Bachelor of Business Management (Civil Aviation Management)
The Bachelor of Business Management in Civil Aviation Management is a four-year specialised programme that combines business management principles with aviation industry knowledge. Students study management, finance, marketing and human resources alongside air transport management, aviation law, airport management, airline operations and aviation safety. The programme prepares graduates for management careers in Kenya's growing aviation sector.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 220,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 880,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 161,600 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ 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 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic Audit Investigator, at 17 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in aviation management, airline operations, airport administration, aviation law and regulation, aviation safety, air transport economics and business management. They learn to manage aviation businesses, oversee airport operations, understand aviation regulatory frameworks and apply business principles to aviation contexts. The programme covers both national and international aviation industry practices.
In Kenya, aviation is a strategic sector with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serving as East Africa's aviation hub. Kenya Airways, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and numerous private airlines and charter companies create diverse career opportunities. The expansion of airport infrastructure, growth of low-cost carriers and Kenya's position as a regional aviation hub drive demand for aviation management professionals.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, aviation industry case studies, airport visits, simulations, research projects and industrial attachment. Students analyse aviation industry cases, study airport operations, understand aviation regulations and undertake internships at airlines, airports or aviation authorities. The programme includes a final-year research project.
Graduates pursue careers as airport managers, airline operations managers, aviation safety officers, aviation regulatory officers, cargo managers and aviation business development officers. Some work at Kenya Airways, Kenya Airports Authority or the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. Others join private airlines, charter companies or aviation service providers.
This programme is ideal for individuals with interest in aviation, management skills and attention to detail. Students who enjoy the aviation industry, regulatory frameworks and business management will find this programme particularly engaging.
What you study
10 subjects- Air Transport and Airport Management
- Civil Aviation Management and Policy
- Aviation Law and Regulations
- Airline Operations and Management
- Aviation Safety and Security
- Business Finance and Accounting
- Marketing for Aviation Industry
- Human Resource Management in Aviation
- Aviation Economics and Finance
- Research Methods in Aviation Management
Modules
12 in the programmePrinciples of Business Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamental concepts of business management, including planning, organising, leading and controlling
Introduction to Aviation Industry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Overview of the aviation industry, including history, structure, stakeholders and current trends
Business Statistics and Quantitative Methods
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Statistical methods for business and aviation data analysis. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment t...
Air Transport and Airport Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Management of air transport operations and airport facilities, including terminal operations and ground services
Aviation Law and Regulations
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
International and Kenyan aviation law, including ICAO conventions, KCAA regulations and air service agreements
Airline Operations and Management
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Management of airline operations, including route planning, fleet management, scheduling and revenue management
Aviation Safety and Security
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Aviation safety management systems, security protocols and regulatory compliance
Aviation Economics and Finance
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Economic principles applied to aviation, including airline economics, airport finance and aviation taxation
Civil Aviation Management and Policy
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Aviation policy development, regulatory frameworks and government's role in civil aviation
Marketing for Aviation Industry
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Marketing strategies for airlines, airports and aviation services, including customer experience and loyalty
Research Project
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Independent research on a selected aviation management topic producing a scholarly dissertation
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Supervised placement at an airline, airport, aviation authority or aviation service provider
Specialisations
Aviation Finance
Specialization in Aviation Finance, preparing graduates for careers such as financial-controller. 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.
Aviation Marketing
Specialization in Aviation Marketing, preparing graduates for careers such as marketing-manager-general.
Aviation Safety
Specialization in Aviation Safety, preparing graduates for careers such as operations-manager. 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.
Airport Management
Specialization in Airport Management, preparing graduates for careers such as operations-manager. 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.
Airline Operations
Specialization in Airline Operations, preparing graduates for careers such as operations-manager. 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.
Aviation Cargo
Specialization in Aviation Cargo, preparing graduates for careers such as logistics-manager. 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 morning lectures on aviation management or aviation law with afternoon case studies or industry visits. Students may analyse airline operations, study airport management scenarios, review aviation regulations or work on aviation business projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya is a regional aviation hub with diverse career opportunities | Aviation industry is sensitive to economic downturns and global events |
| Specialised qualification with less competition than general business degrees | Limited number of institutions offer this specialisation |
| Dynamic and exciting industry with global connections | Some roles may require additional aviation certifications |
| Aviation sector in Kenya is growing with infrastructure expansion | Industry regulations require continuous learning and compliance |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering 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
KU 183.6K, UoN ~220K/yr. MKU 105K/yr, UEA Baraton 161.6K/yr (eafinder).
Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Some aviation companies offer internship stipends during attachment periods.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
LoanKsh 60,000
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
Bursary
County Government Bursaries
Bursary
Scholarships
5 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes
KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities
ScholarshipKenyan
Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering
Scholarships you could apply for
8 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
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moi University Merit Scholarship
Before semester startsPartialMoi University
50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Moi University.
Including Moi University.
Including Moi University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsFinal Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Case Studies and Aviation Projects
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework30% of the mark
Research Project
Coursework100% of the mark
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
InstitutionalRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Aviation industry certifications from KCAA or IATA enhance career prospects.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesAirport Manager
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages airport operations, facilities, staff and services ensuring safe and efficient passenger handling
Cargo Manager
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages air cargo operations, logistics and freight services at airports or airlines
Airline Operations Manager
Moderate demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages airline operations including flight scheduling, crew coordination and operational performance
Aviation Regulatory Officer
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 140,000
Works with KCAA to enforce aviation regulations and ensure industry compliance
Aviation Safety Officer
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 160,000
Implements and monitors aviation safety management systems and compliance
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as airport managers, airline operations managers, aviation safety officers, aviation regulatory officers and cargo managers at Kenya Airways, Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and private airlines.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Forensic Audit InvestigatorBusiness17Low exposure
- Franchise Operations ManagerBusiness18Low exposure
- Infrastructure Finance SpecialistBusiness18Low exposure
- Intermodal Reefer TechnicianBusiness18Low exposure
- Climate Risk UnderwriterBusiness19Low exposure
- Coldchain Logistics ManagerBusiness19Low exposure
- Municipal Finance SpecialistBusiness19Low exposure
- Islamic Banking SpecialistBusiness20Low exposure
Tools you will learn
SAP FICO
ErpPrimary
SAP financial and controlling module.
QuickBooks Enterprise
Accounting
Advanced accounting for SMEs.
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
Financial modelling and analysis.
SAP ERP
ErpPrimary
Oracle ERP
Erp
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Aviation management is only about flying
The programme focuses on the business and management side of aviation, including operations, finance, law and safety.
You need to be a pilot to work in aviation management
Aviation management is a business degree specialisation, requiring no piloting qualifications.
There are limited jobs in Kenya's aviation sector
Kenya is a regional aviation hub with JKIA, numerous airlines, airports and aviation service providers creating diverse opportunities.
Aviation is a declining industry
Aviation in Kenya and East Africa is growing, with expanding airport infrastructure and increasing air travel demand.