ECDE Programme: Requirements, Fees, and KNEC Exam Information
The Early Childhood Development Education programme tackles every part of a child’s development. ECDE teachers shape toddlers and favorably influence their physical, intellectual, and emotional development. They create a comfortable environment for toddlers. Here’s everything you need to know about ECDE intake in 2024.
ECDE intake: Everything you need to know
If you want to pursue Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), there are numerous colleges and universities to select from. The course is offered at three different levels: certificate, diploma, and degree.
ECDE stands for Early Childhood Development Education. Early Childhood Development Education is critical to the education sector since a child’s early years create the groundwork for their future development. This is why it is part of the curriculum.
The admission requirements for an ECDE programme differ based on the level of study. This indicates that the prerequisites for a diploma in this course will be more stringent than those for the certificate level.
Qualifications for obtaining an ECDE certificate in Kenya
The minimal entry criteria is a KCSE mean grade of D+ (plus). Some schools allow students with a mean grade D or D- (minus) as long as they complete a KNEC competency certificate before enrolling in the course.
Qualifications for an ECDE diploma.
To enroll in this programme, a student must meet the minimum prerequisites specified below. The applicant must have received a mean grade of C+ (plus) in KCSE or equivalent.
Alternatively, a candidate must have a certificate in ECDE, P2 with proficiency, or C- with proficiency certificate.
NB: Each year, the ECDE intake varies by institution. This implies you should find out when the next admission is at your preferred institution.
How much will you pay for an ECDE course?
The fees for an ECDE course will vary depending on the institution or college. It will also differ based on whether you are pursuing a diploma, certificate, or degree. Generally, you will pay the following fees:
Fee schedule for certificate in ECDE: Less than Ksh. 12,000 per term/semester
Diploma: Approximately Ksh.14,500 to Ksh.20,000 every term or semester.
Degree: Ksh.17,000 to Ksh.25,000 each term/semester; over Ksh.50,000 per semester for self-sponsored students.
Universities and colleges providing ECDE in Kenya
In 2024, various colleges will offer certificates in ECDE. In general, public ECDE colleges in Kenya cost less than private ones.
If you wish to obtain an ECDE credential, be prepared to devote two years to completing the entire course.
After successfully completing the course, you might pursue a diploma in the same field. The following is a list of learning institutions that provide ECDE at the certificate level.
- African Institute for Research and Development Studies, Mombasa City Campus
- AIC Eldoret Training College in Eldoret.
- Amicus Teacher Training College in Nairobi
- Annex Computer and Business College in Ongata Rongai.
- Baringo Teachers’ Training College, Seretunin
- Blescohouse Teachers’ Training College, Nakuru
- Bondo Institute of Professional Studies and Technology in Bondo.
- Bondo Teachers’ Training College, Bondo
- Bridge College’s Ongata Rongai Campus
- Brighter College, Ongata Rongai.
- Bumbe Technical Training Institute in Busia
- Bunk’s Early Childhood Education College in Nairobi
- Busia Teachers Training College—Busia
- Butula Teachers Training College—Butula
- Carol Teachers Training College, Rongai
- Christ the Teacher Institute for Education in Nairobi.
- Coast College of Professional Studies in Mombasa
- Community Concern Training Institute in Nairobi
- Consolata College, Nairobi
- Deans Teacher Training College – Nairobi.
- EA Institute of Certified Studies
- Eastern Kenya Integrated College, Mitaboni.
- Eldoret Aviation Training Institute – Eldoret
- Eldoret National Polytechnic – Eldoret
- Splendid College of Computer Training in Eldoret
- Elgon View College in Eldoret
- Embu College, Embu.
- Eregi Teachers Training College, Maragoli
- Imara ECDE College, Nairobi
- International College of Professionals, Nairobi
- International Montessori School, Nairobi
- International Teacher Training College, Nairobi
- International Teaching and Training Center, Kitengela
- Islamic Teachers’ Training College, Mombasa
- Jerusa Teachers Training College (JTTC) – Kakamega
- Jordan College of Technology
- Joyka College, Kariobangi
- Kagumo Teachers’ Training College
- Kaimosi Teacher Training College
- Kamwenja Teacher Training College
- Kanaan International College, Kisumu
- Karen Christian College, Nairobi
- Keiway Mining and Technology College Main Campus in Kilifi
- Kentrac College, Nairobi
- Kenya Education Management Institute in Nairobi
- Kenya Institute of Business and Technology in Eldoret.
- Kenyan Institute of Management and Technology, Kisii
- Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development
- Kenya Science Teachers College in Nairobi
- Kericho School of Professional Studies in Kericho.
- Kibabii Diploma Teachers’ Training College in Bungoma.
- Kimana School of Leadership and Professional Studies, Kenya.
- Kipsigis Teacher Training College
- Kisauni Youth Polytechnic in Mombasa.
