Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Studies is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in economics and business studies. The programme falls under the Business & Economics category and typically spans 4 Years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 150,503 a year at a public institution, Ksh 602,012 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 209,495 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 12 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Adolescent Mentorship Officer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Introduction to Microeconomics, Introduction to Macroeconomics, Business Statistics, Quantitative Techniques in Business, Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Business Law, Business Management, Economic analysis, Entrepreneurship, Financial Analysis. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Introduction to Microeconomics, Introduction to Macroeconomics, Introduction to Business Statistics, Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.
The programme offers specialisations in Business Economics, Development Economics, Financial Management. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Studies pursue careers as Business Development Manager, Economic Advisor, Risk Analyst, Research Officer. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.
What you study
10 subjects- Introduction to Microeconomics
- Introduction to Macroeconomics
- Business Statistics
- Quantitative Techniques in Business
- Intermediate Microeconomics
- Intermediate Macroeconomics
- Econometrics
- Development Economics
- Business Law
- Strategic Business Management
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Microeconomics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamental principles of microeconomics including demand and supply, consumer behaviour, production theory, and market structures.
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Basic macroeconomic concepts including national income, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, and economic growth.
Introduction to Business Statistics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Statistical methods for business analysis, including descriptive statistics, probability, and probability distributions.
Intermediate Microeconomics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced microeconomic theory covering consumer and producer behaviour, market failures, and welfare economics.
Intermediate Macroeconomics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced macroeconomic models including IS-LM framework, aggregate demand and supply, and open economy macroeconomics.
International Economics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
International trade theory, trade policy, balance of payments, exchange rate systems, and global economic integration.
Business Law
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Legal frameworks governing business operations in Kenya, including contract law, company law, and commercial regulations.
Strategic Business Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Strategic management principles, competitive analysis, business strategy formulation, and implementation in dynamic environments.
Development Economics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Economic development challenges in developing countries, including poverty, inequality, industrialisation, and structural transformation.
Monetary Economics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Role of money, banking systems, monetary policy, and central banking in the economy and their business implications.
Econometrics I
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Application of statistical methods to economic data, including linear regression, hypothesis testing, and model specification.
Research Project and Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent research project on an economics and business topic, plus supervised industrial attachment in a business or government organisation.
Specialisations
Business Economics
Applies economic principles to business decision-making, including pricing strategy, market analysis, and competitive behaviour.
Development Economics
Examines economic development challenges in developing countries and the role of business in driving growth and poverty reduction.
Financial Management
Covers corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets, and risk management in business organisations.
International Business
Focuses on international trade, global market entry strategies, and the impact of globalisation on business operations.
Public Sector Economics
Examines government revenue and expenditure, public policy, and the role of the state in economic management.
Monetary Economics
Studies the role of money, banking, and monetary policy in the economy and their implications for business.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on economic theory with afternoon sessions on business subjects such as accounting, marketing, or strategic management. Students work through quantitative problem sets, analyse case studies, and participate in group discussions on current economic and business issues. Industrial attachment in a corporate or government setting provides practical exposure to business-economic analysis.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Combines economic theory with practical business skills, producing graduates with both analytical rigour and business acumen. | Offered only at KCA University, limiting institutional choice for prospective students. |
| Flexible study modes including full-time, part-time, and weekend at KCA University, accommodating working students. | Private university tuition fees may be higher than public university alternatives for similar content. |
| Multiple intake periods in January, May, and September provide flexibility in admission timing. | Broad curriculum covering both economics and business may limit depth in either field compared to specialised degrees. |
| Strong career prospects in government, banking, consulting, and corporate sectors. | Some employers may prefer graduates with pure economics or pure business degrees for specialised roles. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business coursesAnnual 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
UoN 144K; PU 150.5K/yr. KCA 209.5K; MKU 105K/yr. Src: UoN booklet, PU/KCA fee structures
Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS placement. HELB loans are available for eligible students. KCA University also offers internal financial aid for academically outstanding and financially needy students.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
Scholarship
Students placed by KUCCPS in recognised universities
KCA University Financial Aid
Scholarship
Academically outstanding and financially needy students
Scholarships
4 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
KCA University Financial Aid
University bursaryKenyan
Academically outstanding and financially needy students. Application through the KCA University financial aid office.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points and are placed at KCA University.
County Government Bursaries
County bursaryKenyan
Students from specific counties may apply for bursary support through their county government education funds.
Scholarships you could apply for
11 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KACE with two principal passes and one subsidiary pass; OR a relevant Diploma in Business, Economics, or related discipline from a recognised institution; OR CPA/CPS Part I to III.
When it next starts
Taught at 12 institutionsIncluding KCA University, Maseno University, Kibabii University.
Including KCA University, Maseno University, Kibabii University.
Including KCA University, Maseno University, Kibabii University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, assignments, and coursework projects conducted during the trimester.
End of Trimester Examinations
Examination60% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each trimester covering all course content.
Research Project
Research100% of the mark
Final-year independent research project on an economics and business topic, culminating in a written paper.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of supervised field placement in a business or government organisation, including a written report.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. CUE accreditation ensures the programme meets national standards for curriculum, staffing, and facilities.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesBusiness Development Manager
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 120,000
Identifies and develops new business opportunities, conducts market analysis, and manages strategic partnerships for organisations.
Economic Advisor
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 130,000
Provides economic analysis and policy advice to government, NGOs, or corporate organisations.
Risk Analyst
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 110,000
Analyses financial and business risks, develops risk management strategies, and supports decision-making in banks or corporations.
Research Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 90,000
Conducts economic and business research for research institutions, consultancies, or corporate strategy departments.
Financial Analyst
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 130,000
Analyses financial data, evaluates investment opportunities, and provides recommendations for financial institutions or corporate finance.
Project Manager
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 120,000
Plans, implements, and manages projects in business or development organisations, applying economic and business analysis.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment in government policy planning, business development, banking, consulting, and research. The combination of economics and business skills is valued by employers across sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Correctional CounselorSocial Sciences15Low exposure
- Embedded Firmware EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Embedded Linux DeveloperTechnology15Low exposure
- Site Reliability EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Applied Cryptography EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
Tools you will learn
SPSS
Data analysisPrimary
Statistical analysis software used for econometric modelling and business data analysis.
Microsoft Excel
Data managementPrimary
Spreadsheet application for financial modelling, data analysis, and business planning.
Stata
Econometrics
Statistical software for econometric analysis and data management.
QuickBooks
Accounting
Accounting software for small business financial management and reporting.
R
Statistical computing
Open-source programming language for statistical computing and data analysis.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
This is just a commerce degree with a different name.
The programme combines rigorous economic theory with business management, providing a broader analytical foundation than a standard commerce degree.
Graduates can only work in banks.
Graduates work in government policy planning, consulting, research, business development, risk analysis, and entrepreneurship, in addition to banking.
The business studies component makes it less rigorous than a pure economics degree.
The programme covers the same core economics modules as a pure economics degree, with additional business subjects that enhance practical application.
Private university degrees are not recognised by employers.
KCA University is a chartered institution accredited by CUE, and its degrees are fully recognised by employers and professional bodies in Kenya.