Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (Economics & Sociology)

The Bachelor of Arts (Economics & Sociology) is a four-year interdisciplinary degree that combines economic theory and analysis with sociological perspectives on society, social structures, and human behaviour. Students study microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, mathematics for economists, economic statistics, economic development, public finance, and international economics, alongside sociology modules including sociological theory, social research methods, rural sociology, social psychology, gender studies, social.

Graduates find opportunities in government ministries, county governments, research institutions, NGOs, international development agencies, banking and financial institutions, and corporate organisations across Kenya. The programme is delivered over eight semesters at Egerton University, Chuka University, Kisii University, and Laikipia University, all CUE-accredited public universities.

Graduates work as economic policy analysts, sociologists, research officers, social workers, community development officers, monitoring and evaluation officers, and project officers in government, NGOs, and private sector organisations. This programme suits students with aptitude in mathematics, interest in social issues, analytical thinking abilities, and commitment to evidence-based problem-solving.

The interdisciplinary nature requires balancing quantitative economic analysis with qualitative sociological understanding, making it ideal for students who want to understand economic phenomena within their broader social context. Skills RequiredMicroeconomic and Macroeconomic AnalysisEconometrics and Statistical AnalysisSociological Theory and Social AnalysisSocial Research MethodsEconomic Development PlanningPublic Finance and Policy AnalysisData Collection and AnalysisGender and Social Impact AssessmentCommunity Development and Social WelfareReport Writing and Policy Brief DevelopmentKey S

ubjectsPrinciples of MicroeconomicsPrinciples of MacroeconomicsMathematics for EconomistsEconomic StatisticsEconometricsEconomic DevelopmentSociological TheorySocial Research MethodsPublic FinanceInternational EconomicsCertificationsEconomics Society of Kenya (ESK) MembershipNational Association of Social Workers Kenya (NASW-K)Monitoring and Evaluation Certification — AMREFSpecializationsEconomic Policy AnalysisFocus on macroeconomic analysis, fiscal policy, monetary policy, public finance, and economic policy formulation for government ministries, research institutions, and policy think tanks.

Social Research and DevelopmentFocus on social research methods, community development, social welfare, and applying sociological analysis to development planning in NGO and government settings.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 225,800
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 45 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Macroeconomics
Mathematics for Economists
Economic Statistics
Econometrics
Economic Development
Sociological Theory
Social Research Methods
Public Finance
International Economics

Modules

12 in the programme

Principles of Microeconomics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Definition, scope and methods of economics; economic systems and organisations; theory of supply and demand; consumer theory; theory of production and costs; theory of market structure.
Introduction to Sociology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts of sociology including sociological perspectives, social structures, social institutions, culture, socialisation, and the sociological imagination.
Introduction to Mathematics for Economists
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Mathematical foundations for economics including algebra, calculus, optimisation, and their application to economic models and problem-solving.
Rural Sociology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Sociological analysis of rural communities, rural social structures, agrarian systems, rural-urban migration, and social change in rural African societies.
Contemporary Economic Issues in Africa
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of contemporary economic challenges facing African countries including poverty, inequality, trade, debt, regional integration, and economic development strategies.
Principles of Macroeconomics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
National income accounts; circular flow of national income; national income determination; consumption, investment and saving functions; money demand and supply; monetary and fiscal policies; unemp...
Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Theory of consumer behaviour and choice; equilibrium analysis; application of consumer demand theory; producer theory; market structure; factor pricing; general equilibrium analysis.
Methods of Social Research I
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methodology for social sciences including research design, sampling, data collection methods, questionnaire design, and ethical considerations in social research.
Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Extension of Keynesian income determination model; theories of consumption, savings and investment; theories of money; IS-LM framework; inflation, employment, balance-of-payments and exchange rates.
Econometrics I
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to econometric methods including linear regression, hypothesis testing, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, and application of econometric techniques to economic data.
Foundations of Sociological Theory
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Classical sociological theories including Marx, Durkheim, and Weber; theoretical perspectives on social structure, social change, conflict, and functionalism.
Public Finance and International Economics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Government revenue and expenditure; taxation theory; public debt; fiscal policy; international trade theory; balance of payments; exchange rate systems; and international economic institutions.

Specialisations

Economic Policy Analysis
Focus on macroeconomic analysis, fiscal policy, monetary policy, public finance, and economic policy formulation for government ministries, research institutions, and policy think tanks.
Social Research and Development
Focus on social research methods, community development, social welfare, and applying sociological analysis to development planning in NGO and government settings.
Econometrics and Data Analysis
Focus on statistical methods for economic analysis, econometric modelling, data collection and analysis, and evidence-based research for research institutions and policy organisations.
Gender and Development Studies
Focus on gender analysis, women's economic empowerment, gender mainstreaming in development, and the intersection of gender with economic and social policy.
Rural and Agricultural Sociology
Focus on rural sociology, agricultural communities, land issues, rural livelihoods, and the social dimensions of agricultural and rural development.
Urban and Regional Economics
Focus on urban economics, regional development, urbanisation patterns, and the economic and social dynamics of urban and peri-urban communities.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures in microeconomics, macroeconomics, or sociological theory with afternoon tutorials, data analysis practicals, and group discussions. Students work through mathematical economics problems, analyse social survey data, and discuss case studies on economic development and social change. Evenings involve completing problem sets, reading academic papers, and preparing research project proposals.

