Microfinance Diploma (MDP)

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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 Course

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 practit ioner s from the microfinance industry.

MDP ObjectiveThe curriculum has been developed to meet the specific needs of the Kenyan microfinance industr y with input from practitioners and var ious industr y stakeholder s to ensure relevance. The objective of the programme is:• Toexposeparticipantstothebasicand

technical skills of microfinance operations;• Tohelpenhanceprofessionalismandbuild

capacity in the microfinance industry;• GiveemployeesoftheMFI’stheopportunity

to acquire formal qualifications to build a professional foundation for a career in the field.

Duration and Structure• Thisprogrammeisofferedonaparttime

basis in Saturday only classes or via distance learning

• Itisofferedin9modulestaughtoveraperiod of 3 semesters, which run over a minimum period of 1 year.

• ExaminationsconsistofComprehensiveAssignmentsandUniversityExaminations.

• Completionandsubmissionofthecomprehensive Assignments is of paramount importanceanddeterminesthestudent’sability to sit for exams.

• ToqualifyfortheMicrofinanceDiploma,the student must complete all modules, sit all exams and submit a complete research project.

CareerThe programme targets employees of microfinance organisations as well as other people interested in developing a professional career in microfinance.

Learning FaCiLiTiesE-LearningStrathmore 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

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eduCaTion FinanCing

To help you manage your education financing, Strathmore has partnered with Commercial BankofAfrica and theWorld Bank’s InternationalFinance Corporation to offer low-interest loans to students pursuing degrees and diplomas at the University. Students can also get loans from theHigherEducationLoansBoard(HELB).

conducive to private study and research. The wide range of material contributes to the university’sexcellentacademicperformance.The library system is available online.

enTryRequirementsThe following will be eligible for admission into the Micro Finance Diploma Programme:• Beaholderofaprofessionalcertificate

in a relevant discipline form an Institution recognised by the Academic Council of the University AND

• BeaholderofKCSE(orequivalentexamination) certificate with a minimum of C+orbeaholderofKACEcertificatewitha minimum of two Subsidiary Passes, and a minimum of a Credit Pass in Mathematics at KCE;AND

•HaveworkedinanMFI,SACCO,Bank,andFinancial Institution OR Non-bank financial Institution for a minimum of two years

Exemptions• Exemptionsaregrantedatthediscretionof

the Academic Council.• Unlessexempted,acandidateisrequiredto

take all modules.• Exemptionproceduresareavailablefrom

the microfinance program coordinator.

Entrance ExaminationsCandidates are required to sit a General

Entrance Examination (GEE), which shallconsists of:Mathematics, English and finally anOral interview.• ApplicantsshouldreporttotheUniversity

by 8.00am on the day of the interview and should bring:

• Three(3)passport-sizephotographs•Originalandphotocopiesofallrelevant

academic and professional certificates• CopyofthenationalID/BirthCertificate/

Passport• EntranceExaminationfeeofKShs600.• Letterfromyouremployerindicatingwork

experience of a minimum of two years.

oTher inFormaTion• Studentswillbeexpectedtocomplywith

existing University regulations.• TheUniversityisrecognisedbythe

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.

• TheUniversityofferssnacks,drinksandhotmeals to students and staff at reasonable prices.

• TheLibraryisopenonweekdaysfrom7.30amto9.00pmandonSaturdaysfrom8.00am to 7.30pm and Sundays 1.00pm- 6.00pm

• TheUniversityhasadresscode,whichwekindly request course participants to respect.

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For more details contact: Admissions Office, Strathmore UniversityPO Box59857-00200CitySquare,Nairobi,KenyaTel(020)6006155Mobile0733618135,0722205428Fax(020)6007498Email admissions@strathmore.eduwww.strathmore.edu

How to reacH us

TheUniversityislocatedonOleSangaleRoad(offLangataRoad) accessible by private means or public transport from the CentralBusStationwithsignboard14A–Strathmore.

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.

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