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Chiamaka Oscar
- November 1, 2024
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In Kenya, there’s increasing debate around certain university programs dubbed “useless courses” due to limited job prospects and questionable relevance to the modern job market. This conversation started after the Commission for University Education (CUE) released a study highlighting 25+ courses that were either unapproved or lacked real-world value.
In this guide, we’ll explore this comprehensive list of useless courses in Kenya, reasons for their classification, the universities offering these courses, and potential issues graduates face in securing jobs.
Table of Contents
- List of 25+ Useless Courses in Kenya
- Why Are There 133 Useless Courses in Kenya?
- Universities Offering Useless Courses in Kenya
- Worst Diploma Courses in Kenya
- FAQs
- Conclusion
List of 25+ Useless Courses in Kenya
Here’s the CUE’s list of unapproved or irrelevant courses spread across various disciplines, based on low employability, lack of industry demand, or insufficient accreditation.
Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Polymer Chemistry (4 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics (4 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Modeling (4 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics with Computing (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Botany (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Zoology (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Control and Instrumentation (21 universities)
Read More: USIU Kenya: Courses, Requirements, and Fees
Business and Management
- Bachelor of Commerce (6 universities)
- Bachelor of Business Information Technology (10 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management (8 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies with IT (26 universities)
Education
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) (10 universities)
- Bachelor of Education (Arts) (18 universities)
- Bachelor of Education in Special Needs Education (Secondary Education) (18 universities)
Humanities and Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts in Community Development (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology (9 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (27 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies (27 universities)
Read Also: Top 5+ Alison online Courses in Kenya with Certificates
Health and Medicine
- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (9 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health (9 universities)
Agriculture and Environment
- Bachelor of Science in Soil Science (7 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology (20 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management (30 universities)
Law
- Bachelor of Law (LL.B.)
Others
- Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy)
Also, read: Top 15+ Best ICT Courses in Kenya
Why Are There 25+ Useless Courses in Kenya?
Many of these courses lack CUE approval, meaning they don’t meet necessary educational standards or are irrelevant to Kenya’s current job market. Reasons for their classification include:
- Lack of Accreditation: Some courses were either unapproved or deemed not sufficiently rigorous.
- Limited Job Market Demand: Graduates in fields like Fine Arts or Library Science struggle due to limited job opportunities and low industry demand.
- Inadequate Resources and Qualified Teachers: Some universities offer these courses without sufficient teaching staff or infrastructure.
- Changing Job Market Needs: Fields like Environmental Science and certain social sciences may have experienced diminished demand, leading to fewer job openings for graduates.
In response, CUE is working to eliminate such programs or enforce stricter standards to prevent students from wasting time and money on non-marketable degrees.
See Also: Top 10+ Marketable Courses in Kenya
Universities Offering Useless Courses in Kenya
Here’s a list of Kenyan universities with these unapproved programs:
- Tom Mboya University College – 25 courses
- Garissa University – 10 courses
- Kisii University – 5 courses
- University of Embu – 6 courses
- Moi University – 3 courses
Other universities include Lukenya University, Kenyatta University, and Technical University of Mombasa, among others.
Worst Diploma Courses in Kenya
These diploma programs in Kenya face similar criticisms due to low job placement rates, unclear relevance, or lack of practical application:
- Diploma in Environmental Technology
- Diploma in Fisheries
- Diploma in Sports Management
- Diploma in NGO Management
- Diploma in Social Work
- Diploma in Business Administration
FAQs
Which Course Is Not Marketable in Kenya?
One example is Fine Arts, which has fewer job opportunities and low-paying roles. With limited professional pathways, graduates often struggle in this competitive market.
Which Course Is Not in Demand in Kenya?
Library and Information Science currently lacks demand due to digital transformation in information management, reducing the need for traditional library services.
How Do I Choose a Course in Kenya?
- Assess Interests: Pick a course that aligns with your goals.
- Research Job Demand: Check market trends and ensure demand for the field.
- Seek Guidance: Speak to industry professionals or mentors.
Consider resources like Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) for additional guidance.
Conclusion
While this list of “useless courses” may seem discouraging, understanding which courses face limitations can be invaluable for Kenyan students. The CUE aims to make education more beneficial, relevant, and aligned with market demands. For students, making informed choices about their future can lead to more rewarding, sustainable careers.
