Is public administration marketable in Kenya?

Last updated on July 27th, 2023 at 04:13 pm

After publishing our comprehensive article about public administration courses in Kenya, some of you have been emailing us with this question: is public administration marketable in Kenya?

And so I would like to answer you…

So, is public administration marketable in Kenya?

Well, here is what you need to know about your employment prospects if you do the course:

Is public administration marketable in Kenya?

Now, it is not the most marketable course in Kenya because employment is mainly offered by the government – by nature, public administration is all about ensuring there is law and order and good governance in Kenya’s two-tier devolved government system.

Okay, there are some jobs you can be hired for in the private and not-for-profit sectors with a public administration qualification but the majority of the jobs come from the government(county and national).

And we all know that it is not very easy to get government jobs in Kenya because:

  • There are a lot of applicants for these positions meaning competition is at another level
  • Sometimes cartels and other interested parties will interfere with the recruitment process so you might not get the job even if you’re the best qualified! (This is the sad truth!)

So these two factors make me hesitant about recommending the course to those who have just finished form 4 and are looking for a good course to do in college/university.

That said, it can be a good course if you’re already employed by the government and you are targeting a promotion, pay rise, or re-deployment.

 

What is Public Administration course all about?

Professionals in public administration, leadership, and governance oversee planning, performance and implementation of government functions at the village, ward, county, and national levels.

Examples of officers in public administration, leadership and governance include village administrators, chiefs, county administrators, and principal secretaries.

Their functions also include national security and Foreign Service.

They also carry out activities intended to improve the livelihoods of the community through ensuring that proper legislation and policies are put in place.

An officer in public administration, leadership, and governance, therefore, implements public policy at the national, country, and local levels of government.

Key skills and interests required to pursue a career in this field

  • Passion for serving the people
  • Planning and organization skills
  • Time management skills
  • Effective communication skills
  • Good negotiation skills
  • Confidence (you must be naturally self-confident and assured)
  • Public speaking skills
  • Good leadership skills
  • Collaboration skills (Team spirit)
  • Critical thinking skills
  • You must have high integrity and be naturally ethical in the way you do things

What the job /profession / career entails

The functions of professionals in public administration are diverse in nature.

They can cover areas such as finance, human resources, taxation, information technology, law, public health, and social services depending on their level (ward, county, regional or national)

Most implement government policies that directly affect the public or manage internal government operations.

Generally, they carry out the following tasks:

  • Analyze data and information
  • Oversee government expenditure
  • Draft and implement government and public policy
  • Manage people and resources
  • Conduct safety inspections
  • Investigate suspected criminal activities
  • Respond to emergencies
  • Act as custodians of public interests.

Entry Requirements for public administration course in Kenya

Degree level

Your options:

You can take any of the following degree courses if you’re interested in a career in public administration in Kenya….

  • Public Administration
  • Leadership and Management
  • Political Science and Public Administration
  • Public Administration and Governance
  • Church Management and Leadership
  • Public Administration and Leadership
  • Political Science (with ICT)

Entry Requirements

KCSE aggregate Grade: C+

Additional subjects: You must have a C in mathematics / English.

Other acceptable qualifications:  Diploma(with credit pass-at least) in county governance(from a recognized institution).

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Diploma in public administration

Your options:

  • Leadership and Management
  • County Governance and Ethics

Entry Requirements

KCSE aggregate Grade: C-

Additional subjects: none

 

Career Prospects in Public Administration, Leadership, and Governance

Diploma holder

  • County Enforcement Officer
  • City, County, or Court Clerk
  • Planning Clerk
  • Compliance Officer
  • Chief
  • Ward Administrator
  • Village Administrator (Head Officer)

Degree holders

  • Public Administrator
  • Administration Officer
  • Quality Assurance Officer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Public Affairs Advisor
  • Public Affairs Research Analyst
  • County Director
  • Sub-county Director
  • County Officer
  • Sub-county Officer

 

ALSO READ:

Public administration courses in Kenya (A Comprehensive guide to public administration courses in Kenya)

Least marketable courses in Kenya

Is international relations marketable in Kenya

 

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