Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Courses in Kenya

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Courses in Kenya


Applicants undertaking the Certified Public Accountants course, usually look forward to working as professional Accountants in the future. One can pursue and qualify in this field to become a certified Accountant, Finance Manager, Auditor, Consultant, or maybe Tax Manager. In this article, we are going to look-see full-time and online Certified Public Accountant (CPA) best-offering schools in Kenya; course entry requirements, colleges, fee structure. Qualified CPA applicants can pursue online CPA programmes and classes which are considered part-time, or take a full sit-in course in the selected institution. This field is looked over by KASNEB and it comprises three parts that contain two sections each. Namely:

  • CPA part 1: Section I and II
  • CPA part 2: Section III and IV
  • CPA part 3: Section V and VI

CPA students take around 6 months to complete a single section. One can integrate two sections in a single path as long as they belong to the same part. After graduating in this field, CPA graduates tend to go on and undertake a degree in Business Administration, Commerce, and a Masters in either of the fields stated as they specialize. Below is a list of careers a CPA graduate can go after to earn more experience, and their dream salary as well:

A list of CPA careers one can undertake

  1. Certified internal editor
  2. Accountant
  3. Budget analyst
  4. Accountant clerk
  5. Chief Financial officer
  6. Forensic accounting
  7. Payroll clerk
  8. Accounts receivable clerk

CPA course colleges, requirements, fee structure, and best-offering schools in Kenya

KCA (Kenya College of Accountancy) School of Professional programs

The Kenya College of Accountancy amongst the most popular CPA offering universities and colleges across the Kenyan map. It gives students an opportunity to specialize in Accounting, Finance Management, Tax Management and Auditing. The amount of fees payable per section is Ksh. 20,500. Pursuing a degree in this school requires one to have attained the following qualifications:

  • A mean of C+ in your KCSE
  • C+ in English and Mathematics
  • Alternatively, someone with a related degree or diploma certificates approved by KASNEB from a recognized university. 

CPA course structure

Part 1, Section 1

  • Introduction to law
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Financial Accounting

Part 1, Section 2





  • Cost Accounting
  • Economics
  • Auditing and Insurance

Part 2, Section 3

  • Financial Management
  • Management Information Systems
  •  Financial reporting

Part 2, Section 4

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Company law

Part 3, Section 5

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Principles and Practice of Management
  • Management Accounting

Part 3, Section 6

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance

COFA Institute of Technology- Ongata Rongai





CPA Field Content

Part 1, Section 1

  • Introduction to law
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Financial Accounting

Part 1, Section 2



  • Cost Accounting
  • Economics
  • Auditing and Insurance

Part 2, Section 3

  • Financial Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Financial reporting

Part 2, Section 4

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Company law

Part 3, Section 5

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Principles and Practice of Management
  • Management Accounting

Part 3, Section 6

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance

Here are the CPA entry requirements in this institution:

  • An Average KCSE grade of C+ (plus)
  • An average of C + in Mathematics and English
  • A KACE (Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education) at least; as well as a minimum of 2 principal passes i.e. the CPA applicant provides credits in both English and Math in equivalent or related qualifications.
  • An ATC II Pass
  • A degree obtained from an identified institution

Strathmore University School of Accountancy- Nairobi

In Strathmore, a student can pursue a CPA course online on a part-time basis while handling other commitments on the other side. This university holds an entry exam during enrolment consisting of English, Mathematics, and an oral test. Pursuing a CPA course at Strathmore University takes a duration of up to three years of studying and specialization. Interviews are held on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 0800hrs. Here are a few items mandatory during the entrance to this institution:

  • An examination fee of Kes. 1,000
  • Copies and originals of all professional and academic certificates
  • 3 passport-size photos
  • IGSCE IV credits as well as GCE three B’s

Greenwich College- Garissa

This institution is under the exam body KASNEB. A single CPA section might take about 6 months to be completed.

