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Software Development

Master the art of coding and build the digital solutions of tomorrow

Explore Programs

Program Overview

Choose between our Certificate and Diploma programs to start your software development career

Certificate Program

Foundation Level

Our Certificate in Software Development provides a solid foundation in programming fundamentals, web development, and software engineering principles.

Duration: 6 Months
Study Mode: Full-time & Part-time
Credits: 193
Entry Requirement: KCSE D+ or equivalent

Total Fees: KES 80,000 (Inclusive of tuition, practicals, and examination fees)

Diploma Program

Advanced Level

Our Diploma in Software Development offers comprehensive training in advanced programming, software architecture, database management, and project development.

Duration: 2 Years
Study Mode: Full-time & Part-time
Credits: 271
Entry Requirement: KCSE C- or Certificate in IT

Total Fees: KES 240,000 (Payable in installments per semester)

Curriculum

Comprehensive learning path covering essential software development skills

Certificate in Software Development (KNQF Level 5)

Total Duration: 1930 Hours | Total Credits: 193

Module ISCED Code TVET CDACC Code Unit Title Duration (Hours) Credit Factor
MODULE I
I 0611 441 03A ICT/CU/SD/CC/01/5/MA Computer Operations 90 9.0
I 0613 451 06A ICT/CU/SD/CC/02/5/MA Structured Programming 240 24.0
I 0611 451 07A ICT/CU/SD/CR/01/5/MA Software System Requirements 120 12.0
MODULE I SUBTOTAL 450 45.0
MODULE II
II 0541 451 04A ICT/CU/SD/CC/03/5/MA Discrete Mathematical Concepts 160 16.0
II 0611 451 08A ICT/CU/SD/CR/03/5/MA Application End-User Support 150 15.0
MODULE II SUBTOTAL 310 31.0
MODULE III
III 0413 441 01A ICT/CU/SD/BC/01/5/MA Entrepreneurial Skills 40 4.0
III 0612 451 09A ICT/CU/SD/CR/04/5/MA Computerized Database Systems 250 25.0
MODULE III SUBTOTAL 290 29.0
MODULE IV
IV 0688 451 05A ICT/CU/SD/CC/04/5/MA Project Management Principles 110 11.0
IV 0417 441 02 A ICT/CU/SD/BC/02/5/MA Work Ethics and Practices 40 4.0
IV 0417 441 02A ICT/CU/SD/CR/05/5/MA Web Application Development 250 25.0
IV - - Industry Training 480 48.0
MODULE IV SUBTOTAL 880 88.0
GRAND TOTAL
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM TOTAL 1930 193.0

Diploma in Software Development (KNQF Level 6)

Total Duration: 2710 Hours | Total Credits: 271

Module ISCED Code TVET CDACC Code Unit Title Duration (Hours) Credit Factor
MODULE I
I 0611 441 03A ICT/CU/SD/CC/01/5/MA Computer Operations 90 9.0
I 0613 451 06A ICT/CU/SD/CC/02/5/MA Structured Programming 240 24.0
I 0611 451 07A ICT/CU/SD/CR/01/5/MA Software System Requirements 120 12.0
MODULE II
II 0541 451 04A ICT/CU/SD/CC/03/5/MA Discrete Mathematical Concepts 160 16.0
II 0611 451 08A ICT/CU/SD/CR/02/5/MA Application End-User Support 150 15.0
MODULE III
III 0413 441 01A ICT/CU/SD/BC/01/5/MA Entrepreneurial Skills 40 4.0
III 0612 451 09A ICT/CU/SD/CR/04/5/MA Computerized Database Systems 250 25.0
MODULE IV
IV 0688 451 05A ICT/CU/SD/CC/04/5/MA Project Management Principles 110 11.0
IV 0417 441 02 A ICT/CU/SD/BC/02/5/MA Work Ethics and Practices 40 4.0
IV 0417 441 02A ICT/CU/SD/CR/05/5/MA Web Application Development 250 25.0
MODULE V
V 0613 551 02 A ICT/CU/SD/CR/01/6/MA Object Oriented Programming 170 17.0
V 0613 551 03 A ICT/CU/SD/CR/02/6/MA Desktop Application Development 240 24.0
MODULE VI
VI 0613 551 04 A ICT/CU/SD/CR/03/6/MA Mobile Application Development 270 27.0
VI 0031 541 01A ICT/CU/SD/BC/01/6/MA Communication Skills 40 4.0
VI - - Industry Training 480 48.0
GRAND TOTAL
DIPLOMA PROGRAM TOTAL 2710 271.0

Admission Requirements

What you need to join our Software Development programs

Certificate Program

Basic requirements for the 6-month certificate program:

  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) with a minimum mean grade of D (Plain)
  • Related Level 5 certificate
  • Equivalent qualification as determined by TVETA
  • Basic computer literacy
  • Personal statement of interest

Diploma Program

Requirements for the 2-year diploma program:

  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) with a minimum mean grade of C-
  • Software Development KNQF level 5 or related Certificate
  • Equivalent qualification as determined by TVETA
  • Mathematics proficiency
  • Technical aptitude test

International Students

Additional requirements for international applicants:

  • Equivalent academic qualifications
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Student visa and passport
  • Medical insurance coverage
  • Financial support evidence

Career Progression

Your pathway to success in the tech industry

Junior Developer
Average Salary: KES 80,000 - 120,000/month

Entry-level position focusing on coding, debugging, and learning development best practices under supervision.

Software Developer
Average Salary: KES 120,000 - 200,000/month

Mid-level role involving independent feature development, code reviews, and technical design decisions.

Senior Developer
Average Salary: KES 200,000 - 350,000/month

Leadership role mentoring junior developers, architecting systems, and making key technical decisions.

Tech Lead / Manager
Average Salary: KES 350,000 - 500,000+/month

Strategic role managing development teams, project planning, and driving technical innovation.

What Our Graduates Say

Hear from our successful software development alumni

"The Software Development program at NIA College completely transformed my career. I came with basic programming knowledge, but the comprehensive curriculum and hands-on projects prepared me for real-world development. Within two months of completing the diploma, I landed a job as a junior developer at a leading tech company."
BK
Brian Kiprop

Junior Software Developer, Tech Solutions Ltd

Diploma in Software Development, 2023

"As a career switcher, I was nervous about entering the tech industry. The certificate program gave me the perfect foundation. The instructors were incredibly supportive, and the project-based learning approach helped me build a strong portfolio. I now work as a frontend developer and couldn't be happier with my career change."
MW
Mary Wanjiku

Frontend Developer, Digital Creations

Certificate in Software Development, 2022

"The industry project in the diploma program was a game-changer for me. Working on a real client project gave me practical experience that directly prepared me for my current role. The mentorship from industry professionals and the career support after graduation were exceptional. I tripled my salary within a year of completing the program."
JO
James Ochieng

Full Stack Developer, Innovate Africa

Diploma in Software Development, 2022

"What impressed me most was how the curriculum stayed current with industry trends. We learned cutting-edge technologies like React Native, Node.js, and cloud computing that are in high demand. The career progression workshop helped me negotiate a better package, and I'm now leading a development team just two years after graduation."
SN
Susan Njeru

Tech Lead, Mobile Solutions Kenya

Diploma in Software Development, 2021

Graduate Success Metrics

94%

Employment Rate

of graduates employed within 6 months

65%

Salary Increase

average salary boost after graduation

200+

Projects Completed

real-world projects in portfolio

50+

Partner Companies

hiring our graduates regularly

Start Your Tech Career Today

Join our next intake and become part of the next generation of software developers

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