Project management skills are core in the modern running of businesses. With the complexity of the projects and yearning for efficiency in businesses, project management courses have become a career enhancing factor. In Kenya, there is a greater demand for qualified project managers, and several institutions are offering comprehensive courses to that effect. This article explores what project management courses entail, and it will give a detailed overview of the available options in Kenya.
Understanding Project Management
Project management is the process that involves planning, organizing, and controlling work to attain particular objectives within a specified timeframe. It consists of a number of disciplines, like risk management, budgeting, scheduling, and others associated with stakeholder management. Effective project managers ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and within the required quality standards.
Why Take Project Management Courses?
Project management courses are taken to enable learners to acquire skills in managing projects. These courses involve many aspects, such as the following:
Project Planning and Scheduling
Levels of creating a project plan, timeline, and milestones.
Risk Management
Systematic processes of identifying, analyzing, and mitigating project risks.
Budgeting and Cost Control
Planning and controlling the project budget to ensure cost efficiency.
Quality Management
This is the process by which projects are executed to meet quality standards and achieve customer satisfaction.
Leadership and Team Management
This module involves management of project teams and stakeholder relationships within an organization.
Types of Project Management Courses in Kenya
There are different types of project management courses here in Kenya offered to trainees with different levels of experience and different goals in their careers. Some of these popular classes include:
1. Short Courses and Workshops
Usually, these are tailored for beginners or professionals looking to improve certain skills. They provide basic knowledge on project management principles and use of essential tools and techniques.
Institutions Offering Short Courses:
- Strathmore University
- Kenya Institute of Management, KIM
- Nairobi Institute of Business Studies, NIBS
2. Diploma in Project Management
A diploma course is more comprehensive than a short course; thus, it covers a wide scope of study and offers practical skills. It’s meant to provide students with a strong foundation in project management.
Institutions Offering Diplomas:
- Kenya Institute of Project Management, KIPM
- Mount Kenya University, MKU
- Kenya Methodist University, KEMU
3. Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management
This undergraduate program provides comprehensive training in project management, covering advanced issues and offering practical experience through attachments and projects.
Institutions Offering Bachelor’s Degrees:
- University of Nairobi
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, JKUAT
- Kenyatta University
4. Master’s Degree in Project Management
A Master’s degree is ideal for working professionals who desire further knowledge and leadership roles in project management. It covers strategic management, advanced risk management, and project portfolio management.
Institutions Offering Master’s Degrees:
- Strathmore Business School
- United States International University Africa (USIU-A)
- KCA University
5. Professional Certifications
Certifications such as PMP, CAPM, and PRINCE2 are recognized worldwide and have a greater scope in terms of career building.
Institutes Offering Professional Certifications:
- Project Management Institute, PMI Kenya Chapter
- Strathmore University
- Nairobi Institute of Technology, NIT
Benefits of Studying a Project Management Course in Kenya
- Career Growth: Project management skills are in high demand, and certified professionals are easily absorbed into jobs.
- Practical Skills: Courses offer practical skills relevant to any industry.
- Networking: The class and professional colleagues serve as a hub of potential contacts for the future.
- Global Certification: International certifications enjoy worldwide appreciation, thus opening up the global arena to a candidate willing to pursue global opportunities.
Understanding Course Costs for Project Management in Kenya
The price for project management courses in Kenya differs from one another based on the kind of course, the duration, and the institution offering it. Here is an in-depth breakdown of the standard costs that you are likely to pay:
1. Short Courses and Workshops
Short courses and workshops are the cheapest, especially to people who want foundational knowledge or some specialized skills within a very short period. They are usually done within a couple of days or weeks.
Cost Range:
- KSH 5,000 to KSH 50,000
Institutions and Examples:
- Strathmore University: Project Management Essentials Workshop – approximately KSH 30,000
- Kenya Institute of Management (KIM): Basic Project Management Course – approximately KSH 20,000
- Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS): Short Course on Project Management – approximately KSH 15,000
2. Diploma in Project Management
These diploma courses are more extensive in scope; each typically runs from six months to two years and encompasses a wide range of subjects in the project management discipline.
Cost Range:
- KSH 60,000 to KSH 200,000 per year
Institutions and Examples:
- Kenya Institute of Project Management: Diploma in Project Management – approximately KSH 120,000 per year
- Mount Kenya University: Diploma in Project Management – approximately KSH 80,000 per year
- Kenya Methodist University: Diploma in Project Management – approximately KSH 90,000 per year
3. Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management
A Bachelor’s degree offers intense study with work experience through a four-year well-structured program.
Cost Range:
- KSH 100,000 – KSH 300,000 per year
Institutions and Examples:
- University of Nairobi: Bachelor of Project Planning and Management – approximately KSH 250,000 per year
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology: Bachelor of Science in Project Management – approximately KSH 200,000 per year
- Kenyatta University: Bachelor of Project Management – approximately KSH 180,000 per year
4. Master’s Degree in Project Management
Master’s programs are specially developed for professionals to gain advanced knowledge and strategic skills. The duration is generally one to two years.
Cost Range:
- KSH 200,000 to KSH 600,000 per year
Institutions and Examples:
- Strathmore Business School: Master of Science in Project Management: approximately KSH 500,000 per year
- United States International University Africa: Master of Science in Project Management: approximately KSH 400,000 per year
5. Professional Certifications
Professional certifications like PMP, CAPM, and PRINCE2 are globally recognized and very career-enhancing. Most of these programs require preparatory courses and examination fees.
Cost Range:
- KSH 50,000 to KSH 150,000
Institutions and Examples:
- Project Management Institute — PMI Kenya Chapter — PMP Certification Course: approximately KSH 100,000
- Strathmore University — PRINCE2 Certification Course: approximately KSH 80,000
- Nairobi Institute of Technology, NIT: CAPM Certification Course – about KSH 70,000
Other Additional Costs to Consider
- Books and Study Materials: KSH 10,000 to KSH 50,000
- Examination Fees: Professional certifications typically range between KSH 30,000 and KSH 70,000 for the examinations only.
- Online Resources and Tools: This could involve the licensing of online project management tools or other study aids.
Conclusion
Project management courses here in Kenya are most likely to propel and elevate someone in their career success. If you are a fresher attempting to start a career in project management or a professional seeking up-skilling, then there is always a course that meets your needs. With the investment in project management course, you can empower yourself with the knowledge and skills for the management of projects effectively as well as for future career growth and professional development.
Note that more information on specific courses and institutions can be obtained on their websites or in admission offices. Start your project management career now, and there will be a whole new world of possibilities open.