By Paul Nyongesa
Kenya’s growing healthcare sector is opening doors for more people to join the medical profession. Even if you didn’t score a B or higher in KCSE, there are still great options. A grade of C+ or below doesn’t mean the end of your career dreams.
You can pursue diploma and certificate courses that pay well and help you serve your community.
Here are healthcare courses you can join with a KCSE grade below C+:
1. Diploma in Medical Engineering
You’ll learn how to maintain and repair medical machines.
Hospitals and equipment companies will need your skills.
Salary: KSh 45,000 – KSh 120,000 per month
2. Diploma in Health Records & IT
This course trains you to manage digital hospital records and patient files.
You can work in hospitals, clinics, or insurance companies.
Salary: KSh 40,000 – KSh 100,000 per month
3. Diploma in Dental Technology
Learn how to make dentures, crowns, and other dental appliances.
You can work in clinics or dental labs—or start your own.
Salary: KSh 50,000 – KSh 130,000 per month
4. Diploma in Optical Technology
Get skills in eye testing, lens fitting, and optical product setup.
Jobs are available in optical shops, eye hospitals, and NGOs.
Salary: KSh 45,000 – KSh 110,000 per month
5. Diploma in Orthopedic & Trauma Medicine
You’ll train in fracture care, trauma treatment, and joint care.
Work in emergency units, rehab centers, and orthopedic wards.
Salary: KSh 55,000 – KSh 150,000 per month
6. Diploma in Perioperative Theatre Technology
This course teaches how to assist in surgeries, prepare patients, and sterilize tools.
You’ll find work in operating rooms and surgical centers.
Salary: KSh 50,000 – KSh 120,000 per month
7. Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics
You’ll learn to give diet advice, run wellness sessions, and help prevent diseases.
Work in hospitals, wellness centers, or open your own office.
Salary: KSh 35,000 – KSh 100,000 per month
8. Diploma in Counseling & Psychology
This course prepares you to handle mental health issues, therapy, and trauma recovery.
You can work in hospitals, schools, or mental health centers.
Salary: KSh 40,000 – KSh 100,000 per month
9. Diploma in Health Service Support
Learn hospital admin, infection control, and patient care basics.
Work in private clinics, dispensaries, or support units.
Salary: KSh 35,000 – KSh 80,000 per month
Can’t Qualify for a Diploma? Start with a Certificate
Even if your KCSE score was below diploma level, you can still enter the healthcare field. Start with short certificate courses.
Popular options include:
Community Health
Nutrition & Dietetics
Health Service Support
Salary: KSh 25,000 – KSh 60,000 per month
You can work in dispensaries, schools, or outreach programs.
Short Courses & Bridging Programs
Want to advance your skills quickly or qualify for diplomas later? Consider short courses like:
HIV Testing & Counseling
First Aid & Emergency Response
Basic Life Support (BLS)
These can boost your career and make you more employable.
If you’re passionate about helping others, the healthcare field is wide open. Kenya needs trained support workers, technologists, and counselors. Whether you start small or go straight into a diploma, your effort can lead to a stable job and real impact.
Which of these courses would you consider? What skill are you excited to learn?
Let’s build a healthier nation, one trained hand at a time.