The trade offs

In its favour

Interdisciplinary curriculum combining economics and sociology provides graduates with unique analytical perspectives valued in policy analysis, development planning, and social research roles.
The Public Service Commission regularly advertises entry-level Economic Policy Analyst positions (CSG 10, KES 41,420–57,230/month) for economics graduates, providing clear public sector career paths.
Programme available at four public universities with varying fee structures (KES 148,500–259,335), giving students options based on budget and location.
Strong foundation for postgraduate study in economics, sociology, public policy, development studies, or MBA programmes, enabling career advancement and specialisation.

Against it

The programme requires competence in both mathematics (for economics) and qualitative analysis (for sociology), which can be challenging for students strong in only one area.
No private university offers this exact programme, limiting options for students who prefer private institution environments or flexible study modes.
Sociology-focused roles such as social worker and community development officer have modest entry-level salaries (KES 30,000–45,000/month) compared to economics-focused roles.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 241 social sciences courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 226k

105k at Mount Kenya University226k at Daystar University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU BA 153,000/yr; UoN BA 189,004/yr; MKU 105,000/yr; Daystar ~225,800/yr. Src: educationnewshub, joweri

Students can access HELB loans, county government bursaries, and university-specific scholarships and bursaries.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
County Government Bursaries
University Scholarships and Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
NGAAF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Women, youth and persons with disabilities from vulnerable backgrounds
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students placed through KUCCPS in public universities.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Students from the respective county, applied through county education offices.
University Internal Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Needy students enrolled at the respective university, applied through the financial aid office.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C plain with C+ in Mathematics, or C plain in Mathematics and C plain in Economics, Commerce, Accounting, or Business Studies. Diploma in a related field from a recognised institution. KACE with two principal passes and one subsidiary.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework25% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, sociological theory, and research methods.
Assignments and Problem Sets
Coursework25% of the mark
Mathematical economics problem sets, econometric exercises, research assignments, and essay papers assessed throughout each semester.
Research Project and Fieldwork
Coursework15% of the mark
Social research projects, data collection assignments, fieldwork reports, and a final-year research project applying interdisciplinary analysis.
Final Examinations
Examination35% of the mark
End-of-semester written examinations covering all course material, with emphasis on analytical and problem-solving abilities across both disciplines.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Egerton University, Chuka University, Kisii University, and Laikipia University, all CUE-accredited public universities.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Economic Policy Analyst II
High demandKsh 41,420 to Ksh 57,230
Entry-level government position analysing macroeconomic, revenue, and expenditure data; maintaining fiscal databases; and supporting development of fiscal and macroeconomic policies at the National Treasury and economic planning departments.
Sociologist II
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 55,000
Entry-level position conducting social surveys, preparing social impact assessments, reviewing social provisions in projects, and implementing grievance redress mechanisms for government agencies and development organisations.
Research Officer
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 60,000
Conducts systematic literature reviews, primary data collection, and data analysis for research institutions, universities, and policy think tanks working on economic and social development issues.
Social Worker
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 50,000
Provides social support services, conducts case management, supports vulnerable groups, and links communities to social services in government departments, NGOs, and community-based organisations.
Community Development Officer
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 55,000
Facilitates community development programmes, conducts socio-economic surveys, mobilises communities, and implements development projects for county governments and NGO organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as economic policy analysts, sociologists, research officers, social workers, and community development officers in government, NGOs, research institutions, and financial organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

STATA
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for econometric analysis, data management, regression modelling, and economic research — widely used in economics research and policy analysis.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for social research data, survey analysis, and quantitative sociological research — standard tool in social science research.
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet software for economic data analysis, budget modelling, financial calculations, and data management in policy and research work.
R
Software
Open-source statistical computing and graphics software for advanced econometric analysis, data visualisation, and reproducible research in economics and social sciences.
NVivo
Software
Qualitative data analysis software for coding and analysing interview transcripts, field notes, and qualitative social research data.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Economics and Sociology is a weak combination with no clear career path.
The combination is highly valued in policy analysis, development planning, and social research. Government agencies like the National Treasury actively recruit graduates with economics backgrounds for policy roles.
Sociology is not a rigorous academic discipline.
Sociology involves systematic research methods, statistical analysis, theoretical frameworks, and empirical investigation of social phenomena. It is a well-established social science with rigorous methodologies.
Economics and Sociology graduates only work in academia.
Graduates work in government ministries, county governments, NGOs, research institutions, banking, and corporate organisations. The Public Service Commission regularly advertises entry-level positions for economics and sociology graduates.
You cannot get a well-paying job with this degree.
Entry-level government positions for economics graduates start at KES 41,420–57,230/month (CSG 10), with progression to KES 52,330–96,130 at senior levels. NGO and international organisation roles can pay significantly more.
This programme is the same as a pure Economics degree.
The programme combines approximately 50% economics and 50% sociology modules, providing interdisciplinary perspectives that pure economics degrees lack. Graduates understand both economic mechanisms and their social implications.