Best Part-Time Courses in Nairobi: Boost Your Skills Without Quitting Your Job

Looking to upgrade your skills or switch careers — but don’t want to give up your current job or commitments? Nairobi offers a rich selection of part-time courses that cater to working adults, creatives, and lifelong learners. From tech bootcamps to hospitality, business, and vocational skills, there’s something for everyone. This guide will walk you through how to choose wisely, what to expect, and the best institutions offering quality part-time programs in Nairobi. 🚀

Why Consider Part-Time Courses?

• Flexibility: Evening, weekend, or blended modes allow you to balance work, family, and study.
• Career growth: Acquire current, in-demand skills (e.g. digital marketing, cybersecurity, hospitality) without leaving your job.
• Cost-effective: Many part-time courses are shorter and more affordable than full degrees.
• Networking opportunities: You meet part-time learners, professionals, and trainers in your field.

Types of Part-Time Courses Available in Nairobi

1. Vocational & Trade Skills

These are hands-on, often NITA or KNEC-certified. Ideal for those seeking practical trades you can start doing quickly.

• Welding & Fabrication, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Electrical Installation — offered by Eastlands College of Technology in evening classes.
• Craft and Technician Certificates — NITA’s craft proficiency levels available in Nairobi. (NITA Nairobi offers craft proficiency courses in electronics, mechanics, etc.)
• Beauty, spa, culinary and hospitality courses — e.g. Nairobi Aviation College runs courses in cookery, pastry & bakery.

2. Technology & Digital Skills

With digitization, tech skills are in high demand. Many institutions now offer flexible, part-time training.

• UX/UI Design, Web Development, Cloud & DevOps — Moringa School offers part-time tech bootcamps.
• Short professional tech courses — KCA University offers data analytics, backend web dev, etc.
• ICT diplomas and evening classes — Strathmore Institute of Management & Technology has part-time diploma intakes.

3. Business, Management & Soft Skills

Useful for entrepreneurs, managers, and anyone wanting to broaden leadership and operational know-how.

• Leadership, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, supervisory skills — many short courses are run by University of Nairobi Enterprises & Services.
• Project planning & fundraising, resource mobilization — offered by Vitech Training Institute.
• Short professional courses such as Advanced Excel, QuickBooks, accounting — KCA University’s short program catalogue covers these.

4. Hospitality & Tourism

Kenya’s tourism sector offers many part-time courses that feed into hospitality careers.

• Food & Beverage Control, Front Desk Techniques, Hotel Information Systems — available via Kenya Utalii College’s self-sponsored short courses.
• Language courses (French, German) to boost your chances in hospitality or tourism roles.

5. Health, First Aid & Life Skills

For those interested in community services, NGOs, or supplementing existing careers.

• Basic Life Support, first aid & health safety — offered through University of Nairobi short courses programs.
• Disaster management, crisis response — Vitech Institute includes these in its short courses list.

Top Institutions Offering Part-Time Courses in Nairobi

University of Nairobi (UoN) – eSkills & Short Courses

Offers flexible short courses and professional training in areas like AI, digital transformation, research skills, and technology.

Strathmore Institute of Management & Technology

Runs evening/part-time intakes for its diploma courses in ICT and business fields.

The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK)

Provides diploma courses in accounting, marketing, computer science in part-time mode with multiple intakes per year.

Kenyatta University (KU)

Offers diploma-level programs such as information technology, business, tourism in “DSVOL” (part-time / open & distance) modes.

Kenya Utalii College (KUC)

Specializes in hospitality & tourism short courses, ideal for learners interested in hotel & hospitality careers.

Moringa School

Tech-oriented bootcamps (UI/UX, software, devops) with part-time scheduling suitable for working students.

ICS Technical College

Offers evening and weekend classes; short courses in leadership, supervision, communication, entrepreneurship, first aid, etc.

Lang’ata Technical & Vocational College

8-week courses in web design, programming, computer repair, auto electrics, etc., tailored for working learners.

Eastlands College of Technology (ECT)

Evening classes in key trade areas: mechanics, electrical installation, welding, etc.

How to Choose the Best Part-Time Course for You

1. Define Your Goal

Are you aiming for a promotion, career switch, side hustle, or more knowledge in your field? Let that guide your choice.

2. Check Accreditation & Recognition

Prefer courses certified by NITA, KNEC, or recognized universities so your credential holds weight in industry.

3. Mode & Schedule

Evening, weekend, blended or hybrid — ensure classes don’t clash with your work hours or personal commitments.

4. Duration & Intensity

Short courses can be as short as a few weeks; diplomas may stretch over semesters but in part-time mode.

5. Hands-On Component

Especially for tech or trade courses, ensure there’s a practical/lab component, not just theory.

6. Cost & ROI

Calculate tuition plus materials vs. the anticipated return (new job, side income, skill upgrade).

7. Reviews & Alumni Outcomes

Ask former students about their experience, job outcomes, or portfolio development after the course.

Tips for Success in Part-Time Learning 🎯

1. Set a consistent weekly study schedule—treat your class like a job commitment.
2. Create a dedicated workspace (even a quiet corner) to minimize distractions.
3. Engage actively—join study groups, ask questions, network with peers and instructors.
4. Prioritize practical projects—apply learning directly to real problems or side projects.
5. Review regularly—don’t let gaps pile up because part-time pace can be slower.
6. Take advantage of online resources — complement your lessons with MOOCs, webinars.

Conclusion

Part-time courses in Nairobi are a powerful way to level up your skills and career without sacrificing your current stability. Whether you’re into tech, business, hospitality, or trades, the city offers flexible, credible programs to match your ambition. Choose carefully, commit consistently, and you’ll see growth—and maybe even new opportunities sooner than you think.

Ready to explore? Check out the course listings of institutions like University of Nairobi Enterprises & Services, KCA University, or Moringa School to get started today!