Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History is a four-year dual-subject degree programme that combines the analytical rigour of economics with the contextual depth of historical study.

The curriculum covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, economic statistics, development economics, and public finance alongside African history, European history, economic history, historiography, and historical research methods.

Students develop competencies in economic analysis, historical research, critical thinking, data interpretation, and academic writing. The dual-subject approach encourages interdisciplinary thinking, enabling students to contextualise economic problems within their historical roots.

Graduates pursue careers in research institutions, public administration, diplomacy, business journalism, archives and museums, teaching, and NGOs. The combination of quantitative economic skills and qualitative historical analysis is valued by employers seeking graduates who can think critically about complex social and economic issues.

The programme is offered at Egerton University, a public university in Njoro, and Chuka University, a public university in Tharaka Nithi County. Both institutions provide full-time study modes, with Chuka University also offering part-time and work-based options.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring the programme meets national quality standards. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with strong performance in Mathematics and History and Government, reflecting the dual-subject nature of the programme.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 105,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Introduction to Microeconomics
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Economic Statistics
Econometrics
African History to 1800
Economic History of Africa
Historiography
Development Economics
History of Economic Thought
Historical Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Microeconomics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamental principles of microeconomics including demand and supply, consumer behaviour, production theory, and market structures.
African History to 1800
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Survey of African history from pre-colonial societies to the eve of colonial conquest, covering political, economic, and social developments.
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Basic macroeconomic concepts including national income, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, and economic growth.
Economic History of Africa
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the economic history of Africa including pre-colonial trade systems, colonial economic structures, and post-independence development.
Economic Statistics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods applied to economic data, including descriptive statistics, probability, and probability distributions.
History of Economic Thought
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Evolution of economic ideas from classical to modern schools of thought, examining key economists and their historical context.
Historiography
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of historical methodology, schools of historical thought, and the philosophy of history.
Intermediate Microeconomics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced microeconomic theory covering consumer and producer behaviour, market failures, and welfare economics.
Development Economics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Economic development challenges in developing countries, including poverty, inequality, industrialisation, and structural transformation.
Econometrics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Application of statistical methods to economic data, including linear regression, hypothesis testing, and model specification.
Historical Research Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methodology for historical studies, including source criticism, oral history, archival research, and historical writing.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent research project at the intersection of economics and history, culminating in a written dissertation.

Specialisations

Economic History
Study of historical economic phenomena, including the evolution of economic systems, trade routes, and industrialisation processes.
African Economic History
Examines the economic history of Africa, including pre-colonial trade, colonial economic systems, and post-independence development challenges.
Microeconomics
Study of individual decision-making, market structures, and consumer behaviour applied to historical and contemporary contexts.
Macroeconomics
Analysis of aggregate economic phenomena including national income, inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.
Development Economics
Examines economic development challenges in developing countries, with historical perspectives on poverty, inequality, and structural change.
Historiography and Research Methods
Study of historical methodology, sources, interpretation, and the philosophy of history as applied to economic and social analysis.

A day as a student

A typical day alternates between economics lectures covering microeconomic theory or quantitative methods and history seminars on African economic history or historiography. Students analyse economic data in the morning and critically examine historical sources in the afternoon. Group discussions often bridge the two disciplines, exploring how historical events shape contemporary economic conditions. Research projects require both quantitative analysis and historical contextualisation.

The trade offs

In its favour

Interdisciplinary programme that develops both quantitative analytical skills and qualitative critical thinking abilities.
Historical context enriches economic understanding, enabling graduates to analyse contemporary issues with deeper perspective.
Available at public universities with government subsidies, making it affordable for Kenyan students.
Strong foundation for postgraduate study in economics, history, public policy, or education.

Against it

Offered at only two universities, limiting geographic and institutional choice.
Dual-subject degree may be perceived as less specialised than a pure economics or pure history degree by some employers.
Balancing two demanding subjects requires strong time management and may result in heavier coursework.
Limited direct career paths compared to more vocational degrees, requiring graduates to demonstrate versatility.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public100k to 189k

100k at Laikipia University189k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 105k

105k at Mount Kenya University105k at Mount Kenya 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

Laikipia/Chuka 100K; UoN 189K/yr. MKU 105K/yr. Src: studyinkenya, KUCCPS, Chuka website

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS placement. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Both universities offer internal bursaries for financially needy students.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University Internal Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities through KUCCPS or self-sponsored. Must demonstrate financial need.
County Government Bursaries
County bursaryKenyan
Students from specific counties may apply for bursary support through their county government education funds.
University Internal Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need. Application through the respective university financial aid office.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points and are placed at Egerton or Chuka University.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KACE with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification accepted by the respective university senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, and coursework assignments conducted during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination60% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester covering both economics and history content.
Research Project
Research100% of the mark
Final-year independent research project combining economic and historical analysis, culminating in a written dissertation.
Term Papers and Presentations
Coursework10% of the mark
Individual and group research papers, essays, and oral presentations on topics bridging economics and history.

Accreditation

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.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Research Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Conducts economic and historical research for research institutions, universities, or consultancy firms.
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 100,000
Researches and evaluates public policies, providing recommendations to government agencies or think tanks.
Teacher
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000
Teaches Economics and History at secondary schools or colleges, requiring additional teaching qualification.
Administrative Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 75,000
Works in public administration, county governments, or corporate organisations in administrative and analytical roles.
Business Journalist
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 85,000
Reports and writes on economic and business news, combining economic literacy with research and writing skills.
NGO Programme Officer
Moderate demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 90,000
Manages and evaluates development programmes in NGOs, applying economic analysis and contextual understanding.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment in research institutions, public administration, teaching, diplomacy, and NGOs. The interdisciplinary combination is valued for roles requiring both analytical and contextual thinking.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
Data analysisPrimary
Statistical analysis software used for econometric modelling and data analysis.
Microsoft Excel
Data managementPrimary
Spreadsheet application for data entry, statistical analysis, and economic modelling.
Stata
Econometrics
Statistical software for econometric analysis and data management.
Zotero
Reference management
Open-source reference management tool for organising historical and economic research sources.
R
Statistical computing
Open-source programming language for statistical computing and data analysis.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Combining economics and history limits career options compared to a single-subject degree.
The interdisciplinary combination opens doors to careers requiring both analytical and contextual thinking, including research, policy, diplomacy, and teaching.
History is not useful in the modern economy.
Understanding historical context is essential for economic analysis, policy formulation, and understanding long-term economic trends and institutional development.
This programme is only for aspiring teachers.
While teaching is a common career path, graduates also work in research, public administration, diplomacy, journalism, and the NGO sector.
The economics component is less rigorous than in a pure economics degree.
The programme covers the same core economics modules as a pure economics degree, with the added dimension of historical analysis.