Bachelor of Arts (Kiswahili and Communication)
The Bachelor of Arts (Kiswahili and Communication) is a four-year degree that combines Kiswahili language, literature, and linguistics with communication studies, preparing graduates for careers in media, education, publishing, translation, and public relations. Students study Kiswahili grammar, Kiswahili literature, linguistics, oral literature, communication theory, media studies, journalism, public relations, translation, and research methods.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 189,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 756,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 196,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ 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 3 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
Graduates find opportunities in media houses, publishing, education, the civil service, translation agencies, and corporate communications. The programme is delivered over eight semesters at Laikipia University and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, both CUE-accredited institutions.
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, language practicals, media production exercises, and fieldwork. Graduates work as journalists, Kiswahili teachers, communications officers, translators, content creators, and editors.
Media houses pay entry-level journalists KES 30,000–60,000/month, while TSC teachers start at Grade C2 (KES 41,400–57,200/month). This programme suits students with passion for Kiswahili language and literature, aptitude for communication, and interest in media, education, or cultural promotion.
The combination of language proficiency and communication skills provides versatile career options in Kenya's growing media and cultural sectors. Skills RequiredKiswahili Language ProficiencyKiswahili Literature AnalysisCommunication Theory and PracticeJournalism and Media WritingTranslation and InterpretationPublic Relations and Corporate CommunicationLinguistics and Language AnalysisContent Creation in KiswahiliResearch Methods in Language and MediaOral Literature and Cultural StudiesKey SubjectsKiswahili GrammarKiswahili LiteratureLinguisticsCommunication TheoryMedia StudiesJournalism and News WritingPublic RelationsTranslation Theory and PracticeOral Literature and FolkloreResearch Methods in Language and CommunicationCertificationsMedia Council of Kenya (MCK) AccreditationTeachers Service Commission (TSC) RegistrationPublic Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) MembershipSpecializationsKiswahili Media and JournalismFocus on Kiswahili-language journalism, news writing, broadcasting, and media production for careers in Kiswahili media houses, radio, television, and digital media platforms.
Kiswahili Literature and PublishingFocus on Kiswahili literary analysis, creative writing, and publishing for careers in publishing houses, literary organisations, and cultural institutions. Corporate Communication and Public RelationsFocus on strategic communication, public relations, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement for careers in corporate communications departments and PR agencies.
What you study
10 subjects- Kiswahili Grammar
- Kiswahili Literature
- Linguistics
- Communication Theory
- Media Studies
- Journalism and News Writing
- Public Relations
- Translation Theory and Practice
- Oral Literature and Folklore
- Research Methods in Language and Communication
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Kiswahili Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of Kiswahili as a discipline, its scope, methodology and academic significance
Kiswahili Grammar and Composition
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced Kiswahili grammar including morphology, syntax, sentence structure, and written composition skills for developing grammatical accuracy and writing proficiency.
Communication Theory
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Foundational theories of human communication, mass communication and media effects
Kiswahili Grammar and Linguistics
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Kiswahili Grammar and Linguistics: Structural analysis of Kiswahili phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Journalism and News Writing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Skills in news gathering, writing, reporting and editing for print and digital media
Public Relations
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Principles and practice of public relations, media relations and corporate communication management
Digital Media Production
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Skills in digital content creation, including video, audio and web-based media production
Creative Writing in Kiswahili
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Creative Writing in Kiswahili: Techniques for writing original literary and media content in Kiswahili Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Broadcast Production
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Radio and television production techniques, including studio operations and programme formatting
Media Ethics and Law
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Media Ethics and Law: Ethical principles and legal frameworks governing media practice in Kenya Encourages critical thinking about moral dilemmas and professional responsibility.
Research Project/Dissertation
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Research Project/Dissertation: Independent research on a selected topic in Kiswahili and communication studies Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Supervised placement at a media house, PR firm or communication department for practical experience
Specialisations
Kiswahili Media and Journalism
Focus on Kiswahili-language journalism, news writing, broadcasting, and media production for careers in Kiswahili media houses, radio, television, and digital media platforms.
Kiswahili Literature and Publishing
Focus on Kiswahili literary analysis, creative writing, and publishing for careers in publishing houses, literary organisations, and cultural institutions.
Corporate Communication and Public Relations
Focus on strategic communication, public relations, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement for careers in corporate communications departments and PR agencies.
Translation and Interpretation
Focus on translation theory, interpretation techniques, and bilingual communication for careers as translators and interpreters in government, international organisations, and translation agencies.
Kiswahili Education
Focus on Kiswahili language pedagogy, curriculum development, and educational methods for careers as Kiswahili teachers in secondary schools and educational institutions.
Linguistics and Language Studies
Focus on Kiswahili linguistics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and applied linguistics for careers in language research, lexicography, and language policy development.
Digital Media Content Production
Specialization in Digital Media Content Production, preparing graduates for careers such as content-writer.
Kiswahili Broadcast Journalism
Specialization in Kiswahili Broadcast Journalism, preparing graduates for careers such as journalist.
Kiswahili Publishing and Editing
Specialization in Kiswahili Publishing and Editing, preparing graduates for careers such as editor. 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.
