Form 4 Leavers (KCSE Class of 2025) are now at home, waiting. Waiting for the release of KCSE results. Waiting to matriculate into universities and colleges in 2026. They can be creative, innovative and productive by opting for short courses. Why? To do something worthwhile while waiting. Enrol for short training spanning less than a year. Overcome boredom and laziness. Pursue purpose and passion. Acquire basic skills. Make money in legit ways. Begin becoming self-reliant. Set a firm foundation for courses in TVET institutions. Prepare to survive and thrive in a challenging environment in long-term courses—exposure to the dynamic world of work. Gain basic insights for job creation and entrepreneurship.
Ideally, there are different avenues of learning short courses. It can be in middle-level colleges in urban centres, in TVET institutions, TVET wings of universities, through apprenticeship and mentorship, and on online sites such as YouTube. Some appropriate short courses Form 4 Leavers can consider include: Driving, writing, graphic designs, public speaking, photography, videography, embroidery, plumbing, electric wiring, massaging, drawing, sculpture-making, soap and detergent-making, concrete work, barbering, floral art, house-keeping, carpentry, masonry, marketing, hair-dressing or styling, tailoring, weaving, dress-making, crocheting, knitting, playing musical instruments, panel-beating, shoe-repairing, phone-repairing, cooking or culinary skills, laundry work, fabric decoration, leather work, basic metal work, ornament and jewel-making, paper-craft, picture-framing, basic electronics, repair and maintenance, event layout and decoration, basic welding and fabrication, and baking.
Consequently, in this writ, I thought to write about some structured 14 best short courses – Form 4 Leavers can consider to do while waiting, which include: (1) Information Technology (IT) and Computer Skills, (2) Graphic Designs and Animation, (3) Digital Marketing and Social Media Management, (4) Customer Relations and Call Centre Operations, (5) Catering and Hospitality Management, (6) Electrical and Electronics Engineering, (7) Auto-motive Engineering, (8) Construction and Building Technology, (9) Beauty Therapy or Cosmetology, (10) Fashion and Design, (11) Agriculture and Agri-Business, (12) Entrepreneurship and Business Management, (13) Real Estate and Property Management, and (14) Tourism and Travel Management.
- Information Technology (IT) and Computer Skills
The short course takes 3 to 6 months. Skills acquired include: Basic computer skills, Microsoft Office, graphic design, web development and networking. It is appropriate for Form 4 Leavers because almost every industry is in high demand for people with IT and Computer Skills. Form 4 Leavers can make money by becoming copy typists, graphic designers, web developers and working in cyber cafes in urban centres.
- Graphic Designs and Animation
The short course takes 6 months to 1 year. It revolves around digital graphics, animation, photo and video editing, and branding. Form 4 Leavers can consider it because, in these times and climes, there is a high demand for visual content creators for digital and social media platforms. Then, there are oodles of opportunities in advertising, branding and creative agencies.
- Digital Marketing and Social Media Management
The short course takes 3 to 6 months. Skills acquired include Content Creation, social media strategy, search engine optimisation, and digital advertising. Form 4 Leavers who opt for this short course can earn money by engaging in online business, digital marketing, and assisting businesses in building a strong online presence.
- Customer Service and Call Centre Operators
The short course takes around 3 months. It builds communication skills, customer care, and the ability to handle enquiries and solve problems. Most companies, especially telecommunications and retail companies, rely heavily on excellent customer service. Therefore, Form 4 Leavers who decide to pursue such a short course can work in call centres. Or take up crucial customer service roles.
- Catering and Hospitality Management
The short course takes 6 months to 1 year. Skills acquired include: Culinary Skills, food preparation, catering, hotel management and customer service. Ostensibly, the Tourism and Hotel Industry is booming in Kenya and beyond. More so, because there is a growing interest in domestic and international tourism. Therefore, there is a high demand for skilled chefs, hotel managers, event coordinators, and waiters in restaurants and food joints.
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
This short course takes 6 months to 1 year to study. Skills acquired include: Electrical wiring, installations, and maintenance of electrical appliances and systems. It focuses on hands-on work skills. Form 4 Leavers can opt for it. For there are plenty of people building homes. The government is also building affordable houses around the country. So, the demand for qualified electricians is on the rise.
- Auto-motive Engineering
This short course takes 6 months to 1 year. It revolves around vehicle repair, maintenance and diagnostics. Form 4 Leavers should know that Kenya has a growing automotive industry. Actually, there is a high demand for qualified auto mechanics, repair specialists, and vehicle and electrical technicians.
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- Construction and Building Technology
The short course takes 6 months to 1 year. Those who opt to pursue it can hone skills in building designs, construction technologies, project management and plumbing. It is appropriate for Form 4 Leavers because there is a high demand for skilled workers in areas such as masonry, carpentry, plumbing and building project management.
- Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology
The short course takes 3 to 6 months. It equips those who pursue it with skills in hairdressing and styling, nail art, make-up, and skincare. We can all attest to the high demand for young adults to work in beauty parlours and barbershops across the country.
- Fashion and Design
The short course takes 6 months to 1 year. The skills acquired include: Clothing design, textile technology, tailoring and fashion marketing. Being that fashion design is popular in Kenya, Form 4 Leavers can thrive in cloth design and tailoring.
- Agriculture and Agri-Business
The short course takes 3 to 6 months. Skills acquired include: Crop farming, livestock management, agro-processing, marketing and managing agricultural businesses. It is appropriate because by pursuing it, Form 4 Leavers can build successful businesses in farming, poultry, and agribusiness. They can also work well in shops that sell agricultural products.
- Entrepreneurship and Business Management
The short course takes 3 to 6 months. Skills acquired include Business planning, financial management, and marketing and sales strategies. It is appropriate, as pursuing it helps one learn how to start or run small businesses or startups, a route into entrepreneurship.
- Real Estate and Property Management
The short course takes 6 months to 1 year. It revolves around property sales, leasing, property law and real estate management. Form 4 Leavers should be interested because the real estate sector in Kenya is growing and thriving. Therefore, they can position themselves for property sales, rental management and real estate consultancy.
- Tourism and Travel Management
The course takes 6 months to 1 year. It entails tour-guiding, travel planning, event-management and hospitality. Kenya is a popular tourist destination. Therefore, pursuing it can be an important entry point into the tourism industry as a tour operator, guide or travel consultant.
By Victor Ochieng’
Victor Ochieng is a Career Educator. He is currently running a one-on-one and online Form 4 Leavers’ Transition Programme titled “What Next After KCSE?” To be part of the 10-Series Programme, for career advice and guidance, call or WhatsApp. 0704420232
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