If you scored D+ in KCSE, TVET courses in IT, engineering, business, hospitality, health records, and creative arts can still lead you to stable jobs, self-employment, and even degree programmes with time.
Scoring a D+ in KCSE does not lock you out of success. Across Kenya, thousands of students with the same grade are building solid careers through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes that focus on practical skills, not exam pressure.
Education experts agree that the modern job market rewards hands-on ability, certification, and experience more than grades alone.
That is why Kenya’s expanding TVET system continues to absorb D+ graduates into courses that lead directly to employment or self-employment.
What D+ Graduates Can Study in Kenya
Students with a D+ qualify mainly for certificate (craft) courses, which later allow progression to diploma, higher diploma, and even degree levels.
1. Technology & Engineering Courses
Some of the most employable options include:
- Certificate in Information Technology
- Web Design & Development
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Electrical Installation
- Electronics Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Welding and Fabrication
- Plumbing and Construction Technology
These skills are in high demand due to ongoing construction, digital transformation, and renewable energy projects across the country.
Institutions such as Kabete National Polytechnic, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic and Eldoret National Polytechnic offer hands-on training with industrial attachments.
2. Business and Management Courses
D+ graduates can pursue:
- Certificate in Business Management
- Sales and Marketing
- Supply Chain & Purchasing
- Records and Information Management
These courses prepare learners for office roles, SMEs, and entrepreneurship. Colleges such as ICS College offer flexible intakes across major towns.
3. Health and Community Courses
While limited, there are still options:
- Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology
- Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics
These are offered through selected campuses of Kenya Medical Training College and lead to jobs in hospitals, clinics, and NGOs.
4. Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts
With tourism rebounding, demand is growing for:
- Hospitality Management
- Tourism Operations
- Food & Beverage Production
- Pastry and Bakery
Institutions like Kenya Utalii College and regional polytechnics provide strong industry exposure.
5. Beauty, Fashion & Creative Arts
Highly popular for self-employment:
- Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
- Fashion Design & Garment Making
- Photography
- Graphic Design
Creative courses allow graduates to start businesses early with minimal capital.
Where D+ Graduates Can Study
Kenya currently has 30+ national polytechnics, with at least one in almost every county. There are also accredited private TVET colleges and university TVET directorates such as those at Kenyatta University and Technical University of Kenya.
Admissions to public TVETs are mainly done through the KUCCPS portal, while private colleges offer rolling intakes.
Funding and Support
D+ students are eligible for:
- HELB TVET loans
- Government sponsorships
- County bursaries
- Constituency (CDF) support
This makes TVET one of the most affordable education pathways in Kenya today.
Career Progression Path
The standard progression looks like this:
- Certificate (6–12 months)
- Diploma (2–3 years)
- Higher Diploma
- Degree (via bridging or credit transfer)
This step-by-step route allows students to work, earn, and upgrade at the same time to more higher levels of the courses they opto for as you are allowed to proceed to the next level and with time you will find yourself you have done all the levels that is from certificate to degree or even to the highest level possible.
With this you chances of getting to top level employments will be very high hence you won’t sit home waiting for employment.
A KCSE D+ is not the end it is a different starting line. Kenya’s TVET system is built for students who want skills that pay, not papers that sit on shelves so going for the technical courses listed above can really assist you alot as you are going to graduate industry ready.
