Even before the KCSE results were announced, my wife Diana insisted on securing the placement for our twins, Angie and Dan.
Like many parents, we were worried about making a wrong choice that would affect our children as their future was in our hands.
As we debated the courses and universities to enrol them in or apply for 2022 placement, my wife Diana received a call from her best friend, who recommended taking our children to Riara University.
“The university is one of the best and fastest growing both in Kenya and regionally. Their May 2023 intake is currently open and ongoing. Diana, your children are better suited to be at Riara,” she stated.
First, she advised us to call a career coach at the university via 0703 038 000, who would guide us on the best course for Angie and Dan. She then shared the Course Brochure to assist us in analysing the courses.
The “Riara brand” dates back to 1974, and it's committed to ensuring the education and development of the whole child, learner and person.
“Quality education is the solid bedrock for national and personal development. We strive to provide a holistic education to enable each student to realise their full potential and to develop social and moral values which will underpin their actions through life,” the career coach added.
I decided to visit the school personally. Despite settling on a Bachelor of Communication and Multimedia Journalism programme for Angie, who loved technology and was quite savvy with the digital landscape, I wanted to find out why it was the best course for her and what other courses Dan would undertake.
“Can I come with you, Dad?” Angie asked. “I heard they have a state-of-the-art studio,” my daughter stated.
“How did you find out about it?” I wondered.
“Like five of my friends have already been at Riara seeking admission and two other former schoolmates who finished last year are already there,” she answered.
That pricked my mind. If parents were rushing to secure courses and placement for their students at Riara, why should we be left behind?
Angie was perusing through her phone as we sat pensively in the waiting lounge. A few meters away, a father was laughing with his son, probably proud of him for his milestones.
The boy then put on his earphones and started tapping his feet in tune with the music.
“Sir,” the career coach ushered us in, and after a brief introduction, we shared a bit of banter and then got down to discussing the affordable courses.
“It’s great that your daughter and son want to join us. As we spoke on the phone, our courses are very well designed and taught. They are also quite affordable, as you saw in our Course Brochure.
“Let's start with the Bachelor of Communication and Multimedia Journalism.”
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AND MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM
“In 2022, our top overall student came from this school. Aisha Mbarak graduated with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Communication and Multimedia Journalism (BCMJ).
“She was offered a job at Nation Media Group,” the career coach stated as my daughter Angie smiled.
“Angie here can follow in her footsteps, right?” he asked, and we both responded in unison. Yes.
The requirements for the Bachelor of Communication and Multimedia Journalism, the career coach continued, are:
Mean grade of C plus at KCSE with a C plus in English or Kiswahili, or
A Diploma with a Credit pass in a relevant discipline from a recognised institution, among other possible entry modes.
Riara also offers a Diploma in Communication and Multimedia Journalism, where the requirement was a minimum of grade C minus at KCSE or equivalent, with a C or above in English or Kiswahili, or their equivalent.
We also have a Diploma in Corporate Public Relations, and any student seeking to take this course ought to have a minimum of C minus in KCSE with a C or above in English or Kiswahili or D plus at KCSE and a Certificate level qualification recognisable by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority.
“This school also conducts workshops where alumni and industry personalities in media and other professions train the students. These programs are aimed at bridging the gap between learning and the workplace,” the career coach detailed.
RIARA LAW SCHOOL
“Riara also offers one of the best law programmes in the country and continent. The Riara Law School is accredited by the Council of Legal Education besides the accreditation by the Commission for University Education,” the career coach continued.
I asked whether the school partnered with any law firms to empower students, and what the requirements were since I had a nephew interested in law.
“Yes, we partner with some law firms, like Triple OK Law Firm, where one of our graduates in 2022, Michelle Miriam Mshimba, interned.
“Mshimba was bestowed the Chancellor's Award as an outstanding student in academia, leadership, community service, internship, innovation, club and other co-curricular activities,” the career coach explained and went on to elucidate the requirements as follows:
Admission Requirements
KCSE 2022 candidates should attain a mean grade of C plus and above in KCSE or its equivalent.
Also, have a B plain in English or Kiswahili, or KACE (or equivalent) with a minimum of three principal passes.
Riara also recognises a degree from a recognised university or a Diploma in Law from an institution accredited by the Council of Legal Education with an average B grade.
Applicants with GCE (A-Level) with a minimum of three principals are also admissible.
Pre-Kenya School of Law Compliance Programme
Applicants applying for the Pre-Kenya School of Law Compliance Programme ought to have a referral letter from the Council of Legal Education.
I found this information very interesting and asked about their other programmes.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
“The School of Business programmes include day, evening and weekend classes offering flexibility to the students and are as follows,” the career coach explained.
Bachelor of Business Administration
“Under this course, students learn Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Procurement, Supply Chain and Logistics Management. Riara’s Bachelor of Business Administration programmes in Finance and Accounting are also ACCA Accredited.”
Requirements
Applicants should have a mean grade of C plus and above at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), C (plain) in English and Maths, or equivalent.
Those with a Credit pass in Diploma in a relevant discipline are also considered.
Diploma in Business Management
Diploma in Procurement and Supply Chain Management
For these two courses, applicants are required to have a mean grade of C minus and above at KCSE and C plain in English or Maths or its equivalent.
Certificate in Business Management
KCSE 2022 Candidates should have a mean grade of D plus and above at KCSE and C minus in English or Maths or its equivalent.
Riara Also Offers Professional Courses in the School of Business
Under the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), Riara offers;
• Fundamentals of Financial Services
• International Introduction to Securities & Investments
• Fundamentals of Islamic Banking & Finance
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certifications
School fees for the courses under CISI are affordable.
