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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.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 189,004
Ksh 756,016 total
Private tuition
Ksh 242,800
Ksh 971,200 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

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 242,800 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, with 6 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 6 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Applied Ethicist, at 20 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

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.

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 favourAgainst it
Growing demand for M&E professionals in NGOs, government, and international development organizations.M&E work can involve extensive fieldwork and travel to project sites.
Opportunity to contribute to development effectiveness and accountability through evidence-based work.M&E work requires continuous learning of new methodologies and staying current with evaluation standards.
Fieldwork and research provide hands-on experience with M&E practice and data analysis.—

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

Scholarships you could apply for

10 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSEminimum entry
Alternative entry

Diploma holders in Project Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Subject requirements
English/KiswahiliC+
MathematicsC
Any Group II subjectC
Any Group III subjectC

When it next starts

Taught at 6 institutions
January 20276 institutions

Including Daystar University, University of Nairobi, Mount Kenya University.

May 20276 institutions

Including Daystar University, University of Nairobi, Mount Kenya University.

September 20276 institutions

Including Daystar University, University of Nairobi, Mount Kenya University.

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

  • Commission for University Education

    NationalRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

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

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • M&E is just about filling forms and collecting data

    M&E involves designing evaluation frameworks, conducting rigorous analysis, measuring impact, and providing evidence for decision-making.

  • M&E is only for NGOs and development organizations

    M&E skills are valuable in government, private sector, healthcare, education, and any organization that needs to measure performance and impact.

  • M&E work is boring and repetitive

    M&E work involves diverse projects, fieldwork, data analysis, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful development outcomes.

  • You need advanced math skills for M&E

    While data analysis is important, M&E also requires qualitative skills, communication, project management, and understanding of development contexts.

  • M&E is just about reporting failures

    M&E is about learning, improving, and demonstrating success. It helps organizations understand what works and what doesn't.

  • M&E has limited career growth

    M&E professionals can advance to senior evaluation roles, monitoring directors, and leadership positions in development organizations.

Further reading

Read next