In 2025, a growing trend is reshaping Kenya’s accounting education landscape: more students are opting out of the traditional CPA route and switching to ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). While CPA Kenya has long been the dominant choice for aspiring accountants, the global economy and job market are driving students to pursue qualifications that offer wider career flexibility and international recognition.

So, why exactly are Kenyan students dropping CPA for ACCA in such significant numbers this year?

1. Global Recognition and Career Mobility

Perhaps the most compelling reason is ACCA’s global reach. The qualification is recognized in over 180 countries, making it ideal for students who want to work abroad or in international firms based in Kenya. CPA, while respected locally, does not provide the same level of global portability.

Many Kenyan students are now aiming for careers not only in Nairobi or Mombasa but also in financial hubs like Dubai, London, Toronto, and Sydney—something ACCA is tailored for.

2. ACCA Is More Career-Focused in 2025

With recent curriculum updates, ACCA Courses are aligning more closely with industry demands. There is a strong focus on digital finance, ESG reporting, analytics, and financial technology. These are areas where Kenya’s own financial services sector is rapidly expanding, and ACCA graduates are entering the market with ready-to-use, practical skills.

Compared to CPA’s traditionally exam-heavy approach, ACCA encourages application-based learning and real-world case studies, helping students become more job-ready from day one.

3. Flexible Entry and Study Options

Unlike CPA, which often requires a university degree for progression, ACCA allows multiple entry points. Even students who’ve just finished high school (KCSE) can begin with the Foundations in Accountancy and work their way up.

In addition, ACCA Coaching is widely available in both online and offline formats, giving students in rural and urban Kenya equal access. This flexibility is particularly important in 2025, where blended and remote learning models are preferred.

Institutions like Hamzah Academy lead this flexible learning movement, offering structured ACCA Courses designed to support Kenyan students through each paper, from Applied Knowledge to Strategic Professional.

Hamzah Academy is especially popular for its modern curriculum delivery, experienced faculty, and commitment to helping students secure international job opportunities.

4. Better Employment Prospects and Salary Growth

Employers in Kenya—especially multinational companies and large audit firms—now view ACCA as a top-tier qualification. In fact, a 2025 report by several Nairobi recruitment agencies found that ACCA-qualified candidates were hired 40% faster than CPA holders for mid-level finance roles.

This is largely due to ACCA’s focus on global accounting standards (IFRS), risk management, strategic leadership, and financial reporting. With more Kenyan companies going digital and expanding regionally, the demand for globally-oriented accountants is increasing—and ACCA fits that need perfectly.

5. Modern Exam Structure and Accessibility

Another key difference is how ACCA assessments are structured. The use of computer-based exams (CBEs) and on-demand testing provides unmatched flexibility, allowing students to take exams when ready instead of waiting for fixed schedules.

CPA exams, on the other hand, are still bound by traditional formats and fewer exam sittings. In an age where speed and adaptability matter, ACCA's structure is more student-friendly.

Conclusion: ACCA Is Redefining Accounting Careers in Kenya

In 2025, it’s clear why Kenyan students are increasingly choosing ACCA over CPA. The international scope, modern syllabus, flexible structure, and stronger career outcomes make ACCA the smart choice for future-ready finance professionals.

With institutions like Hamzah Academy offering top-level ACCA Coaching tailored for the Kenyan market, students are now better prepared to not only pass exams but thrive in the real world.

If you’re a Kenyan student thinking about your accounting future, ACCA might just be your ticket to a global career.