The Complete Guide to Project Management in Kenya 2024

• David Njoroge
• 22 Jul, 2023
• 0 Comments
• 6 Mins Read

 

 

One of the jobs that did not exist until a few decades ago is project manager. More businesses are relying on project managers in order to stay successful. Any business, no matter the size or the industry, can benefit from having a project manager. Another benefit of this profession is that its relevant especially during turbulent economic times.

Clearly, businesses and organizations in Kenya are in search of project managers. The number of business owners and heads of organizations in Kenya who see the need of project management is going up. They are driven to achieve their goals and those of their clients.

Project Management Course in Kenya

Becoming a project manager in Kenya starts with enrolling in a course and earning a certification in project management. A diploma or a degree in project management can lead to a job in the same field. On the other hand, earning a Project Management Institute (PMI) certification can open the door to a job in that field. However, it is advisable to get a degree in project management then move on to a PMI certification.

How to Earn a Project Management Degree in Kenya

It is possible to pursue a degree in project management in Kenya. The undergraduate programme has a different name depending on the university. But the objective to produce graduates with knowledge and skills in project planning, design and implementation is the same.

Here are the universities offering degree in project management in Kenya:

1. University of Nairobi
2. Moi University
3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
4. South Eastern Kenya University
5. Kisii University
6. Maasai Mara University
7. Rongo University

Admission Requirements 

Here is what is needed during application for a bachelor’s in project management in Kenya:

• KCSE mean grade of C+ with a minimum of C (plain) in both Mathematics and English or Kiswahili
• OR Advanced level certificate with 2 principal passes and a credit pass in Mathematics at ‘O’ level
• OR a degree from a recognized university
• OR a diploma in a relevant field from a recognized institution
• OR KCSE mean grade of C- and progressed from certificate to diploma at a recognized institution
• OR CPA/CPS Part II or equivalent

Course Structure and Duration

The Bachelor of Project Management programme in Kenya takes four years for full time students. But it can take longer for part-time students. Some universities can fast track the programme which means it takes at least three years to complete. These universities have a flexible schedule.

Here are the common courses in a project management degree in Kenya:

1. Introduction to Project Management
2. Quality Management
3. Risk Management
4. Cost Management
5. Leadership and Teams

Furthermore, here are some common course units:

• Project scheduling and cost management
• Project risk and change management
• Emerging topics in project management
• Design of effective teams and organizations

Project Management Course Fees in Kenya

Tuition fees for a bachelor of project management in Kenya per academic year is between KSH100,000 and KSH200,000. This fee covers the cost of registration, tuition and examinations. Additional costs are meant for students to access university resources like library and internet.

Which is the Highest Level of Education in Project Management in Kenya?

A master’s degree in project management is the next level of education after completion of a bachelor’s degree. This type of degree helps students gain research experience and more specialized knowledge beyond what an undergraduate degree offers. However, a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in project management is the highest academic degree that can be awarded. There are universities in Kenya that offer this kind of graduate degree.

Which Certification is Best for Project Management in Kenya?

A bachelor’s degree is a great way to kickstart a career in project management in Kenya. While some businesses require project managers to hold a bachelor’s degree in that field, others don’t make it a requirement. Degree students learn what it takes to plan and execute a broad range of business projects.

Actually, there are some employers who prefer to hire project managers who hold PMI certifications. This is because PMI is the primary organization offering professional certificates in project management. Many project managers pursue either a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification or a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or even both.

 

How to Become a Certified Project Manager in Kenya

PMI has a branch in Kenya called PMI Kenya chapter. Therefore, an aspiring project manager in Kenya is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by PMI Kenya. It’s the most widely recognized certification in the world.

Here is what it takes to qualify for a PMP certification in Kenya:

• For those who have completed secondary school education, need to put in 60 months of experience leading projects and 35 hours of project management training or have CAPM certification
• For those who have completed a four-year degree, need to put in 36 months of experience leading projects and 35 hours of project management training or have CAPM certification
• Prepare for the PMP exam by studying. The cost of the classes depends on the institution and the format. A student can be trained either in person or online. There are several authorized training centers alongside accredited institutions in Kenya that offer PMP certification classes.
• Clearly, with a CAPM certification, a student does not need to fulfil the 35-hour education requirement.
• The next step is paying the PMP exam fee. For a PMI member, it costs US405 Dollars (about KSH58,000) while for a non-PMI member it costs US555 Dollars (about KSH80,000).
• After paying, a student can schedule their exam. The exam can be taken online or at a testing center in Kenya accredited by Pearson Vue. In case a student fails, they can retake the exam up to three times in one year.
• A student who passes the exam becomes PMP certified. A certified project manager in Kenya must keep their certification active by completing certain stages of continuing education.

Project Management Careers in Kenya

Project manager is among the jobs resulting from studying project management in Kenya. Since their work is to oversee specific projects, they can be found in every type of organization. They use their skills to create products and services for a variety of industries. The sectors where project managers work include:

• Construction
• Engineering
• Information Technology (IT)
• Software development
• Marketing
• Non-profit

Project Manager Salary in Kenya

Project managers in Kenya earn an estimated salary that ranges from KSH100,000 to KSH300,000. Besides, the salary will be different based on level of experience from entry level to mid-level to senior level. The other factor that determines a project manager’s salary is the size of the project and the industry.

Assistant Project Manager Salary in Kenya

Assistant project managers in Kenya earn an estimated salary that ranges from KSH50,000 to KSH100,000. Since they help the project manager in running a project, their salary is less than their immediate supervisor. Project size, nature of the industry and level of experience are also considered in setting their pay.

Job Outlook for Project Managers in Kenya

Project managers in Kenya are in great demand. As businesses in the country increase the number of projects they are initiating, the higher the need for professionals who can execute them successfully. Organizations in Kenya are constantly looking for ways to improve their project management practices.