees are created equal. Our 2025 guide highlights the Top 10 Most Marketable Courses in Kenya, featuring: Highest employability, Global work opportunities, Great salary prospects.
From Medicine to IT, Engineering to Nursing, find the course that will take you from Nairobi to the world.
In today’s fast-evolving global economy, choosing the right course is more than a matter of passion — it’s a critical career decision. With rising competition in the job market, both locally and abroad, students need to select programs that not only offer solid employment prospects but also open doors internationally. This 2025 update on the Top 10 Marketable Courses in Kenya will help students and parents identify high-return academic paths with local and global appeal.
Why Course Choice Matters in 2025
According to a 2024 report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), youth unemployment remains a key concern, particularly for graduates of saturated programs. In contrast, sectors aligned with global trends — like technology, healthcare, and engineering — show strong demand both within Kenya and in international markets.
Additionally, programs that offer international certification or are tied to globally recognized professions give graduates the flexibility to work across borders.
What Makes a Course Marketable in Kenya?
A "marketable course" is one that provides:
High employability after graduation
Competitive salaries
Opportunities for further specialization
Demand in both local and global job markets
The courses listed below are based on market demand, employability, international mobility, and industry relevance in 2025.
1. Medicine & Surgery
Medicine remains a top choice for Kenyan students with strong academic records. The global shortage of healthcare workers, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and aging populations in developed countries, means Kenyan-trained doctors are in high demand abroad.
Why it’s marketable:
High employment rate
Possibility of international placements in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia
High salary potential
Top Institutions:
University of Nairobi (UoN)
Kenyatta University
Moi University
Entry Requirements:
To pursue Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in Kenya, a student must meet the following:
A mean grade of C+ in KCSE with at least a B in Biology, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Physics, plus English or Kiswahili.
For A-Level students: Principal passes in Biology and Chemistry, and a subsidiary pass in either Physics or Mathematics.
Diploma or degree holders in health sciences may also qualify with credit passes and relevant bridging.
JAB Cut-Off Points 2024:
The minimum weighted cluster point required for Medicine under the Joint Admissions Board (JAB) was approximately 40 points.
Competitive universities such as UoN and Moi University had cluster cut-offs as high as 44–46 points.
Internship Pathways in Kenya:
After completing the MBChB program (usually 6 years), graduates must undergo a mandatory one-year internship under the supervision of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). This internship includes rotations in:
Internal Medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Community Health
Internship placements are offered in accredited public and private hospitals across Kenya. Completion is a prerequisite for licensing as a medical officer and registration with KMPDC.
Global Relevance: Kenyan doctors often pursue licensing exams (e.g., PLAB for UK, USMLE for USA) to work abroad.** Kenyan doctors often pursue licensing exams (e.g., PLAB for UK, USMLE for USA) to work abroad.
2. Nursing & Clinical Medicine
Nursing is not only a noble profession but also a gateway to global employment, particularly in countries like the UK, USA, and Germany.
Why it’s marketable:
Global nursing shortages
Easy access to international certification (NCLEX, IELTS)
Strong local demand in Kenya’s public and private health sectors
Top Institutions:
Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)
Aga Khan University
Mount Kenya University
Agencies and Firms Assisting Nurses to Work Abroad:
Adevia Health: Offers recruitment and relocation support for nurses seeking jobs in the USA and UK.
O'Grady Peyton International: Connects qualified nurses to healthcare employers in the U.S.
Avant Healthcare Professionals: Specializes in international nurse recruitment for U.S.-based placements.
Uniplus Healthcare: UK-based firm recruiting nurses globally, including from Kenya.
Edi Group International: A Kenyan-based recruiter helping health professionals secure placements in the UK and Canada.
Tip: Diploma holders can bridge to BSc Nursing and apply for international roles after experience.** Diploma holders can bridge to BSc Nursing and apply for international roles after experience.
3. Information Technology & Computer Science
Digital transformation continues to create new roles in cloud computing, cybersecurity, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Kenya’s Silicon Savannah is also fueling local tech opportunities.
Why it’s marketable:
Remote work opportunities with global firms
Freelance/entrepreneurship potential
Fast-growing local tech sector
Top Institutions and Top-Ranked Programs:
Strathmore University – BSc in Computer Science (Top-rated for software development and cybersecurity)
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) – BSc in Information Technology, Computer Technology, and Software Engineering (Renowned for tech innovation)
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) – BSc in IT and Business IT (Strong focus on applied technology and industry collaborations)
Kenyatta University – BSc in Information Technology and Computer Science (Diverse course options including Applied Computer Science)
Zetech University – Offers fast-track IT degrees with practical orientation (Some completed in 3 years)
Typical Program Duration:
Most BSc IT and Computer Science programs take 4 years.
