First, what are KNEC bridging courses?

Bridging courses meaning

KNEC bridging courses are short courses in which you re-sit subject/subjects you had failed at the KCSE, hoping to improve your grade.

The purpose of KNEC bridging courses is to help you meet the minimum entry requirements for your dream course.

For this reason, the bridging course acceptability might be limited to the college/university that is offering the course.

For example, to take some Diploma courses in Kenya,  you need at least a C- (Certificate) in some subjects.

Subsequently, you will want to take a bridging course in Kenya to boost your grade, if you had a D+, for instance in such subjects.

Entry requirements for KNEC bridging courses

There’s no minimum grade for KNEC bridging courses (of course, apart from your KCSE certificate)- indeed, you can even ‘bridge’ a subject which you had previously score an E grade.

So what is important is to research what grades are required to take the course of your dreams then work hard – while bridging at the college you choose- since the primary purpose of the ‘bridging’ is to earn the minimum entry grade for the course.

How long do KNEC bridging courses take?

It takes just 6-9 months on average (depending on the institution you join out of the colleges offering bridging courses in Kenya) to bridge a KNEC subject.

You can attend studies fulltime, part-time (evening and mornings), or weekends- and even some colleges offering bridging courses online.

What subjects can you bridge in?

For the most part, you can bridge in sciences (chemistry, physics, and Biology) and maths.

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Are KNEC bridging courses recognized?

As mentioned, the goal of the program is to allow you reach the grade for the course so they’ll allow you to join your chosen course if you achieve that grade during your bridging exams.

So the main recognition awarded to these courses is by Universities -.

Otherwise, in some cases, the bridging may not be helpful when seeking employment if you don’t meet the stringent requirements set by employers.

Let’s take nursing for example:

To get admission for a nursing course (diploma) at KMTC, you must have a KCSE mean grade of C plain (at least) and the same grade subjects such as Biology and Chemistry.

Now, even if you bridge, KMTC won’t guarantee you admission with your bridging certificate at the moment- because of competition (there are more applicants than the available slots) and your efforts to join the nursing profession via bridging might fail.

That’s why we advise people to resit the KCSE (the whole exam) if you’re looking at getting KCSE grades that will get universal recognition even for courses in prestigious institutions such as KMTC.

But if you must take a bridging certificate, then first research if the university or institute that you are aiming to join (and the course you want to get admitted into) accepts bridging courses in the required/compulsory subjects before enrolling for a bridging course.

Note: In 2023, the Cabinet passed a resolution recognizing KNEC bridging courses as a way of enhancing access to University Education so they are now widely accepted and you could use them to join a degree program if you had not passed well in your KCSE.

Just make sure the institution you join is properly registered by KNEC to offer bridging courses in Kenya.

That said, bridging courses in Kenya may not be accepted by international bodies/institutions..

Intakes for bridging courses in Kenya

Colleges have their KNEC bridging courses intakes mostly at the beginning of the year (enquire in January) though some have continuous intakes.

Keep in mind that there aren’t so many colleges offering the program so it’s important to start your college search shortly immediately after getting your KCSE results, if you choose to pursue that path.

Institutions offering KNEC bridging courses in Kenya

You can enroll for  bridging courses in these institutions for specific courses:

1. Bridge College-Nairobi

Bridge college is one of the most popular when it comes to bridging courses in Kenya.

You’ll be asked to provide clear copies of these documents:

• Copy of your KCSE results
• Copy of your KCPE Certificate
• Copy of your Birth Certificate
• 4 coloured of your passport photo

Apply before 3 years (in January) from the date you did your KCSE examination- KNEC rules needs you to upgrade (if you want to do that) before the expiry of 3 years.

Again please apply early January- because once KNEC registration dates close, you may not get an opportunity.

2. Cooperative University – Nairobi

Course: CERTIFICATE IN BRIDGING MATHEMATICS

Contacts;

Location: Karen

Cellphone: 0724311606, 020 2430127,020 2679456

Website: https://www.cuk.ac.ke/admissions/bridging-certificate-diploma-courses/

3. Catholic University

Course: Bridging Courses in both Mathematics and English

Contacts;

Location: Lang’ata, Nairobi

Cellphone: 0709-691111 /0709-691000

Website: http://www.cuea.edu/

4. Mt. Kenya University

Course: Bridging Courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English

Contacts;

Location: Thika, General Kago Rd

Cellphone: 0709 153 000

Website: https://www.mku.ac.ke/index.php/academic-programmes/118-programmes/536-certificate-in-bridging-mathematics

Does KMTC offer bridging courses?

No, KMTC doesn’t offer KNEC bridging courses through there was a time the college was offering internally-examined bridging courses in Chemistry, Math, Biology, and Physics.

These KMTC bridging courses aimed at helping applicants who didn’t achieve the minimum entry grades qualify for their favorite courses at KMTC.

The college stopped the bridging courses immediately the government started tightening the controls around admissions into KMTC and other higher education programs in Kenya.

Final word

A  bridging course can help you stand a better chance of gaining direct entry into your dream course.

But unlike in the past days, it might not be beneficial outside gaining entry into your course (Diploma or Degree) as the government is very strict when it comes to some programmes.

Our advice is for you to repeat the whole KCSE exam -even if you have to do it as a private candidate- if you’re looking at getting grades that can help you in the long run.

ALSO READ:

KNEC registration private candidates [Step-by-step guide]

KCSE private tuition in Nairobi [The best centers]

KNEC grading system for colleges [All you need to know]

Schools Offering Bridging Courses in Kenya

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