Zindua vs Moringa vs ALX – Comparing the 3 top coding schools in Kenya
Zindua vs Moringa vs ALX is the big question in many Kenyans’ minds looking to start a career in tech! The tech industry is growing rapidly in Kenya, and there is a high demand for skilled software developers, data scientists, product designers, and many other tech careers. As a result, there are a number of coding schools in Kenya that offer training in these fields. This blog post compares three of the most popular coding schools in Kenya: Moringa School, ALX, and Zindua School. We will discuss the pros and cons of each school to help you choose the best one for you.
Zindua School
Zindua School is a fast-growing coding school that offers a unique approach to education. The school is categorically known for its personalized learning, where classes of 50 are no longer the way forward. They maintain a personalized 7:1 instructor-to-student ratio by design for part-time classes, and a 15:1 ratio for full-time classes.
Zindua School also offers a flexible payment plan (Income Share Agreement) that allows students to pay what they can afford, and pay the rest once they start earning.
Pros
- Personalized Learning: Zindua School has small class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention from the instructors. The ratio of the class is usually 1:5, increasing interaction with the technical mentors.
- Learn Now, Pay Later Plans: Zindua School offers a flexible payment plan that allows students to pay what they can afford, and pay the rest once they start earning. This is done through an Income-Share-Agreement where 50% of fees are deferred and you pay the other 50% after getting a job.
- Flexible classes: Zindua’s hybrid classes offer maximum flexibility with only one in-person session weekly on Saturdays. This caters to working professionals and those with families, allowing you to learn valuable coding skills without sacrificing other commitments.
- “Learn by Doing” with Real-World Projects: Zindua’s unique curriculum emphasizes practical application. You’ll tackle daily challenges, weekly projects, and capstone projects after each module, building a strong portfolio showcasing your DSA and Systems Engineering expertise to potential employers.
- Affordable tuition: Zindua School’s tuition is affordable, making it a good option for students who are on a budget, with flexible plans and installments plans available to cater for your needs.
- Master extra computer science fundamentals: Zindua School equips you with a strong foundation in DSA and Systems Engineering, a critical skill for success in software development. Through personalized instruction and a project-based curriculum, you’ll gain expertise in solving complex coding challenges efficiently, making you a strong candidate for various coding jobs.
Cons
- Emerging Leader: Zindua School is a fast-growing institution, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. While they might have a shorter track record compared to established schools, their rapid growth suggests a strong reputation and curriculum that resonate with students in the Kenyan market.
- Limited Financial Aid Options: Zindua does not currently offer traditional scholarships. However, their focus on accessibility is reflected in their flexible payment plans, including Income Share Agreements (ISA). This allows students to defer a portion of tuition and only pay when they land a job.
- Limited Program Variety: Zindua School currently specializes in Data Science and Software Engineering programs. If you’re interested in fields like cybersecurity or product management, you may want to explore schools offering a wider range of tracks to align with your specific career goals.
Moringa School
Moringa School is one of the oldest and most established coding schools in Kenya. It was founded in 2014, and offers a variety of courses, including software development, data science, cybersecurity, and product design.
The school’s curriculum is hands-on and project-based, and students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects with industry partners.
Pros
- Established Brand in Tech Education: Moringa School boasts a strong reputation with over 7 years of experience. Their proven track record demonstrates success in equipping students with the necessary skills for the tech industry.
- Flatiron School Curriculum: Moringa’s curriculum is built upon the foundation of the Flatiron School, a renowned US coding bootcamp. This ensures students gain in-demand tech skills that are highly valued by employers.
- “Learn by Doing” Approach: Moringa’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through project-based activities. This practical approach allows students to gain essential coding skills by tackling real-world problems, preparing them effectively for the industry.
- Industry-Connected Learning: Moringa leverages partnerships with industry leaders like Google, IBM, and Andela. These collaborations offer students the unique opportunity to work on real-world projects alongside industry experts.
- Seasonal Scholarship Opportunities: Moringa School offers seasonal scholarships, helping make their programs more accessible to a wider range of students.
Cons
- Intensive Coursework: Moringa School’s full-time programs are known for their demanding nature. Students should be prepared to dedicate significant time and effort to succeed in this rigorous learning environment.
- Limited Financial Aid: While Moringa offers seasonal scholarships, their overall tuition fees can be expensive for some students. Consider exploring all financial aid options, including scholarships and payment plans, to determine affordability.
- Large Class Sizes: Moringa’s class sizes may be larger compared to some other coding schools. This can limit opportunities for personalized attention from instructors. Consider your learning style and preference for individual feedback when evaluating if Moringa’s class size aligns with your needs.