CPA Units

Section I

  • Entrepreneurship and communication
  • Commercial law
  • Financial Accounting

Section II

  • Public Finance and Taxation
  • Management Accounting
  • Economics

Section III

  • Financial Management
  • Company law
  • Financial reporting

Section IV

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Audit and Assurance
  • Management of Information Systems

Section V

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Strategy, Governance and Ethics
  • Advanced Management Accounting

Section VI

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance
  • Advanced Public Finance and Taxation

Entry requirements

ATD or O- level or any Diploma programme

Kirinyaga Business and Technical Institute

CPA course duration in this institution goes up to six months for a section.

CPA Structure

Section I

  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Commercial law
  • Financial Accounting

Section II

  • Management Accounting
  • Economics
  • Public Finance and Taxation

Section III

  • Financial Management
  • Financial Reporting
  • Company Law

Section IV

  • Management of Information Systems
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Auditing and Assurance

Section V

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Advanced Management Accounting
  • Strategy, Governance and Ethics

Section VI

  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance
  • Advanced Public Finance and Taxation
  • Advanced Financial Reporting

Here are the minimum Entry requirements:

  • A mean grade of C+ in KCSE
  • An average of C+ in Maths and English

ICS College Mombasa branch- Mombasa

This college is under the KASNEB exam body, and it’s section duration runs to 6 months.

CPA programme outline

PART ONE

Section I

  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Commercial Law
  • Financial Accounting

Section II

  • Management Accounting
  • Economics
  • Public Finance and Taxation

PART TWO

Section III

  • Financial Reporting
  • Financial Management
  • Company Law

Section IV

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Auditing and Assurance
  • Management Information Systems

PART THREE

Section V

  • Advanced Management Accounting
  • Strategy, Governance and Ethics
  • Advanced Financial Management

Section VI

  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance
  • Advanced Public Finance and Taxation
  • Advanced financial reporting

As we look deeper into CPA course requirements, colleges, fee structure, and best-offering schools in Kenya; here are the entry requirements for this programme in ICS College:

  • A C+ in their KCSE
  • An average of C+ in English and Maths

NIBS (Nairobi Institute of Business Studies), Nairobi

This institution appears on the top list of universities and colleges offering CPA in Kenya 2021. The duration for a CPA section in this school takes up to 6 months and its exams are governed by KASNEB. The amount of fees payable per term is Ksh. 17,000, and it should be paid before 15th February. The deadline for registration is usually May 30th of the ongoing academic year while the exam fee payment deadline is August 15th.

CPA Outline

Section I

  • Fee payable per term is Ksh. 17,000
  • Section duration is 6 months
  • Exam are governed by KASNEB
  • Fee payable per term is Ksh. 17,000

Section II

  • Section duration is 6 months
  • Exam are governed by KASNEB
  • Fees payable per term is Ksh. 17,000

Section III

  • Section duration is 6 months
  • Fee payable per term is Ksh. 20,000
  • Exams are governed by KASNEB

Section IV

  • Fee payable per term is Ksh. 20,000
  • Section duration is 6months
  • Exams are governed by KASNEB

Section V

  • Fee payable per term is Ksh. 22,000
  • Section duration is 6 months
  • Exams are governed by KASNEB

Section VI

  • Fee payable per term is Ksh. 22,000
  • Section duration is 6 months
  • Exams are governed by KASNEB

ATD Level One

  • Exams are governed by KASNEB
  • Section duration is 5 months
  • Fees payable per term is Ksh. 16,000

ATD Level Two

  • Exams are governed by KASNEB
  • Section duration is 6 months
  • Fee payable per term is Ksh. 17,000

ATD Level Three

  • Exams are governed by KASNEB
  • Section duration is 5 months
  • Fees payable per term is Ksh. 18,000

Summit Institute of Professionals- Nairobi

This is one of the CPA best-offering schools in Kenya with the course requirements, fee structure, and the study duration for this programme. The duration per section in this institution is 6 months. Here’s what it entails of:

CPA Course structure

Part 1

Section I

  • Business law
  • Financial Accounting
  • Entrepreneurship and communication

Section II

  • Management Accounting
  • Economics
  • Public Finance and Taxation

Part 2

Section III

  • Financial Reporting
  • Company Law
  • Financial Management

Section IV

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Auditing and Assurance’
  • Management Information systems

