Last updated on September 18th, 2023 at 03:02 pm
Are you interested in studying crime, criminal behavior, and the law? Do you want to pursue a career in law enforcement, security, or investigations? If yes, then you might want to consider enrolling for a certificate in criminology course in Kenya.
Criminology is the scientific study of crime, its causes, consequences, and prevention. It also examines the social and legal aspects of crime, such as the criminal justice system, the rehabilitation of offenders, and the protection of victims.
A certificate in criminology course in Kenya is a short-term program that introduces you to the basic concepts and theories of criminology. It also equips you with practical skills and knowledge on how to deal with various types of crimes and criminal activities.
In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the certificate in criminology course in Kenya, such as:
- Is a certificate in criminology marketable in Kenya?
- What are the qualifications and requirements to earn a certificate in criminology in Kenya?
- What is the fee structure for this course?
- How long does it take to study for a certificate in criminology in Kenya?
- Which universities and colleges offer certificates in criminology in Kenya?
- What careers does a certificate in criminology offer and what jobs are available for each career?
- How much can a certificate in criminology earn you in Kenya?
- Where should you work if you have a certificate in criminology in Kenya?
By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear idea of whether a certificate in criminology course in Kenya is suitable for you and how to go about it.
Let’s get started!
Is a Certificate in Criminology Marketable in Kenya?
Crime is a global problem that affects every society and every individual. As such, there is always a high demand for professionals who can understand, prevent, and combat crime effectively.
Yes, a certificate in criminology can open up many opportunities for you in both the public and private sectors. You can work as a security officer, an enforcement officer, an investigations officer, a surveillance officer, a complaints officer, or an inspections officer.
You can also further your studies and pursue a diploma or a degree in criminology or related fields, such as forensic science, security management, legal studies, or sociology.
This will enhance your skills and knowledge and increase your chances of getting better jobs and higher salaries.
Even though criminology is considered and ranked as the least marketable courses in Kenya, a certificate in criminology can still be marketable in Kenya as long as you have the passion, the dedication, and the willingness to learn and grow.
What are the Qualifications and Requirements to Earn a Certificate in Criminology in Kenya?
To enroll for a certificate in criminology course in Kenya, you need to meet the following minimum requirements:
- KCSE mean grade C-
- IGCSE ‘O’ Level – 2 subsidiary passes or equivalent
Some institutions may have additional requirements or criteria for admission, such as interviews or aptitude tests. You should always check with the specific institution before applying.
What is the Fee Structure for this Course?
The fee structure for a certificate in criminology course in Kenya varies depending on the institution, the duration, and the mode of study. However, on average, you can expect to pay between Ksh 30,000 and Ksh 60,000 per semester.
Here is a table that shows some examples of fee structures from different universities and colleges offering this course:
| Institution | Fee per Semester (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| University of Nairobi | 40,000 |
| Kenyatta University | 45,000 |
| Egerton University | 35,000 |
| Moi University | 50,000 |
| Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | 55,000 |
| Technical University of Mombasa | 30,000 |
| Maseno University | 60,000 |
| Mount Kenya University | 40,000 |
| Kenyatta Institute of Professional Studies | 25,000 |
| Nairobi Institute of Business Studies | 30,000 |
Note that these are approximate figures and they may change from time to time. You should always confirm with the institution before enrolling.
Also Checkout: Diploma in Criminology Course In Kenya
How Long Does it Take to Study for a Certificate in Criminology in Kenya?
The duration of a certificate in criminology course in Kenya depends on the institution, the curriculum, and the mode of study. However, on average, it takes between six months and one year to complete this course.
Some institutions offer full-time or part-time modes of study. Full-time mode means that you attend classes regularly during weekdays. Part-time mode means that you attend classes during weekends or evenings.
Some institutions also offer distance learning or online modes of study. Distance learning means that you study from home using printed or electronic materials.
Online mode means that you study from home using a computer and an internet connection.
You should choose the mode of study that suits your schedule, your budget, and your learning preferences.
Which Universities and Colleges Offer Certificates in Criminology in Kenya?
There are many universities and colleges that offer certificates in criminology in Kenya. Some of them are public institutions, while others are private institutions. Some of them are accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), while others are not.
You should always do your research and verify the credibility and reputation of the institution before enrolling.
You should also check the curriculum and the facilities of the institution to ensure that they meet your expectations and needs.
Here is a comprehensive list of universities and colleges offering certificates in criminology in Kenya, along with their additional requirements, if any:
| Institution | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| University of Nairobi | None |
| Kenyatta University | None |
| Egerton University | None |
| Moi University | None |
| Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | None |
| Technical University of Mombasa | None |
| Maseno University | None |
| Mount Kenya University | None |
| Kenyatta Institute of Professional Studies | Interview |
| Nairobi Institute of Business Studies | Aptitude Test |
| Kenya Institute of Professional Studies | Interview |
| Kenya Institute of Security and Criminal Justice | Interview |
| Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development | Interview |
| Kenya School of Law Enforcement Studies | Interview |
| Kenya Forensic College | Interview |
Note that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be other institutions that offer this course. You should always consult with the institution before applying.
