KCSE C+ Graduates: Top-Paying Medical Health Sciences Courses to Pursue in Kenya

KCSE C+ Graduates: Top-Paying Medical Health Sciences Courses to Pursue in Kenya

The healthcare industry in Kenya is growing rapidly, and with it comes an increasing demand for skilled professionals who can fill crucial roles.

For KCSE graduates and anyone seeking a stable, rewarding, and well-paying career in the medical field, there are numerous accredited colleges and universities in Kenya offering diploma and certificate programs designed to meet this need.

These institutions provide accessible, practical, and job-oriented training for the country’s next generation of healthcare workers. Below are some of the top-paying medical health sciences courses in Kenya, along with salary estimates and employment opportunities:

1. Diploma in Medical Engineering

What You Learn: Maintenance and repair of hospital equipment.
Where You Can Work: Public and private hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, NGOs.
Salary Range: KSh 45,000 – KSh 120,000 per month.
Why It Pays Well: Hospitals rely on fully functioning machines—your skills are critical and in demand.

2. Diploma in Health Records & Information Technology

What You Learn: Management of patient data, digital health records, and hospital IT systems.
Where You Can Work: Government hospitals, insurance companies, research centers, private clinics.
Salary Range: KSh 40,000 – KSh 100,000 per month.
Why It Pays Well: Accurate medical records are crucial for efficient healthcare delivery.

3. Diploma in Dental Technology

What You Learn: Fabrication of dental appliances like crowns, dentures, and bridges.
Where You Can Work: Dental labs, hospitals, private dental clinics, or start your own lab.
Salary Range: KSh 50,000 – KSh 130,000 per month.
Why It Pays Well: There's growing demand for oral health services across the country.

4. Diploma in Optical Technology

What You Learn: Eye examinations support, lens fitting, and optical product preparation.
Where You Can Work: Optical shops, eye clinics, hospitals, NGOs offering vision programs.
Salary Range: KSh 45,000 – KSh 110,000 per month.
Why It Pays Well: Vision care is a growing field with increasing public awareness and need.

5. Diploma in Orthopedic & Trauma Medicine

What You Learn: Support care for bone fractures, trauma injuries, and joint disorders.
Where You Can Work: Emergency units, orthopedic clinics, rehabilitation centers.
Salary Range: KSh 55,000 – KSh 150,000 per month.
Why It Pays Well: Specialized skills in trauma care are critical and well-compensated.

6. Diploma in Perioperative Theatre Technology

What You Learn: Preparing operating rooms, assisting surgeons, sterilization procedures.
Where You Can Work: Major hospitals, surgery centers, mobile surgical teams.
Salary Range: KSh 50,000 – KSh 120,000 per month.
Why It Pays Well: Surgical support is essential, and specialists are in short supply.

7. Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics

What You Learn: Dietary planning, disease prevention through nutrition, public health nutrition.
Where You Can Work: Hospitals, wellness clinics, NGOs, schools, or private practice.
Salary Range: KSh 35,000 – KSh 100,000 per month.
Why It Pays Well: Nutritionists are increasingly in demand as lifestyle diseases rise.

8. Diploma in Counseling & Psychology

What You Learn: Mental health support, counseling techniques, trauma management, behavior therapy.
Where You Can Work: Hospitals, schools, mental health facilities, NGOs, private practice.
Salary Range: KSh 40,000 – KSh 100,000 per month.
Why It Pays Well: With rising cases of stress, addiction, and mental illness, trained counselors are urgently needed.

9. Diploma in Health Service Support

What You Learn: Patient care support, hospital operations, infection control, and administrative assistance.
Where You Can Work: Health centers, dispensaries, rehabilitation units, and private clinics.
Salary Range: KSh 35,000 – KSh 80,000 per month.
Why It Pays Well: Hospitals need reliable support staff to maintain efficiency in patient care.


Certificate Courses – Quick Entry into Healthcare

If you don’t yet qualify for a diploma, many institutions offer certificate programs in:

  • Community Health

  • Health Service Support

  • Nutrition & Dietetics

Salary Range: KSh 25,000 – KSh 60,000 per month
Where You Can Work: Local clinics, dispensaries, outreach health programs, community health projects.


Why Choose a Medical Health Sciences Career in Kenya?

  • Accredited Programs: Courses are approved by the Ministry of Education and healthcare regulatory bodies.

  • Hands-On Training: Students gain practical attachments at hospitals and health centers.

  • Job Market Advantage: Healthcare professionals are among the most sought-after workers globally.