African Leadership Accelerator (ALX)
ALX is a prominent pan-African initiative focused on empowering individuals across the continent with in-demand tech skills. Through strategic partnerships, including The ROOM, the African Leadership Group (founders of African Leadership Academy and African Leadership University), and various global leaders like Google and Mastercard Foundation, ALX offers accessible and career-oriented tech education.
Pros
- Project-Based Learning with Industry Impact: ALX integrates real-world projects into their curriculum. Students collaborate with Google partners on practical applications, gaining valuable experience and potentially contributing to impactful projects. Building a portfolio of this caliber strengthens their resumes and sets them apart for future opportunities.
- Holberton School Curriculum: ALX’s curriculum is built upon the proven foundation of the Holberton School, ensuring students receive tech education focused on developing practical technical skills valued by employers in the tech industry.
- Pan-African Network and Mentorship: ALX fosters a vibrant network of African tech talent. Students connect with peers and potentially interact with established African tech leaders, creating valuable connections that can support their job search, career development, and entrepreneurial aspirations.
- Diverse Program Selection: ALX caters to a range of interests and career goals by offering a variety of programs. Explore options in Software Engineering, Data Science, Front-End Development, and potentially more. This allows students to choose the path that best aligns with their aspirations in the tech industry.
- Financial Accessibility through Payment Plans: While ALX doesn’t offer traditional scholarships, their potential payment plans provide alternative pathways to financing their education. These innovative approaches make their programs more accessible to a wider range of learners across Africa.
Cons
- Program Structure Flexibility: ALX’s program structure may be subject to change, including potential adjustments to program length (mentioned as months). This can be a point to consider if you prefer a more fixed program duration.
- Focus on Self-Directed Learning: ALX emphasizes a self-directed learning approach. While instructors are available, students may need to take initiative in managing their workload and seeking additional support when needed. Consider your learning style and preference for personalized guidance when evaluating if ALX’s approach aligns with your needs.
- Highly Competitive Admissions Process, Especially for Scholarships: ALX has a selective admissions process, and competition can be particularly intense for scholarship opportunities. Familiarize yourself with their admissions criteria and scholarship requirements. Prepare thoroughly to showcase your skills and potential to increase your chances of success.
- Demanding Full-Time Commitment and a Potentially High Dropout Rate: ALX’s full-time program is known for its demanding nature. Students should be prepared to dedicate significant time and effort to succeed in this rigorous learning environment. The intensity of the program can lead to a higher dropout rate compared to other schools. Carefully assess your time management skills, work ethic, and ability to handle a challenging curriculum before applying.
In a nutshell:
| Feature | Zindua School | Moringa School | ALX |
| Project-based Learning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Career Development & Job Placement Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tuition Fees | Affordable | High | Moderate |
| Personalization | High (Focus on individual needs) | Moderate | Low (Self-directed learning) |
| Computer Science Fundamentals | Yes | No | No |
| Scholarships | No Scholarships Available | Seasonal Scholarships Available | None |
| Tuition Financing | Flexible Payment Plans & ISAs | Seasonal scholarships, Payment Plans (limited info) | Payment Plans Available |
| Accreditation & Curriculum | Locally Developed Curriculum | Flatiron School Curriculum | Holberton School Curriculum |
| Flexible Learning | Yes | Limited | No |
| Active in the Market | 5 Years | 10 years | 9 Years |
What should you choose? Zindua vs Moringa vs ALX
The perfect coding school for you depends on your unique goals and learning preferences. Consider these factors as you navigate your options:
- Learning Style: Do you flourish in a structured environment with hands-on projects and personalized feedback (like Zindua School) or a more self-directed, project-based approach (like ALX)? Moringa School offers a blend of both, with a focus on practical learning.
- Financial Considerations: While ALX offers tuition through payment plans, explore the repayment terms carefully. Moringa School has scholarships but also program fees to consider. Zindua School offers a unique flexible payment plan and Income Share Agreements, allowing you to pay part upfront and defer the rest until after securing a job.
- Program Focus: Research the specific programs and curriculum at each school. Does Zindua’s focus on “learning by doing” resonate with you? Perhaps Moringa’s industry-connected learning or ALX’s pan-African network and diverse programs better align with your aspirations?
Once you’ve weighed these aspects, delve deeper into each school’s admissions process, student reviews, and career support resources. Remember, the competitive tech industry demands a strong foundation in coding skills. Choose the school that empowers you to excel and provides the right environment for your learning style.
