Located in Nairobi’s buzzing Ruaraka area, KCA University has been a go-to for students since its inception in 1989 as a training institute for accountants. Fast forward to today, it’s a fully-fledged university with a reputation for practical, career-focused courses. Whether you’re a self-sponsored student, a KUCCPS hopeful, or just curious about university fees in Kenya, this guide has got you covered. Let’s unpack the costs, payment options, and some fresh insights to help you plan smarter.
Why KCA University Fees Matter to You
Let’s be real—education is an investment, especially in a private uni like KCA. For business professionals looking to upskill or parents planning their child’s future, understanding the KCA University fees structure is step one. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about knowing what you’re paying for—top-tier facilities, industry-aligned courses, and a degree that holds weight in Kenya’s competitive job market.
The fees structure, reflects KCA’s commitment to transparency. Unlike some institutions that keep you guessing, KCA lays it all out—administration fees, tuition per unit, and extra costs like attachments. Plus, with flexible payment plans, they’re trying to make it work for the average Kenyan wallet. So, grab a cup of chai, and let’s dig into the details.
KCA University Fees Structure: Undergraduate Programs
KCA University’s undergraduate fees vary by program, reflecting the resources each course demands. Below, we’ve detailed the costs for some popular bachelor’s degrees based on the structure. Most programs assume 6–7 units per trimester, with 9 trimesters total, including attachments where applicable.
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Studies
- Administration Fees per Trimester: Kshs 12,865 (Trimester 1), Kshs 10,565 (Trimesters 2–9)
- Tuition Fee: Kshs 9,750 per unit × 6 units = Kshs 58,500 per trimester
- Attachment (Trimester 9): Kshs 11,500
- Total per Trimester:
- Trimester 1: Kshs 71,365
- Trimesters 2–8: Kshs 69,065
- Trimester 9: Kshs 80,565
- Full Program Cost (9 Trimesters): Approx. Kshs 635,580
Insight: This course is a steal for anyone eyeing a career in economics or business analysis—affordable yet packed with value.
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts and Film Technology / Journalism and Digital Media
- Administration Fees per Trimester: Kshs 12,865 (Trimester 1), Kshs 10,565 (Trimesters 2–9)
- Tuition Fee: Kshs 11,200 per unit × 6 units = Kshs 67,200 per trimester
- Practical Attachment (Trimester 8): Kshs 11,500
- Total per Trimester:
- Trimester 1: Kshs 80,065
- Trimesters 2–7, 9: Kshs 77,765
- Trimester 8: Kshs 89,265
- Full Program Cost: Approx. Kshs 714,420
Vibe Check: Higher tuition reflects the hands-on equipment and studio time—perfect for creatives aiming for Kenya’s growing media industry.
Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology / Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
- Administration Fees per Trimester: Kshs 12,865 (Trimester 1), Kshs 10,565 (Trimesters 2–9)
- Tuition Fee: Kshs 7,000 per unit × 6 units = Kshs 42,000 per trimester
- Attachment/Teaching Practice (Trimester 8): Kshs 11,500
- Counselling Psychology Extra: Kshs 11,500 Personal Therapy Fee (Trimester 9)
- Total per Trimester:
- Trimester 1: Kshs 54,865
- Trimesters 2–7: Kshs 52,565
- Trimester 8: Kshs 64,065
- Trimester 9: Kshs 64,065 (Counselling) / Kshs 52,565 (Early Childhood)
- Full Program Cost: Approx. Kshs 487,830 (Early Childhood) / Kshs 499,330 (Counselling)
Pro Tip: Counselling Psychology’s therapy fee is a unique add-on—consider it an investment in your mental health toolkit.
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
- Administration Fees per Trimester: Kshs 12,865 (Trimester 1), Kshs 10,565 (Trimesters 2–9)
- Tuition Fee: Kshs 7,000 per unit × 6 units = Kshs 42,000 per trimester
- Attachment (Trimester 8): Kshs 11,500
- Total per Trimester:
- Trimester 1: Kshs 54,865
- Trimester 2–7, 9: Kshs 52,565
- Trimester 8: Kshs 64,065
- Full Program Cost: Approx. Kshs 487,830
Heads Up: Affordable and in demand—criminology grads are hot in security and law enforcement circles.