Select programs like those at Gretsa University or Zetech University may take 3 years under trimester systems.
Minimum KCSE Entry Requirements:
Mean Grade: C+ (minimum for university admission)
Subject Requirements: At least a C+ in Mathematics, C+ in English, and passes in sciences (Physics or Chemistry depending on the program)
In-demand skills: Python, JavaScript, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), cybersecurity, AI** Python, JavaScript, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), cybersecurity, AI
4. Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pharmacy blends science, healthcare, and business. The growth in pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare demand makes this a stable and lucrative course.
Why it’s marketable:
Work options in hospitals, community pharmacies, and industry
Potential for international careers in pharmaceutical companies
Pathway to specialization in pharmacology or research
Top Institutions:
University of Nairobi
Kenyatta University
USIU-Africa
5. Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics)
Engineers are critical in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing — all sectors targeted in Kenya’s Vision 2030. Globally, engineering remains a high-demand profession.
Why it’s marketable:
Local infrastructure boom
International job potential (especially Gulf countries, Canada, Germany)
High-paying career paths
Top Institutions:
University of Nairobi
Technical University of Kenya (TUK)
Egerton University
Top Internship Providers:
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)
Kenya Power
Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA)
Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)
Bamburi Cement / LafargeHolcim
Davis & Shirtliff
Geothermal Development Company (GDC)
Tip: Register with EBK and pursue international accreditation (e.g., FE, PE exams).** Register with EBK and pursue international accreditation (e.g., FE, PE exams).
6. Accounting & Finance
With the rise of startups and regional expansion of multinational corporations, finance professionals are in constant demand.
Why it’s marketable:
Works in nearly all sectors
Global certification (ACCA, CPA, CFA) boosts employability
Remote work options in auditing & consulting
Top Institutions:
Strathmore University
University of Nairobi
KCA University
Top Internship Providers:
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Deloitte Kenya
Ernst & Young (EY)
KPMG East Africa
Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
Safaricom Finance Department
Career Options: Financial analyst, tax consultant, auditor, CFO** Financial analyst, tax consultant, auditor, CFO
7. Education (STEM & Special Needs Focus)
Teaching is evolving, with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and special needs education being highly valued locally and internationally.
Why it’s marketable:
Global teacher shortage (UNESCO estimates a need for 69 million new teachers by 2030)
Opportunities to work abroad (especially in UK, Middle East, Canada)
High local demand for CBC-trained teachers
Top Institutions:
Kenyatta University
Mount Kenya University
University of Eldoret
Tip: Specialize in Math, Physics, ICT, or Special Needs for international mobility.
8. Law (with International or Commercial Focus)
Law remains prestigious and powerful, especially for students who specialize in high-demand areas like commercial, environmental, or international law.
Why it’s marketable:
Expanding need for legal professionals in business, human rights, and tech
International arbitration and NGO roles available
Local demand in judiciary and corporate sectors
Top Institutions:
University of Nairobi
Strathmore Law School
Riara University
Global Mobility: With further study (LLM), lawyers can work in global law firms, international courts, or NGOs.
9. Hospitality & Tourism Management
Despite the pandemic setback, the tourism sector is rebounding. Kenya’s unique appeal as a safari destination keeps this industry vibrant.
Why it’s marketable:
Opportunities in airlines, hotels, cruise ships, and resorts
Global placements in the UAE, Europe, and Asia
Entrepreneurial potential in events, travel consultancy
Top Institutions:
Utalii College
Kenya Institute of Management
Kenyatta University (School of Hospitality)
10. Agribusiness & Agricultural Economics
Agriculture remains Kenya’s economic backbone. Modern agribusiness blends tech, economics, and sustainability, making it attractive to global organizations.
Why it’s marketable:
Government support for food security
International agencies (FAO, IFAD) hire graduates
Room for innovation in agri-tech
Top Institutions:
Egerton University
University of Nairobi
JKUAT
Bonus Tip: Combine Your Degree with a Certification
Whatever course you choose, pairing it with a professional certification increases your chances of working internationally. For example:
Medicine + PLAB/USMLE
Nursing + NCLEX
Accounting + ACCA/CFA
IT + AWS/Cisco/Microsoft certs
Conclusion
The job market in 2025 demands more than just a degree. Choosing a course that is marketable in Kenya and recognizable internationally is your ticket to a successful, mobile career. Whether you're aiming to work in Nairobi or New York, these programs offer the foundation you need.