What Careers Does a Certificate in Criminology Offer and What Jobs are Available for Each Career?
A certificate in criminology offers you a variety of careers in different sectors and industries. You can work as a security officer, an enforcement officer, an investigations officer, a surveillance officer, a complaints officer, or an inspections officer.
Here is a brief description of each career and the jobs available for each career:
1. Security Officer
A security officer is responsible for protecting people, property, and assets from harm or theft. They may work in educational institutions, hospitals, hotels, banks, malls, or other places that require security services. They may also work as bodyguards or escorts for VIPs or celebrities. Some of the jobs available for security officers are:
- Security Guard
- Security Supervisor
- Security Manager
- Security Consultant
2. Enforcement Officer
An enforcement officer is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations in various sectors and industries. They may work in organizations like the KRA, the county governments, the NEMA, or the NTSA. They may also work as customs officers, immigration officers, or traffic officers. Some of the jobs available for enforcement officers are:
- Revenue Officer
- Compliance Officer
- Licensing Officer
- Inspection Officer
3. Investigations Officer
An investigations officer is responsible for conducting investigations and gathering intelligence on various types of crimes and criminal activities. They may work in departments like the police service, the EACC, the DCI, or the NIS. They may also work as private investigators, forensic experts, or crime analysts. Some of the jobs available for investigations officers are:
- Detective
- Intelligence Officer
- Forensic Officer
- Crime Analyst
4. Surveillance Officer
A surveillance officer is responsible for monitoring and controlling various types of surveillance systems and devices. They may work in organizations like the IPOA, the NPS, or the KDF. They may also work as CCTV operators, drone operators, or biometric analysts. Some of the jobs available for surveillance officers are:
- CCTV Operator
- Drone Operator
- Biometric Analyst
- Surveillance Manager
5. Complaints Officer
A complaints officer is responsible for handling complaints from various stakeholders and clients. They may work in organizations like the IPOA, the KNCHR, or the Ombudsman. They may also work as customer service representatives, mediators, or arbitrators. Some of the jobs available for complaints officers are:
- Customer Service Representative
- Mediator
- Arbitrator
- Complaints Manager
6. Inspections Officer
An inspections officer is responsible for conducting thematic, impromptu, or routine inspections of various premises and facilities. They may work in organizations like the NEMA, the KEBS, or the KWS. They may also work as quality assurance officers, environmental officers, or wildlife officers. Some of the jobs available for inspections officers are:
- Quality Assurance Officer
- Environmental Officer
- Wildlife Officer
- Inspections Manager
| Position | Salary Range (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Security Officer | 20,000 – 50,000 |
| Enforcement Officer | 30,000 – 80,000 |
| Investigations Officer | 40,000 – 100,000 |
| Surveillance Officer | 30,000 – 70,000 |
| Complaints Officer | 25,000 – 60,000 |
| Inspections Officer | 35,000 – 90,000 |
Note that these are approximate figures and they may vary depending on the employer, the experience, the location, and the performance of the employee. You should always negotiate for the best salary possible.
Where Should You Work if You Have a Certificate in Criminology Course in Kenya?
If you have a certificate in criminology in Kenya, you have a wide range of options on where to work. You can work in both the public and private sectors, as well as in local and international organizations.
Some of the potential employers for certificate holders in criminology in Kenya are:
- The Government of Kenya
- The County Governments
- The National Police Service
- The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations
- The National Intelligence Service
- The Independent Policing Oversight Authority
- The Kenya Revenue Authority
- The National Environment Management Authority
- The National Transport and Safety Authority
- The Kenya Bureau of Standards
- The Kenya Wildlife Service
- The Kenya Forensic College
- The Kenya School of Law Enforcement Studies
- The Kenya Institute of Security and Criminal Justice
- The Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development
- The Kenya Institute of Professional Studies
- The Nairobi Institute of Business Studies
- The Kenyatta Institute of Professional Studies
- Private Security Companies
- Private Investigation Agencies
- Private Forensic Laboratories
- Private Law Firms
- Private Mediation and Arbitration Firms
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- International Organizations (IOs)
- United Nations Agencies (UNAs)
You should always look for an employer that offers you a conducive working environment, a competitive salary, a clear career path, and opportunities for professional development.
Conclusion
If you are interested in enrolling for a certificate in criminology course in Kenya, you should start by doing your research and finding out more about the institutions that offer this course. You should also compare the fee structures, the curricula, and the facilities of different institutions. You should then apply for admission and prepare for your studies.