Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science
The Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science is a four-year degree programme that combines the study of historical processes with political theory and governance. The curriculum covers African history, Kenyan history, European history, political science theory, comparative politics, public administration, international relations, political philosophy, government and politics in East Africa, historiography, research methods, and constitutional development. Students develop competencies in historical research, political analysis, policy evaluation, critical thinking, comparative analysis, academic writing, and civic engagement.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 189,004 a year at a public institution, Ksh 756,016 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 199,200 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 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The programme combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research. Graduates pursue careers as civil servants, policy analysts, researchers, teachers, political advisors, journalists, and NGO officers. They find employment in government ministries, county governments, research institutions, universities, media organisations, and civil society organisations.
The programme is offered at Kenyatta University through the Department of History, Archaeology and Political Studies, and at the University of Nairobi where BA students can combine History and Political Science as subject areas. Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C plain in English and Mathematics, following university and KUCCPS admission requirements.
Skills RequiredHistorical researchPolitical analysisPolicy evaluationCritical thinkingComparative politicsAcademic writingConstitutional analysisCivic engagementKey SubjectsAfrican HistoryPolitical Science TheoryComparative PoliticsGovernment and Politics in East AfricaPolitical PhilosophyPublic AdministrationConstitutional DevelopmentHistoriographyResearch MethodsInternational RelationsCertificationsKenya School of Government CertificationPostgraduate Diploma in Education (PDE)SpecializationsAfrican Political HistoryStudy of African political systems and governance from pre-colonial to post-independence periods.
Comparative PoliticsComparison of political systems, institutions, and governance structures across different countries and regions. Kenyan Politics and GovernanceStudy of Kenya's political history, constitutional development, and governance structures.
Political PhilosophyExamination of political ideas, theories, and ideologies from classical to contemporary perspectives.
What you study
10 subjects- African History
- Political Science Theory
- Comparative Politics
- Government and Politics in East Africa
- Political Philosophy
- Public Administration
- Constitutional Development
- Historiography
- Research Methods
- International Relations
Modules
12 in the programmeSources of African History
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to sources and methods used in constructing African history, including oral traditions and documentary sources.
Introduction to Political Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts and theories of political science, including state, power, authority, and political systems.
History of Kenya
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Detailed study of Kenyan history from pre-colonial societies through colonialism to independence and post-independence developments.
Themes in African History
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Thematic study of African history, including colonialism, nationalism, independence, and post-colonial developments.
Modern Governments in Africa
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of government structures and political systems in post-independence African states.
Comparative Politics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Comparison of political systems, institutions, and governance structures across different countries and regions.
Political Philosophy
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of political ideas and theories from classical to contemporary thinkers, including democracy, justice, and rights.
Government and Politics in East Africa
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of political systems and governance structures in East African countries, including regional integration.
Constitutional Development in Kenya
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of Kenya's constitutional history, from independence constitution to the 2010 Constitution and its implementation.
Historiography
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of historical writing, philosophical approaches to history, and major historiographical debates.
Public Administration
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of public sector management, policy implementation, and administrative systems in Kenya and comparative contexts.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project involving original research on a historical or political science topic and a written dissertation.
Specialisations
African Political History
Study of African political systems and governance from pre-colonial to post-independence periods. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Comparative Politics
Comparison of political systems, institutions, and governance structures across different countries and regions.
Kenyan Politics and Governance
Study of Kenya's political history, constitutional development, and governance structures. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Political Philosophy
Examination of political ideas, theories, and ideologies from classical to contemporary perspectives.
Public Administration
Study of public sector management, policy implementation, and administrative systems. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
A typical day combines historical analysis with political science study. Morning sessions cover African history, political theory, or comparative politics, while afternoons focus on seminars, policy debates, and research methods. Students analyse historical documents, debate political issues, and write analytical essays. Guest lectures by policymakers, political analysts, and civil servants complement classroom learning. Library research and independent study are central to the programme.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Combines history and political science, providing versatile skills for government, research, and civil society careers. | Some career paths require additional qualifications such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. |
| Programme offered at two major universities, providing institutional choice. | Programme is not listed as a standalone KUCCPS programme, limiting government sponsorship options. |
| Kenya's evolving political landscape creates demand for professionals with political and historical expertise. | Research-intensive programme requires significant reading and writing commitment. |
| Develops analytical and communication skills transferable to diverse professional fields. | Direct employment in political roles often requires networking and experience beyond academic qualifications. |
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 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 BA 189,004/yr, KU 153,000/yr (KUCCPS). MKU 105,000/yr, Daystar 199,200/yr (official).
Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Universities offer internal bursaries for needy students.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University Internal Bursaries
Scholarships
4 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
University Internal Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need at respective universities.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points.
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 a credit in Mathematics; OR Diploma in History, Political Science, Public Administration, or related field from a recognised institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the university Senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University.
Including University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University.
Including University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, policy briefs, and seminar presentations during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering historical content, political theory, and analysis.
Research Essays
Coursework100% of the mark
Extended research essays requiring independent research, source analysis, and academic writing.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project involving original research on a historical or political science topic and a written dissertation.
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.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesCivil Servant
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Works in government ministries applying analytical and research skills in administration and policy support.
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Analyses policy issues for government, think tanks, or research institutions, applying historical and political perspectives.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000
Conducts historical and political research for universities, think tanks, or research organisations.
History and Government Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Teaches history and government at secondary schools, requiring a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or BEd qualification.
Political Advisor
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 150,000
Provides political analysis and advisory services to politicians, parties, or government officials.
NGO Programme Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Works in NGOs on governance, civic education, and democracy programmes.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as civil servants, policy analysts, researchers, teachers, and political advisors. Demand is moderate with opportunities in government, research, and civil society.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
- Vocational Workshop InstructorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
EndNote
Reference managementPrimary
Reference management software for organising sources and citations in historical and political research.
Zotero
Reference managementPrimary
Open-source reference management tool for collecting, organising, and citing research sources.
Microsoft Office
Productivity
Productivity suite for research papers, policy briefs, and presentations.
SPSS
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis software for quantitative political science research and data analysis.
Google Scholar
Research database
Academic search engine for finding scholarly literature on historical and political topics.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
History and Political Science only leads to teaching.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in civil service, policy analysis, research, journalism, diplomacy, and political advisory roles.
The programme is just about memorising historical facts and political systems.
The programme develops critical analytical skills, research competence, and the ability to evaluate complex political and historical processes.
Political science graduates become politicians.
While some enter politics, most work as analysts, researchers, civil servants, and advisors supporting governance and policy processes.
The combination of history and political science is not practical.
Understanding historical context is essential for effective political analysis, policy development, and governance.
Further reading
- Kenya School of Government (KSG)
- Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
- African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM)
- International Political Science Association (IPSA)
- African Studies Association (ASA)
- Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)