Part 3

Section V

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Advanced Management Accounting
  • Strategy, Governance and Ethics

Section VI

  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance
  • Advanced Public Finance and Taxation
  • Advanced Financial Reporting

Qualification requirements

A mean grade of C+ in your KCSE exams

East Africa School of Management (EASM) – Donholm

CPA Course Outline

Section I

  • Financial Accounting
  • Entrepreneurship and communication
  • Commercial Law

Section II

  • Management Accounting
  • Economics
  • Public Finance and Taxation

Section III

  • Financial Reporting
  • Company Law
  • Financial Management

Section IV

  • Quantitative analysis
  • Auditing and Assurance
  • Management of Information Systems

Section V

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Strategy, Governance and Ethics
  • Advanced Management Accounting

Section VI

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance
  • Advanced Public Finance and Accounting

Wibs Teachers College- Kitengela

Here’s the CPA course structure in Wibs Teachers college:

Part One

Section I

  • Financial Accounting
  • Entrepreneurship and communication
  • Commercial Law

Section II

  • Management Accounting
  • Economics
  • Public Finance and Taxation

Part 2

Section III

  • Financial Reporting
  • Company Law
  • Financial Management

Section IV

  • Quantitative analysis
  • Auditing and Assurance
  • Management of Information Systems

Part 3

Section V

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Strategy, Governance and Ethics
  • Advanced Management Accounting

Section VI

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance
  • Advanced Public Finance and Taxation

Entry requirements

  • A C+ in KCSE
  • An average of C+ in Maths and English.
  • A KACE (Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education) along credits in English and Math at KCE level i.e. Kenya Certificate of Education and two Principle passes. Alternatively, one is required to have the Accounts Clerk National certificate (ACNC) or an ATC (Accounting Technicians Certificate).
  • A Degree certificate from a honoured university.

Fees and Duration

Undertaking a single CPA section in this institution takes 5 months. Here are the amounts of fees payable per section in different parts of the programme:

  1. Part I, Ksh.12,000/section
  2. Part II, Ksh. 14,000/section
  3. Part III, Ksh. 16,000/section

Starnet College- Nairobi

Exams in these institutions are administered by KASNEB. Just like most CPA offering colleges, requirements, fee structure, and durations stated above; taking one CPA section in Starnet will take 6 months of studying. Here’s the CPA course structure in Starnet college:

Part One

Section I

  • Financial Accounting
  • Entrepreneurship and communication
  • Commercial Law

Section II

  • Management Accounting
  • Economics
  • Public Finance and Taxation

Part 2

Section III

  • Financial Reporting
  • Company Law
  • Financial Management

Section IV

  • Quantitative analysis
  • Auditing and Assurance
  • Management of information Systems

Part three

Section V

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Strategy, Governance and Ethics
  • Advanced Management Accounting

Section VI

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance
  • Advanced Public Finance and Taxation

Minimum qualification requirements

An average of C+ (Plus) in KCSE.

Kakamega School of Professional Studies- Kakamega

CPA Course Structure

Part 1, Section 1

  • Introduction to law
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Financial Accounting

Part 1, Section 2

  • Cost Accounting
  • Economics
  • Auditing and Insurance

Part 2, Section 3

  • Financial Management
  • Management of Information Systems
  • Financial reporting

Part 2, Section 4

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Company law

Part 3, Section 5

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Principles and Practice of Management
  • Management Accounting

Part 3, Section 6

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance

Juja College of Accountancy- Juja

Duration per section: 6 months 

CPA Course structure

Part 1, Section 1

  • Introduction to law
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Financial Accounting

Fees payable: Ksh.14,000

Part 1, Section 2

  • Cost Accounting
  • Economics
  • Auditing and Insurance

Fees payable: Ksh. 14,000

Part 2, Section 3

  • Financial Management
  • Management of Information Systems
  • Financial reporting

