Last updated on July 27th, 2023 at 03:34 pm
We answer the question: “Is public relations marketable in Kenya?” in this article
So you have seriously been considering taking a course in public relations because you have heard that it pays handsomely and there are many jobs?
Well, that’s fine but is public relations marketable in Kenya really?
Here is what you need to know about your prospects of getting a job after finishing the course…
Is public relations marketable in Kenya?
The truth is it is fairly marketable…..that is, there are jobs but they may not be enough for everyone because only big companies are able to hire a PR officer (and even then, only one or two officers are hired for the PR department).
So yeah, you can do the course but be prepared to do related jobs in areas like marketing as you wait for your dream PR job.
That is not to say that you won’t get employed…you probably will (and there is a chance that you could even get a good job right out of college) but it may take you a bit of time.
As I have said above, the good thing about the course is that it is wide so there is a variety of jobs you can do in the meantime including digital marketing (Social Media, etc.), direct sales, freelance consultant, etc.
I hope that gives you an idea about what the job market is like for those who have done a public relations course in Kenya.
Let’s now look at the public relations courses in Kenya that you could enroll in if you decide that PR is where your future lies.
Public relations courses in Kenya
Here are the different public relations and corporate communication courses you can pursue to qualify for various public relation jobs in Kenya
Certificate in Public Relations
I did not find any college offering a certificate in public relations course in Kenya and your best if you just want a basic certificate in PR is Public relations short courses in Kenya such as Customer Care& Public Relations (Offered by Kenya Institute of Management).
Diploma in Public Relations
Here are the entry requirements for a Diploma in Public Relations in Kenya:
KCSE mean grade: C
Please note that you need a C plain too in English /Kiswahili
Other acceptable qualifications:
Certificate in Mass Communication
Degree in Public Relations
There are universities offering a Bachelor of Communication& Public Relations, Bachelor of Science(Communication & Public Relations), and a Bachelor of Arts(BA) In Public Relations & Advertisement in Kenya.
To do the degree, you need a C+ mean grade(KCSE) and a C+ as well in Kiswahili/English.
Here now are the universities offering public relations degrees in Kenya:
- Alupe University College
- Bomet University College
- Co-operative University of Kenya
- JKUAT
- Karatina University
- Maasai Mara University
- Moi University
- Rongo University
- University Of Kabianga
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Other Universities and Colleges offering Public Relations in Kenya
Below are some of the institutions offering public relations courses in Kenya:
KIMC (Kenya Institute of Mass Communication)
KIMC is a specialized mass communication institute and one of the best.
They offer a Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations.
See more here.
Embu University
You can enroll for a Diploma in Public Relations and Corporate Communication at Embu University.
Here is the link to the course.
Multimedia University of Kenya
You can enroll for a Diploma in Strategic Public Relations at Multimedia University in Nairobi.
Read more about the course here.
University of Nairobi
Here you can do a Diploma too but the qualifications are as follows:
KCSE Mean Grade: C (or above).
You must also have a C- in mathematics/Commerce/ Economics/Accounts and a C- grade in English/Kiswahili
Laikipia University, Africa Nazarene University, and KU
These three universities offer a Diploma in Public Relations as well.
North Eastern National Polytechnic
If you’re in North Eastern, you can do your Diploma in Public Relations at North Eastern National Polytechnic in Garissa.
Simon Page College of Marketing
This is a good college if you want to pursue the prestigious CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) certification in Kenya.
What exactly does Public Relations entail?
Public Relations(PR) professionals manage the overall reputation of an organization-Your work as a PR officer is to ensure that the organization has a good image in the eyes of the public, clients, employees, and everyone else.
In short, a public relations professional creates, preserves, and promotes messages that build a positive reputation of an organization or a public figure to the wider public.
Key skills and interests required to pursue a career in PR
- Sociable and friendly
- Approachable
- Eloquent speaker(public speaking skills)
- Ability to form relationships and build rapport
- Creativity
- Effective communication skills (verbal and written)
- Organization skills
- Networking skills
- Excellent computer skills.
- Good investigative skills.
- Multi-media skills
- Research skills
- Logical thinking (ability to think strategically)
- Self confidence
- Time management skills
- Negotiation skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Decision-making skills
- Ability to prioritize and plan effectively
What the job /career / profession entails
Public relations specialists are involved in the following activities:
- Planning and organizing publicity campaigns
- Writing and producing presentations and press releases
- Responding to inquiries from the public, the press, and other organizations
- Organizing and attending promotional events such as press conferences, open days, exhibitions, tours, and visits
- Speaking in public at interviews, press conferences, and presentations among other public relations events.
- Responding to any request for information release/press conference from members of the media
- Establishing and maintaining good relationships with consumers, the community, employees, and even public interest groups.
- Updating and maintaining online content.
Career Prospects in Public Relations
Degree (Bachelor’s)
- Public Relationship Officer
- Corporate Communication Officer
- Personal Assistant
- Brand Manager
Diploma
- Public relations Assistant
- Customer care Officer
- Event Organizer
What else should you have?
Don’t be happy to have the course only- be sure to apply for membership of professional bodies in the PR sector(PRSK/CIPR) or any other relevant professional body.
That way, you will have a better chance of landing an amazing job.
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