The School of Business also offers Executive Education (1-3 Days Short Courses). These are;
Personal Management & Development Programme
Executive Leadership Development Programme
Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Public Speaking and Business Writing Skills
Events Management, Etiquette and Protocol
Essentials of Public Relations Writing
Coaching for Stellar Customer Service
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
What stunned me more about the School of Education was that it offers empowering professional development courses.
These included;
Certificate in Teaching International Curricula
“Teachers interested in learning modern pedagogical practices are the sole target and beneficiaries for this course,” the career coach explained.
The programme enables teachers interested in teaching in international schools to attain the necessary certifications. Riara University is also the only institution that offers this programme in the country, so it’s quite popular.
Teacher Professional Development (TPD)
“How does TPD assist teachers?” I inquired when he mentioned the course.
“TPD program was introduced to enable Kenyan teachers to be globally compliant to acceptable standards as with other professions. It comprises educational experiences designed to enrich teachers’ professional knowledge, understanding, and application of the concept throughout their teaching career,” the career coach expounded.
“The programme also allows teachers to enhance understanding and practice high-quality teacher/instructional leadership to create a fulfilling learning experience for learners, colleagues and self,” I further learnt.
Learning activities in the module, the career coach detailed, are informed by the desire to assist teachers and instructional leaders in gaining mastery of the Kenya Professional Teaching Standards (KePTS).
“How long is the course?” Angie asked.
“The course duration is one year and is offered primarily online and flexibly during the school holidays for all teachers registered by the TSC (Public and Private). With the 2023 calendar going back to normal, teachers will be able to take the course very comfortably from the comfort of their homes (online) and face to face as Riara University has established centres in the 290 sub-counties across the country,” he explained. This saves teachers from travel costs and the stress of accommodation.
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING SCIENCES
“Riara University is a certified training centre for ICDL, Appin, CISCO, HUAWEI, IBM and EMC, making it one of the best universities for one to learn modern IT Skills. Our graduates are picked up as hot cake from the following programmes.” the coach said while scrolling through a computer screen.
I knew Dan was deeply interested in ICT-related courses, so when I looked at him, he had a wide grin. The career coach decided to take us for a brief tour to see the Computer Labs and the Robotics lab on the campus. My son was sold out, and he asked about the requirements.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The requirements for this programme are:
A mean grade of C plus or above at KCSE and a minimum grade of C plus in Mathematics or Physics or Physical Sciences. Students with a Diploma in Computer Science are also eligible.
Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT)
Requirements
Mean grade of C plus in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Applicants with Professional Certificates in appropriate computing disciplines or degrees in science-based disciplines from recognised institutions are also considered for two-degree programmes in this school.
Diploma and Certificate Courses
For Diploma courses, a minimum mean grade of C minus in KCSE is required, while for Certificate courses, candidates require a minimum of D plus in KCSE. Subject requirements apply in some of these courses.
Diplomas offered include;
Diploma in Computer Science
Diploma in Business Information Technology (DBIT)
Diploma in Information Technology (IT)
Diploma in Information and Cyber Security
Diploma in Ethical Hacking & Information Security
Diploma in Mobile Applications & Technology
Certificates offered include;
Certificate in Information Technology
Certificate in Web Development
CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) 1-4
Huawei HCIA Routing & Switching Certification
CISCO IT Essentials
IBM Certified Mobile Application
International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL)
SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & DIPLOMACY
“As I said before, Riara is a multicultural university which offers your child an opportunity to interact with different cultures,” the career coach quipped. “For students interested in working with international communities and other related areas, we offer the following programmes:”
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy
Minimum of C plus at KCSE.
Applicants can also be holders of a Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy of Riara University with a GPA of 2.00 (C) or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy
Candidates are required to have a minimum of C plain or C minus at KCSE.
Certificate in Corporate Diplomacy
A mean grade of D plus in KCSE or its equivalent
Global & Languages Studies Centre (GLASC)
“This centre is geared for existing and non-traditional students seeking to hone their skills in different languages. This also includes high school leavers waiting to join college or university, foreigners and diplomats or their family members, among others,” the career coach explained.
“We offer English and Kiswahili, as well as Foreign Languages such as French, Arabic, Chinese, and German.”
The fees here vary with language and category.
“Before you apply for the courses, it is worth noting that a tracer study carried out in 2019 indicated that 79.3% of Riara University graduates are employed or start up their own businesses, and 23.9% further their studies, meaning about 93% of their graduates are actively engaged somewhere within one year of graduation, with 50% getting placed before graduation.”
This was the last piece of information that I needed. I filled in our application forms for my daughter Angie in the Communication and Multimedia Journalism programme and Dan in the Bachelor of Science programme.
I remain truly grateful to my wife’s friend for referring us to this higher education and training jewel.
HOW TO APPLY
First, access The Course Brochure here.
Fill out the application form.
You can download the form here, under admissions.
SCHOOL FEE PAYMENT
Payment can be paid by direct deposit into RIARA UNIVERSITY Account at any branch of the following banks:
• Kenya Commercial Bank, A/C No. 1132688035, Prestige Branch;
• NCBA, A/C No. 6960380019, Upperhill Branch;
• MPESA Paybill No. 805702.
Riara also accepts banker’s cheques. Cash, personal cheques and postal orders ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
Up to 49% exemptions will be granted to holders of certifications recognised by the university senate. Hostels are available on request.
CONTACTS
Academic Registrar
Riara University, Mbagathi Way
P.O. Box 49940-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 0703 038 000
Email: admissions@riarauniversity.ac.ke
Website: www.riarauniversity.ac.ke
Call 0703 038 000 to speak to a career coach at Riara University.
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