Fees payable: Ksh. 14,500

Part 2, Section 4

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Company law

Fees payable: Ksh.14,500

Part 3, Section 5

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Principles and Practice of Management
  • Management Accounting

Fees payable: Ksh. 15,000

Part 3, Section 6

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance

Fees payable: Ksh.15,000

Kenya Institute of Professional Studies- Nairobi

The amount of fees payable per CPA section in this institution is Ksh. 16,000. The exam body that is in charge of the CPA exam administration is KASNEB. The duration for one section of CPA in this institute is 6 months. Here’s the course structure:

CPA course outline

Section I

  • Entrepreneurship and communication
  • Commercial law
  • Financial Accounting

Section II

  • Public Finance and Taxation
  • Management Accounting
  • Economics

Section III

  • Financial Management
  • Company law
  • Financial reporting

Section IV

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Audit and Assurance
  • Management of Information Systems

Section V

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Strategy, Governance and Ethics
  • Advanced Management Accounting

Section VI

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance
  • Advanced Public Finance and Taxation

Entry requirements

  • A C+ (Plus) in your KCSE
  • A mean of C+ in Mathematics and English
  • An Accounting Technicians Certificate or any other diplomas or certificates sanctioned by KASNEB

Experts Business College- Thika

The duration per section when undertaking this field in Experts Business College is 6 months for a single section. Exams in this institution are administered by KASNEB. Here’s the CPA course outline as at Expert Business College, Thika:

CPA Structure

CPA Part 1, Section 1

  • Introduction to law
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Financial Accounting

CPA Part 1, Section 2

  • Cost Accounting
  • Economics
  • Auditing and Insurance

CPA Part 2, Section 3

  • Financial Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Financial reporting

CPA Part 2, Section 4

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Company law

CPA Part 3, Section 5

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Principles and Practice of Management
  • Management Accounting

CPA Part 3, Section 6

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance

Minimum requirements

A mean of C+ (Plus) in your KCSE

Jogima Business School- Ongata Rongai

Just like other offering colleges, CPA examinations in this institution are administered by KASNEB. Being one of the colleges and institutions offering CPA (Certificate Public Accountant) in Kenya; Jogima Business School gives students a chance to pursue and specialize in their skills. 

CPA Structure

CPA Part 1, Section 1

  • Introduction to law
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Financial Accounting

CPA Part 1, Section 2

  • Cost Accounting
  • Economics
  • Auditing and Insurance

CPA Part 2, Section 3

  • Financial Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Financial reporting

CPA Part 2, Section 4

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Company law

CPA Part 3, Section 5

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Principles and Practice of Management
  • Management Accounting

CPA Part 3, Section 6

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance

Minimum Entry requirements

At least a C+ (Plus) in your KCSE

Vihiga College of Business and Technical training- Vihiga

Studying a CPA in this institution might take you up to 6 semesters. Exams in this college are administered by KASNEB. A CPA in this school consists of three modules whereby, the amount of fees payable per module is Ksh. 15,000.

Course entry requirements

One has to score a mean of C+ and above in their KCSE

Course outline

CPA Part 1, Section 1

  • Introduction to law
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Financial Accounting

CPA Part 1, Section 2

  • Cost Accounting
  • Economics
  • Auditing and Insurance

CPA Part 2, Section 3

  • Financial Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Financial reporting

CPA Part 2, Section 4

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Company law

CPA Part 3, Section 5

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Principles and Practice of Management
  • Management Accounting

CPA Part 3, Section 6

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance

Serein Education Centre- Nakuru

CPA Course Structure

Part 1, Section 1

  • Introduction to law
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Financial Accounting

Part 1, Section 2

  • Cost Accounting
  • Economics
  • Auditing and Insurance

Part 2, Section 3

  • Financial Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Financial reporting

Part 2, Section 4

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Company law

Part 3, Section 5

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Principles and Practice of Management
  • Management Accounting

