Business

Bachelor of Arts in Monitoring and Evaluation

This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in monitoring and evaluation. It develops expertise in M&E frameworks, research methods, data analysis, project management, and impact assessment while building comprehensive skills for measuring and evaluating program effectiveness.

Students analyse program data, design M&E systems, implement evaluation methods, evaluate program outcomes, conduct M&E research, apply analytical principles, manage evaluation projects, and develop sustainable M&E practices. They also strengthen analytical thinking, research skills, communication, teamwork, and data analysis abilities.

Kenya requires monitoring and evaluation to support development programs, enhance accountability, and promote evidence-based decision-making, creating demand for professionals who can work in M&E, project management, research, and support the development and NGO sectors.

The programme combines coursework, research projects, fieldwork, data analysis, and M&E practice. Students gain hands-on experience through M&E practice, data collection, and evaluation projects.

Graduates pursue careers as M&E specialists, project managers, research analysts, development officers, and evaluation consultants across NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and development institutions.

The programme is ideal for students interested in monitoring and evaluation, project management, research, data analysis, and development work. The programme emphasises critical thinking, research skills, and community engagement that prepare graduates for diverse professional challenges.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 242,800
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Monitoring and Evaluation
M&E Frameworks
Research Methods
Data Analysis
Project Management
Impact Assessment

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive introduction to M&E, covering M&E concepts, frameworks, and the role of M&E in development programs.
M&E Frameworks
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of M&E frameworks including logical framework approach, results-based management, and theory of change.
Research Methods in M&E
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of research methods for M&E, including qualitative and quantitative research, data collection, and research ethics.
Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Development of data analysis skills, including statistical analysis, data visualization, and interpretation of M&E data.
Project Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of project management principles, covering project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects.
Impact Assessment
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of impact assessment methods, covering impact evaluation designs, counterfactual analysis, and measuring program impact.
Monitoring Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of monitoring systems, including data collection systems, performance indicators, and monitoring dashboards.
Evaluation Design
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Development of evaluation design skills, covering evaluation questions, evaluation methods, and evaluation planning.
Development Studies
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of development concepts, development theories, and the role of M&E in development programs and projects.
Quantitative Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of quantitative methods for M&E, including statistics, econometrics, and quantitative data analysis techniques.
M&E Fieldwork
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical fieldwork where students apply learned methods in M&E practice, data collection, and evaluation projects.
M&E Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project on M&E topic, demonstrating mastery of M&E frameworks and research methods.

Specialisations

Project M&E
Focus on monitoring and evaluation of development projects, project management, and results-based management.
Data Analysis
Focus on quantitative and qualitative data analysis, statistical methods, and data visualization for M&E.
Impact Evaluation
Specialization in impact assessment, impact evaluation designs, and measuring program impact. 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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

Students attend lectures, conduct research, participate in fieldwork, and engage in M&E projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for M&E professionals in NGOs, government, and international development organizations.
Opportunity to contribute to development effectiveness and accountability through evidence-based work.
Fieldwork and research provide hands-on experience with M&E practice and data analysis.

Against it

M&E work can involve extensive fieldwork and travel to project sites.
M&E work requires continuous learning of new methodologies and staying current with evaluation standards.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 243k

105k at Mount Kenya University243k 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 153K, UoN BA 189K/yr. MKU 105K, Daystar 242.8K/yr. KUCCPS+univ sites

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders in Project Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

English/Kiswahili
C+
Mathematics
C
Any Group II subject
C
Any Group III subject
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Fieldwork Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of fieldwork skills, data collection, and practical applications through M&E projects and evaluations.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on M&E topic, demonstrating mastery of M&E frameworks and research methods.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of M&E theory, research methods, and data analysis.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and data analysis exercises throughout the semester evaluating M&E knowledge and analytical skills.

Accreditation

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Evaluation Consultant
Medium demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Provide M&E consulting services, conduct evaluations, and support organizations in improving program effectiveness.
M&E Specialist
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Design and implement M&E systems, conduct evaluations, and support evidence-based decision-making in development programs.
Development Officer
Medium demandKsh 46,000 to Ksh 100,000
Work in development programs, manage community development projects, and support sustainable development initiatives.
Research Analyst
Medium demandKsh 48,000 to Ksh 105,000
Conduct research, analyze data, write research reports, and support evidence-based programming and policy.
Project Manager
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Manage development projects, coordinate project activities, and ensure project success through effective management.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in monitoring and evaluation, project management, and research across Kenya's NGO and development sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Word
CreativePrimary
Google Drive
Cloud
Zoom
CloudPrimary
Google Docs
Cloud
Adobe Photoshop
Design