Business

Bachelor of Economics

The Bachelor of Economics is a four-year degree programme offered at multiple Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, statistics, mathematical economics, development economics, monetary economics, public finance, international trade, labour economics, environmental economics, financial economics, research methods, and economic policy analysis.

Students develop skills in economic analysis, statistical modelling, data interpretation, policy evaluation, financial analysis, research methodology, critical thinking, forecasting, and report writing.

Graduates pursue careers as economists, financial analysts, policy analysts, research analysts, trade economists, data analysts, and business analysts. They find employment in banks, government ministries, central banks, research institutes, international organisations, NGOs, consultancies, and corporate firms.

The programme is offered at several public universities including University of Nairobi (KES 263,000/year), JKUAT (KES 183,600/year), Kenyatta University (KES 183,600/year), Machakos University (KES 183,600/year), Kirinyaga University (KES 183,600/year), Taita Taveta University (KES 183,600/year), and Technical University of Kenya (KES 180,000/year). Mount Kenya University offers the programme privately at KES 105,000/year.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) with strong passes in Mathematics and English.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 263,000
Private, up to: Ksh 223,900
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 60 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Econometrics
Statistics
Mathematical Economics
Development Economics
Monetary Economics
Public Finance
International Trade
Economic Policy Analysis

Modules

12 in the programme

Principles of Microeconomics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to microeconomic theory, consumer behaviour, production theory, and market structures.
Principles of Macroeconomics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to macroeconomic theory, national income, inflation, unemployment, and fiscal policy.
Mathematics for Economists
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Mathematical tools for economic analysis including calculus, linear algebra, and optimisation.
Statistics for Economists
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Statistics for Economists: Descriptive and inferential statistics applied to economic data analysis. Includes probability theory, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and data interpretation.
Intermediate Microeconomics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced consumer theory, theory of the firm, welfare economics, and general equilibrium.
Intermediate Macroeconomics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Economic growth models, aggregate demand and supply, and macroeconomic policy analysis.
Econometrics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Statistical methods for economic data, regression analysis, and hypothesis testing.
Development Economics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Theories of economic development, poverty, inequality, and development policy in developing countries.
Monetary Economics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Monetary Economics: Money, banking, monetary policy, and central banking operations. Covers economic theory, market analysis, and policy evaluation.
International Trade and Finance
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Trade theory, trade policy, balance of payments, exchange rates, and international financial markets.
Public Finance and Taxation
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Government revenue and expenditure, taxation theory, fiscal policy, and public debt management.
Research Project and Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Supervised industrial attachment at an economics-related organisation and a final-year research project.

Specialisations

Microeconomics
Focus on individual market behaviour, consumer theory, firm theory, and market 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.
Macroeconomics
Focus on national and global economic systems, fiscal and monetary policy, and economic growth. 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.
Econometrics
Focus on statistical methods for economic data analysis and empirical model building. 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.
Development Economics
Focus on economic growth, poverty reduction, and development policy in developing economies. 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.
International Trade
Focus on trade theory, trade policy, balance of payments, and international economic relations. 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.
Financial Economics
Focus on financial markets, investment analysis, risk management, and corporate finance. 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 Finance
Focus on government revenue, expenditure, taxation, and fiscal policy analysis. 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 lectures, tutorials, and computer laboratory sessions. Morning sessions cover microeconomics, macroeconomics, and mathematical economics theory, while afternoons focus on econometrics practicals, statistical software workshops, and group tutorials. Students work on data analysis projects using statistical software, participate in economic policy debates, and attend guest lectures from CBK and KIPPRA economists. The programme emphasises quantitative skills and real-world economic analysis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Versatile degree opening doors to careers in finance, government, research, and international organisations.
Offered at eight universities giving students wide choice of institution and location.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills highly valued in the job market.
Private option at MKU (KES 105,000/year) is affordable compared to other private universities.

Against it

UoN tuition at KES 263,000/year is significantly higher than other public universities.
Requires strong mathematical and statistical aptitude, which may challenge some students.
Entry-level positions may be competitive, requiring additional certifications for differentiation.
Curriculum can be theoretical, requiring self-directed effort to gain practical experience.

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

Public184k to 263k

184k at Kenyatta University263k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 224k

105k at Mount Kenya University224k 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

UoN 263K, KU 183,600/yr (KUCCPS). MKU 105K, Daystar 223,900/yr (KUCCPS).

HELB loans and Higher Education Fund (HEF) support are available for qualifying Kenyan students. County government bursaries and institutional scholarships may also be available.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

3 recorded

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 fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
Government bursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KACE with at least two principal passes and one subsidiary pass; OR a relevant diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification accepted by the university Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, problem sets, data analysis assignments, and economic reports throughout the semester.
Computer Laboratory Practicals
Practical20% of the mark
Econometrics practicals, statistical software exercises, and data analysis projects.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination50% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Research Project and Industrial Attachment
Project100% of the mark
Supervised industrial attachment at an economics-related organisation plus a final-year research project.

Accreditation

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.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Economist
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 350,000
Analyses economic data, prepares reports, and advises organisations on economic trends and policy.
Financial Analyst
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 300,000
Analyses financial data, evaluates investments, and provides recommendations to financial institutions.
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000
Researches and evaluates public policies, providing recommendations to government and NGOs.
Research Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 200,000
Conducts economic research, collects and analyses data, and prepares research reports.
Business Analyst
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 220,000
Analyses business operations, identifies improvement opportunities, and supports strategic decision-making.
Trade Economist
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 280,000
Analyses international trade data, trade policies, and their impact on economic performance.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as economists, financial analysts, and policy analysts in banks, government, research institutes, and international organisations. Demand is high with strong opportunities in data-driven economic analysis.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
Data analysisPrimary
Spreadsheet tool for economic data analysis, financial modelling, and statistical calculations.
Stata
Statistical softwarePrimary
Statistical software widely used in economics for econometric analysis and data management.
R
Statistical software
Open-source programming language for statistical computing and econometric analysis.
SPSS
Statistical software
Statistical analysis software for survey data and social science research.
EViews
Econometric software
Econometric analysis software for time series, forecasting, and statistical modelling.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Economics is only about money and finance.
Economics covers a wide range of topics including development, trade, labour, environment, health, and public policy, not just finance.
Economics graduates can only work in banks.
Graduates work in government, research institutes, international organisations, NGOs, consultancies, and corporate firms across diverse sectors.
Economics is too theoretical with no practical applications.
The programme includes econometrics, data analysis, policy evaluation, and industry attachment, providing strong practical skills.
You need to be a maths genius to study economics.
While quantitative skills are important, the programme builds these skills progressively from foundational to advanced levels.