Best Short Computer Courses in Nairobi for Getting a Job

You do not always need a long programme to get ready for work. A good short computer course can teach you a skill employers or clients actually need in as little as two weeks. The challenge is choosing the right one.

This guide explains useful short computer courses in Nairobi, what each one prepares you for, and how to pick the right combination for your goal.

How to choose a short computer course

Start with what you want to do after the course:

• Get an office job: choose computer packages and accounting software.
• Work for yourself: choose graphic design, web design or computer and phone repair.
• Start a technology career: choose programming, networking or databases.

A course is only useful if you practise what you learn. Pick a course that includes plenty of hands-on time on a computer.

1. Computer packages (2 weeks)

This is the best starting point for almost everyone. You learn the programs used in many offices:

• MS Windows
• MS Word
• MS Excel
• MS PowerPoint
• MS Access
• Email and internet

Each unit is offered as a two-week course, starting from KSh 1,500, and you can join the ones you need. There is also a full computer package that takes four months. These skills help with office, administration, secretarial and customer service work, and they are useful in almost any job.

2. Accounting software (2 weeks)

If you want to work in accounts, finance or a small business, learning accounting software is a strong advantage. Courses include:

• QuickBooks
• Sage
• Tally
• Pastel
• Peachtree
• Systematics

This is a good add-on if you are studying or have studied accountancy, and it can help a small business owner keep proper records.

3. Graphic design (1 month)

Graphic design is useful for printing, advertising, social media and freelance work. Courses include Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, InDesign and PageMaker. To get work, build a small portfolio of posters, logos and social media designs while you learn.

4. Web design (1 month)

Businesses of every size need websites. Courses include HTML, WordPress, Joomla, Dreamweaver, PHP and MySQL, and JavaScript. Start with HTML and WordPress if you are a beginner. Then build a simple website of your own to show what you can do.

5. Computer programming (2 months)

If you want to build software or work in technology, programming is a strong path. Courses include Python, Java, C++, C# and VB.net. Python is a popular first language because it is readable and useful for many kinds of work.

6. Computer and mobile phone repair (2 months)

Computers and phones are everywhere, and repair skills let you start your own business or work in a repair shop. You learn how to diagnose faults and fix hardware and software problems. Because it is a practical skill, it can help you begin earning for yourself.

7. Networking and Linux (1 to 2 months)

For a technology career, you can learn computer networking (N+), Linux Essentials and Linux Administration. These help you prepare for roles that support computers and systems in offices and organisations.

8. Databases and data analysis (1 to 2 weeks, up to 1 month)

More organisations rely on data to make decisions. Courses include MS Access, MySQL, MSSQL Server and Oracle, as well as SPSS, STATA and SAS for statistical analysis. These suit people in research, administration, finance and technology.

9. Computer-aided design (1 month)

For architecture, engineering and design, you can learn AutoCAD, Archicad, 3ds Max and Maya.

Which courses should I combine?

Combining two or three courses can make you more useful to an employer or a client. For example:

• Admin and office work: Computer packages and an accounting software course.
• Small business support: Excel, QuickBooks and graphic design.
• Freelance creative work: Photoshop, Illustrator and web design.
• Technology career: Programming, databases and networking.

Will a short course get me a job?

A short course gives you a skill, and what you do with it matters most. No course can promise you a job. You improve your chances by practising every day, building a small portfolio or sample work, adding your new skills to your CV and LinkedIn profile, and applying consistently.

How to join a short course at TNDC

1. Choose the course or courses you want.
2. Message us or visit us in Nairobi CBD, opposite Nairobi Sports House.
3. Ask for the fee and the next start date. Short course fees are paid in full at registration.
4. Register and start learning. Entry is open, so you do not need a specific KCSE grade.

Frequently asked questions