- Kitale Cedar ECDE Teachers Training College
- Kithimani Integrated Teachers’ College
- Kitui Institute for Professionals
- Kivuli College, Wangige
- Lanet Teachers’ Training College, Nakuru
- Maasai Teachers College in Karen
- Machakos Institute of Technology
- Machakos Teacher Training College
- Malindi Educational and Development Association
- Maragua Teachers Training College in Muranga
- Memon College, Mombasa
- Migori Teacher Training College
- MIT Teacher Training College
- Mukiria Technical Training Institute, Meru.
- Mutitu Adventist Teachers’ College, Mbooni
- Mwingi West Teachers Training College in Mwingi.
- Nabongo Teachers Training College in Bungoma.
- Nairobi Institute of Business Studies, Ongata Rongai Campus, Nairobi
- Nairobi Institute of ICT (Ongata Rongai)
Institutions providing ECDE in Kenya
- Nakuru College of Health Sciences and Management.
- Nkuru College of Health Sciences
- Nakuru Teacher Training College
- Narok West Institute for Professional Studies
- Nehema Institute of Science and Technology in Eldoret
- Nyanchwa Adventist College, Kisii
- Nyanchwa Teachers’ Training College, Kisii
- Nyeri Catholic ECDE Teachers Training College.
- Orthodox Teachers’ Training College of Africa, Nairobi
- Othaya Teachers’ College
- Premese Africa Development Institute in Nairobi
- Presbyterian Teachers College Rubate, Chuka.
- Regions Group International College, Eldoret
- Riccatti Business College in Nairobi
- Rift Valley Institute of Science & Technology
- Royal College of Science and Technology, Ruiru.
- Sacred Training Institute of Bungoma
- Shanzu Teacher Training College
- Shujaa Training Institute for Development Studies, Kisii
- St. Andrew East Africa School of Management in Wundanyi.
- St. Ann’s College in Kisii
- St. John’s Teacher Training College in Thika
- St. Jude’s Technical College, Mumias
- St. Lawrence Egoji Teachers College in Egoji
- St. Martin de Porres Teachers College, Kiserian
- St. Paul’s Nyabururu Teachers Training College in Kisii.
- Sunrise Teachers’ College, Athi River
- Superhighway Training Center, Thika
- TEC Teachers Training Institute, Nairobi
- Tendo Valley Teachers’ College, Maua
- Cambridge Institute of Management, Kayole
- Golden Gate College, Mosoriot.
- Thika Institute of Technology
- Tropical College of Management in Eldoret
- Tusome Center, Nairobi
- Unity College of Professional Studies in Nairobi
- Valley Business School, Nairobi
- Valley College, Litein
- ZeTech University
- Kirinyaga University College in Kerugoya
- Mount Kenya University
- University of Nairobi
It is worth mentioning that the majority of the institutions listed above also provide diploma and advanced diploma programmes in ECDE.
Degree in Early Childhood Development Education.
A Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development provides students with a deeper grasp of child development and learning. You can study the course at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the institutes listed below.
- Laikipia University College
- Kibabii University
- Kisii University
- Presbyterian Teachers College Rubate, Chuka.
- Africa Nazarene University’s Kisii Centre
- Presbyterian University of East Africa, Kikuyu
- MMUST (Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology)
- Karatina University College, School of Education and Social Sciences
- Rongo University
- Kenya Methodist University, Meru
- Laikipia University College
- Maasai Mara University
- Day Star University
- Mount Kenya University, Thika
- Lukenya University, Athi River.
- University of Nairobi
- African Nazarene University
- Moi University, Eldoret
- Kenyatta University
- Pwani University
- Egerton University, Nakuru
ECDE KNEC Exams
The Kenya National Examinations Council evaluates students enrolled in a college or technical institution. Each student must register before the specified dates.
Once you’ve completed the registration process, obtain the most recent exam timetable. This will help you plan your exam schedule.
Those taking the course at a university may not be required to take KNEC exams. Instead, individuals may take internal tests offered by the universities where they are enrolled.
ALSO READ: KNEC Certification Letter for Lost Certificates: How to Get it
What qualifications are required to apply for an ECDE certificate?
All applicants for ECDE certificates must have a KCSE mean grade of D+ (plus).
Is there an ECDE certificate intake for 2024?
Yes, various schools and universities have admissions in 2024. You should check with your desired university to determine when to apply.
Is there a degree in ECDE at MKU?
Yes, Mount Kenya University’s Department of Early Childhood Studies (ECS) provides a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies).
Is the ECDE course marketable?
ECDE is a very marketable course in Kenya. However, not everyone gets a job, so have an open mind.
What is the minimum grade required to join ECDE?
The minimum grade required to enroll in an ECDE course is KCSE mean grade D+ (plus).
What are the requirements for a diploma in ECDE?
To pursue a Diploma in ECDE, you must have received a mean grade of C+ (plus) in KCSE or equivalent. Alternatively, you must have a certificate in ECDE, P2 with proficiency, or C- with proficiency certificate.
How long does the ECDE course take?
Most educational institutions require at least two years to complete an Early Childhood Development certificate course. It is also worth noting that the time varies according to the ECDE course being taken. A diploma in ECDE takes three years, although a degree study can take four years.
Many colleges and universities will have an ECDE intake in 2024. If this is your desired course, you should plan ahead of time by researching when your preferred university will accept new students.