Part 3, Section 6

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance

The minimum entry requirement in this course is scoring a C+ in your KCSE

Juja College of Accounting- Juja

CPA Course Structure

Part 1, Section 1

  • Introduction to law
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Financial Accounting

Fees: Kes 14,000

Part 1, Section 2

  • Cost Accounting
  • Economics
  • Auditing and Insurance

Fees: Kes 14,000

Part 2, Section 3

  • Financial Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Financial reporting

Fees: Kes 14,500

Part 2, Section 4

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Company law

Fees: Kes. 14,500

Part 3, Section 5

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Principles and Practice of Management
  • Management Accounting

Fees: Kes 15,000

Part 3, Section 6

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance

Fees: Kes 15,000

NIBS Distance Learning and E-learning Centre- Ruiru

Exams in this institution are governed by KASNEB. The examination periods run during the months of June and November. Here’s the fees structure for pursuing CPA in this institution:

  • Section I and II: Ksh. 4,000
  • Section III and IV: Ksh. 4,500
  • Section V and VI: Ksh. 5,000

CPA course structure

CPA Part 1, Section 1

  • Introduction to law
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication
  • Financial Accounting

CPA Part 1, Section 2

  • Cost Accounting
  • Economics
  • Auditing and Insurance

CPA Part 2, Section 3

  • Financial Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Financial reporting

CPA Part 2, Section 4

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Company law

CPA Part 3, Section 5

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Principles and Practice of Management
  • Management Accounting

CPA Part 3, Section 6

  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Auditing and Assurance

Kenya Institute of Development Studies- Nairobi

This is one of the best-offering colleges and institutions offering CPA (Certificate Public Accountant) in Kenya. 

Course Structure

CPA Part I, section 1 and 2

  • Studying duration per section is 6 months
  • Fees payable per module: Kes. 13,500
  • Fees payable per exam paper: Kes. 4,000

Minimum entry requirements: C+ in KCSE and a C+ in mathematics

CPA Part II, section 3 and 4

  • Studying duration per section is 6 months
  • Fees payable per module: Kes. 15,000
  • Fees payable per exam paper: Kes. 5,000

Minimum entry requirements: A pass in CPA part I

CPA Part III, section 5 and 6

  • Studying duration per section is 6 months
  • Fees payable per module: Kes. 16,500
  • Fees payable per exam paper: Kes. 5.500

Minimum entry requirements: A pass in CPA part II

Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences

This institution comprises various branches and campuses across the country. Therefore, it is considered among the best colleges and institutions offering CPA (Certificate Public Accountant) in Kenya. Undertaking a full CPA programme in these institutions takes 6 sections.  Here is the list of Thika School of medical and Health Sciences campuses and branches across the country:

  1. Nairobi campus
  2. Mombasa campus
  3. Thika campus
  4. Kitui campus

Here are the minimum entry requirements for pursuing a CPA course in the above offering institutions:

  • A mean grade of C+ in KCSE
  • A C+ in Mathematics as well as English
  • A degree certificate from an acknowledged university
  • Other relative diplomas and certificates  authorized by KASNEB

A list of Universities best-offering Certified Public Accounting in Kenya

  1. Strathmore University School of accountancy- Nairobi
  2. KCA University- Nairobi
  3. Laikipia University- Laikipia
  4. Catholic University of Eastern Africa- Nairobi
  5. Catholic University of Eastern Africa- Eldoret 
  6. CUEA Kisumu Campus- Kisumu
  7. Dedan Kimathi university of technology
  8. Machakos University- Machakos
  9. The East African University- Kajiado
  10. St. Paul’s University- Limuru
  11. Laikipia University- Naivasha
  12. Technical University of Mombasa- Mombasa
  13. Kenya Methodist University- Nyeri
  14. KCA Nairobi CBD- Nairobi
  15. Taita Taveta University- Voi
  16. KCA University Kitengela- Kitengela
  17. Kenya Methodist University- Meru
  18. The Management University of Africa- Nairobi
  19. Lukenya University-  Athi River
  20. Meru University of Science and Technology- Meru
  21. A.C.K Bishop Hannington institute- Mombasa

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