About the Programme
The Institute of Continuing Education offers the Microfinance Diploma Programme (MDP), which was developed as a result of a tripartite agreement between Strathmore University, Swisscontact and the Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI).
The MDP aims at providing participants with the basic skills in microfinance and exposing them to effective ways of managing microfinance operations. The microfinance industry aims at the provision of sustainable financial services to the low-income and the micro and small enterprise sectors in Kenya. The programme targets employees of microfinance organizations as well as other people interested in developing a professional career in microfinance. The programme is designed to meet individual and corporate training needs of the microfinance Industry in general. The lecturers for the programme are drawn from staff members in the University and practitioners from the microfinance industry.
MDP Objective
The curriculum has been developed to meet the specific needs of the Kenyan microfinance industry with input from practitioners and various stakeholders in the industry to ensure the relevance of the programme.
The objective of the programme is:
- To expose participants to the basic and technical skills of microfinance operations;
- To help enhance professionalism in the Microfinance industry and build capacity for the MFI sector;
- Give employees of the MFI’s the opportunity to acquire formal qualifications to build a professional foundation for a career in the microfinance field.
Admission Requirements
The following will be eligible for admission into the Micro finance Diploma Programme:
- Be a holder of a professional certificate in a relevant discipline form an Institution recognized by the Academic Council of the University AND
- Be a holder of KCSE (or equivalent examination) certificate with a minimum of C+ or be a holder of KACE certificate with a minimum of two Subsidiary Passes, and a minimum of a Credit Pass in Mathematics at KCE; AND
- Have worked in an MFI, SACCO, Bank, and Financial Institution OR Non-bank financial Institution for a minimum of two years
Entrance Examinations
Candidates will be required to sit an Entrance Examination, which consists of:
- English Essay.
- Oral Interview.
Candidates should report to the University by 8:00 am on Thursdays and should bring:
- 3 pass-port-size photographs.
- Original and photocopies of relevant academic and professional certificates.
- KSHS 600 entrance examination fees
- Letter from your employer indicating work experience of a minimum of two years.
Programme duration and structure
- This programme is offered on Saturdays only between 8:30am to 5:00pm
- The course runs for a period of one year
- Examinations consist of Continuous Assessment and University Examinations.
- Attendance of class is of paramount importance and determines the student’s ability to sit for exams.
- To qualify for the Microfinance Diploma, the student must complete all modules, sit all exams and submit a complete research project.
Exemptions
- Exemptions are granted at the discretion of the Academic Council.
- Unless exempted, a candidate is required to take all modules.
- Exemption procedures are available from the microfinance program coordinator.
Other Information
- Students will be expected to comply with existing regulations governing the University.
- The University is recognised by the Directorate of Industrial Training for the purpose of reimbursement of fees.The names of students sponsored must be submitted to the Directorate before the commencement of the course.
- The University offers snacks, drinks and hot meals to students and staff at reasonable prices.
- The Library is open on weekdays from 7:30 am to 7:00pm and on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- The University has a dress code, which we kindly request all course participants to respect.
MDP Course Structure |