Public Relations
Specialization in Public Relations, preparing graduates for careers such as public-relations-officer.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on Kiswahili grammar, literature, or linguistics with afternoon communication studies classes on media theory, journalism, or public relations. Students practise Kiswahili writing, analyse literary texts, work on media production exercises, and develop communication campaigns. Evenings involve reading Kiswahili literature, writing news articles in Kiswahili, and preparing media projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kiswahili is Kenya's national language and an official language, creating consistent demand for Kiswahili-proficient professionals in government, media, education, and business. | Entry-level media positions can pay modestly (KES 30,000–50,000/month), with higher-paying positions requiring experience, portfolio, and professional accreditation. |
| Kiswahili media is a growing sector with major radio stations, television programmes, and digital platforms requiring Kiswahili-proficient journalists and content creators. | The programme is offered at only two institutions through KUCCPS, limiting access and programme choice for prospective students. |
| The combination of language proficiency and communication skills provides versatile career options across media, education, corporate communications, translation, and publishing. | Kiswahili media professionals may face competition from English-language media graduates for positions in integrated media houses, requiring strong bilingual proficiency. |
| Kiswahili is an official language of the East African Community and the African Union, creating regional and international career opportunities in diplomacy and trade. | — |
| Versatile qualification applicable to teaching, media, publishing and corporate communications | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 106 media & communication 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 144K-189K/yr (official). KU 153K/yr. CUEA 196K/yr (official PDF)
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 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties
University Internal Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Needy students enrolled at the respective university, applied through the financial aid office.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students placed through KUCCPS in public universities.
Media Council of Kenya Journalism Training Fund
BursaryKenyan
Journalism and communication students accredited by the Media Council of Kenya
Nation Media Group Journalism Graduate Trainee Programme
ScholarshipKenyan
Recent journalism, media and communication graduates with strong digital skills
Scholarships you could apply for
6 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
- 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
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ with a Diploma in Kiswahili, Journalism, Media Studies, Education, or a related field from a recognised institution.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Laikipia University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Chuka University.
Including Laikipia University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Chuka University.
Including Laikipia University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Chuka University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsIndustrial Attachment Report
Coursework100% of the mark
Practical Media Projects
Coursework35% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework25% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests covering Kiswahili language, literature, communication theory, and media studies, assessed through mid-semester and end-of-semester examinations.
Accreditation
Media Council of Kenya (MCK)
InstitutionalRequired
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Laikipia University and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, both CUE-accredited institutions. The Media Council of Kenya provides professional accreditation for journalists.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
8 rolesEditor
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 110,000
Edits Kiswahili publications and media content for publishing houses and media organisations
Broadcast Journalist
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 120,000
Produces and presents Kiswahili news and programmes for radio and television stations
Content Producer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 100,000
Creates digital and broadcast content in Kiswahili for media houses and corporate organisations
Public Relations Officer
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manages public relations and media relations for organisations, with Kiswahili media engagement
Journalist / Reporter
High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000
Reports, writes, and edits news stories in Kiswahili for newspapers, radio, television, and digital media platforms, covering local and national news for Kiswahili-speaking audiences.
Kiswahili Teacher (TSC Grade C2)
High demandKsh 41,400 to Ksh 57,200
Teaches Kiswahili language and literature in secondary schools under TSC employment, developing students' language proficiency, literary analysis, and cultural knowledge.
Communications Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 70,000
Develops and manages organisational communications, writes press releases in Kiswahili and English, manages media relations, and coordinates internal communications for organisations.
Translator and Interpreter
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000
Translates documents and provides interpretation services between Kiswahili and English for government, international organisations, conferences, and translation agencies.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as journalists, Kiswahili teachers, communications officers, translators, content creators, and editors in media houses, schools, government, and corporate organisations.
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
Microsoft Office Suite
SoftwarePrimary
Productivity tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access for content creation, data management, presentations, and professional communication in Kiswahili and English.
Adobe Creative Suite
SoftwarePrimary
Media production software including Premiere Pro for video editing, InDesign for layout and publishing, and Audition for audio production — essential for journalism and media work.
Google Workspace
Software
Collaboration and productivity tools for document creation, project coordination, email communication, and team collaboration in media and communications work.
Canva
Software
Graphic design platform for creating social media content, infographics, presentations, and visual communications for media and corporate communications work.
Audacity
Software
Open-source audio editing software for podcast production, radio journalism, voice recording, and audio content creation — useful for broadcast journalism and digital media.
Microsoft Word
CreativePrimary
Google Drive
Cloud
Zoom
CloudPrimary
Google Docs
Cloud
Adobe Photoshop
Design
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Kiswahili and Communication is only for becoming a Kiswahili teacher.
While teaching is a career path, graduates work in media houses as journalists and editors, in corporate communications, in translation and publishing, and in public relations — Kiswahili media is a growing sector in Kenya.
Kiswahili media has limited career opportunities compared to English media.
Kiswahili radio stations, television programmes, and digital media platforms have massive audiences in Kenya. Media houses like KBC, Royal Media Services, and Standard Group regularly recruit Kiswahili-proficient journalists and content creators.
Everyone speaks Kiswahili, so a degree in it is unnecessary.
Professional Kiswahili requires advanced grammar, literary analysis, linguistic understanding, and formal communication skills — distinct from conversational Kiswahili. The degree develops professional-level proficiency for media, education, and translation.
Communication studies is just about talking.
Communication involves theory, media analysis, message design, audience research, crisis communication, and strategic communication — skills that are essential in journalism, public relations, and corporate communications.
Kiswahili is only useful in Kenya and Tanzania.
Kiswahili is spoken across East and Central Africa and is an official language of the East African Community and the African Union. It is one of the fastest-growing African languages globally, creating opportunities in diplomacy, trade, and international organisations.