Microfinance Diploma (MDP) - Strathmore University

Microfinance 

Diploma 

(MDP) 

SMC_MDP A5.indd 1 25/02/2011 02:28:38

The Course 

The School of Management and Commerce 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 and meets individual and corporate 

training needs. 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 industr y stakeholders to ensure 

relevance. The objective of the programme is: 

• To expose participants to the basic and 

technical skills of microfinance operations; 

• To help enhance professionalism and build 

capacity in the microfinance industry; 

• Give employees of the MFI’s the opportunity 

to acquire formal qualifications to build a 

professional foundation for a career in the 

field. 

Duration and Structure 

• This programme is offered on a part time 

basis in Saturday only classes or via distance 

learning 

• It is offered in 9 modules taught over a 

period of 3 semesters, which run over a 

minimum period of 1 year. 

• Examinations consist of Comprehensive 

Assignments and University Examinations. 

• Completion and submission of the 

comprehensive Assignments 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. 

Career 

The programme targets employees of 

microfinance organisations as well as other 

people interested in developing a professional 

career in microfinance. 

Learning Facilities 

E-Learning 

Strathmore University is a pioneer in the use 

of ICT. Our e-learning system enables students 

to view the coursework material that lecturers 

have posted, submit their finished assignments, 

update their calendars, interact and chat with 

fellow students, participate in various fora and 

communicate with their lecturer. Students have 

access to numerous computer laboratories, 

unlimited Internet, a wide range of software 

and e-mail. A wireless network enables students 

with laptops access to the network from various 

locations around the campus. 

Library 

The library complex and reading room are 

spacious, with an atmosphere that is highly 


Education Financing 

To help you manage your education financing, 

Strathmore has partnered with Commercial 

Bank of Africa and the World Bank’s International 

Finance Corporation to offer low-interest loans to 

students pursuing degrees and diplomas at the 

University. Students can also get loans from 

the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). 

conducive to private study and research. The 

wide range of material contributes to the 

university’s excellent academic performance. 

The library system is available online. 

Entry 

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 

recognised 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 

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. 

Entrance Examinations 

Candidates are required to sit a General 

Entrance Examination (GEE), which shall 

consists of: Mathematics, English and finally an 

Oral interview. 

• Applicants should report to the University 

by 8.00am on the day of the interview and 

should bring: 

• Three (3) passport-size photographs 

• Original and photocopies of all relevant 

academic and professional certificates 

• Copy of the national ID/ Birth Certificate/ 

Passport 

• Entrance Examination fee of KShs 600. 

• Letter from your employer indicating work 

experience of a minimum of two years. 

Other Information 

• Students will be expected to comply with 

existing University regulations. 

• 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 

7.30am to 9.00pm and on Saturdays from 

8.00am to 7.30pm and Sundays 1.00pm- 

6.00pm 

• The University has a dress code, which we 

kindly request course participants to respect. 


At Strathmore University, we are open to everyone, as 

felt in our warm family atmosphere and the simplicity and 

confidence with which we engage one another. We encourage 

open, lively and responsible interaction based on the respect 

for the freedom and opinion of others. Our culture and 

reputation for outstanding excellence has deep roots. We are 

driven by the desire to enable you recognise the dignity and 

worth of self and of others and to make that fact propel you 

to achieve the greatest possible excellence in what you do and 

to do it for the service of others. Strathmore University is for 

those seeking to be that peerless professional, revolutionary 

entrepreneur, inspirational manager or exemplary leader who 

wants to make an impact and transform our society. 

How to reach us 

The University is located on Ole Sangale Road (off Langata 

Road) accessible by private means or public transport from the 

Central Bus Station with signboard 14A – Strathmore. 

For more details contact: 

Admissions Office, Strathmore University 

PO Box 59857-00200 City Square, Nairobi, Kenya 

Tel (020) 6006155 Mobile 0733 618135, 0722 205428 

Fax (020) 6007498 Email admissions@strathmore.edu 

www.strathmore.edu

Microfinance Diploma (MDP) - Strathmore University

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