Bachelor of Education (Arts)
- Administration Fees per Trimester: Kshs 13,353 (Trimester 1), Kshs 11,053 (Trimesters 2–6, 8), Kshs 11,541 (Trimester 4), Kshs 10,077 (Trimester 7), Kshs 9,589 (Trimester 9)
- Tuition Fee: Kshs 7,000 per unit × 7 units (Trimesters 1–3, 5–6, 8) = Kshs 49,000; 8 units (Trimester 4) = Kshs 56,000; 6 units (Trimester 7) = Kshs 42,000; 5 units (Trimester 9) = Kshs 35,000
- Attachment (Trimester 8): Kshs 11,500
- Total per Trimester:
- Trimester 1: Kshs 62,353
- Trimesters 2, 3, 5, 6: Kshs 60,053
- Trimester 4: Kshs 67,541
- Trimester 7: Kshs 52,077
- Trimester 8: Kshs 60,553
- Trimester 9: Kshs 44,589
- Full Program Cost: Approx. Kshs 527,272
Takeaway: The variable unit load reflects teaching practice intensity—a solid pick for future educators.
Diploma and Certificate Programs Fees
For those not ready for a full degree, KCA’s diploma and certificate courses offer a cost-effective entry into higher education.
Diploma in Education
- Administration Fees per Trimester: Kshs 11,592 (Trimester 1), Kshs 9,292 (Trimesters 2–5)
- Tuition Fee: Kshs 7,000 per unit × 6 units = Kshs 42,000 per trimester
- Total per Trimester:
- Trimester 1: Kshs 53,592
- Trimesters 2–5: Kshs 51,292
- Full Program Cost (5 Trimesters): Approx. Kshs 258,760
Diploma in Journalism and Digital Media / Film Technology
- Administration Fees per Trimester: Kshs 17,917 (Trimester 1), Kshs 15,617 (Trimesters 2–4), Kshs 15,180 (Trimester 5)
- Tuition Fee: Kshs 37,950 (Trimesters 1–4), Kshs 31,625 (Trimester 5)
- Total per Trimester:
- Trimester 1: Kshs 55,867
- Trimesters 2–4: Kshs 53,567
- Trimester 5: Kshs 46,805
- Full Program Cost: Approx. Kshs 263,373
Certificate/Diploma in Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Administration Fees per Trimester: Kshs 8,050 (Trimesters 1–5), Kshs 6,000 (Caution, Trimester 1 only)
- Tuition Fee: Kshs 27,500 per trimester
- Total per Trimester:
- Trimester 1: Kshs 41,550 (includes caution)
- Trimesters 2–5: Kshs 35,550
- Full Program Cost: Approx. Kshs 183,750
Certificate in Performing Arts / Film Technology
- Administration Fees per Trimester: Kshs 8,645 (Trimester 1), Kshs 6,345 (Trimester 2)
- Tuition Fee: Kshs 27,000 per trimester
- Total per Trimester:
- Trimester 1: Kshs 35,645
- Trimester 2: Kshs 33,345
- Full Program Cost: Approx. Kshs 68,990
Quick Note: Certificates are short and sweet—ideal for quick skill boosts without breaking the bank.
Payment Options: How to Settle Your KCA Fees
KCA knows we’re not all sitting on piles of cash, so they’ve made paying fees as painless as possible. Here’s how you can handle it:
- Full Payment Upfront: Pay the whole trimester fee at once—no extra charges.
- Installments: Split it into three-:
- 1st Installment: 50%
- 2nd Installment: 30%
- 3rd Installment: 20%
- Extra Charge: Kshs 1,500 for installments
- Payment Methods:
- Bank Deposits:
- Standard Chartered (Thika Road Mall): 0102001171100
- ABSA (Sarit): 1352178
- NCBA (Wabera): 6432280015
- M-Pesa Paybill: 300078 (ABSA)
- No cash or personal cheques accepted.
- Bank Deposits:
Heads Up: Foreign students (outside EAC) pay 20% more on tuition—something to factor in if you’re international.
Comparing KCA Fees to Other Kenyan Universities
How does KCA stack up? Let’s compare:
- Kenyatta University (Public): Bachelor of Commerce ~Kshs 60,000/semester (KUCCPS subsidized).
- Strathmore University (Private): Bachelor of Commerce ~Kshs 150,000/semester.
- KCA University: Bachelor of Commerce ~Kshs 80,000–90,000/trimester.
KCA sits in a sweet spot—more affordable than elite private unis but pricier than public options. Its trimester system (3 terms/year) means higher annual costs, but you graduate faster.
Fresh Insights for Kenyan Business Pros
- ROI Potential: Tech and business courses (e.g., IT, Economics) offer quick job entry—think 6-figure salaries within 5 years.
- Flexible Learning: KCA’s part-time and online options suit working pros—upskill without quitting your job.
- Networking Hub: Nairobi location = internships and connections with top firms.
Planning Your KCA Budget
For a 4-year degree (9 trimesters):
- Economics & Business: ~Kshs 635,580
- Counselling Psychology: ~Kshs 499,330
- Add-Ons: Accommodation (~Kshs 20,000/trimester), books, and living costs (~Kshs 15,000/month).
Total estimate: Kshs 800,000–1,000,000 over 3 years. HELB loans can offset this for KUCCPS students—apply early!
