Bachelor of Economics and Policy
The Bachelor of Economics and Policy is a four-year degree programme offered at Mount Kenya University. The curriculum covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, public finance, policy analysis, development economics, econometrics, international trade, monetary economics, public policy theory, governance, research methods, and economic planning. Students develop skills in policy analysis, economic evaluation, research methodology, data analysis, public finance management, stakeholder engagement, report writing, strategic planning, and evidence-based decision-making.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 105,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) 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 8 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Adolescent Mentorship Officer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Graduates pursue careers as policy analysts, economic planners, research analysts, government economists, development consultants, and programme officers. They find employment in government ministries, county governments, research institutes, international organisations, NGOs, and think tanks. The programme is offered at Mount Kenya University (private, KES 105,000 per year) at campuses in Thika, Nairobi, and through digital learning.
The KUCCPS code is 1279312. 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.
Skills RequiredPolicy analysisEconomic evaluationResearch methodologyData analysisPublic finance managementStakeholder engagementReport writingStrategic planningEvidence-based decision-makingEconomic modellingKey SubjectsMicroeconomicsMacroeconomicsPublic FinancePolicy AnalysisDevelopment EconomicsEconometricsInternational TradeMonetary EconomicsPublic Policy TheoryEconomic PlanningCertificationsMonitoring and Evaluation Certification - Kenya Evaluation AssociationProject Management Professional (PMP) - PMICertified Public Accountant (CPA) - ICPAKSpecializationsPublic PolicyFocus on policy design, implementation, and evaluation in government and public sector contexts.
Development EconomicsFocus on economic development, poverty reduction, and development policy in developing economies. Public FinanceFocus on government revenue, expenditure, taxation, and fiscal policy management.
Governance and Economic ManagementFocus on governance frameworks, institutional economics, and public sector reform. International Economic PolicyFocus on trade policy, international economic relations, and global economic governance.
What you study
10 subjects- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Public Finance
- Policy Analysis
- Development Economics
- Econometrics
- International Trade
- Monetary Economics
- Public Policy Theory
- Economic Planning
Modules
12 in the programmePrinciples 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.
Public Policy Theory and Practice
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Foundations of public policy, policy cycle, policy instruments, and policy implementation.
Mathematics for Economists
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Mathematics for Economists: Mathematical tools for economic analysis including calculus and optimisation. Covers theoretical foundations, problem-solving techniques, and practical applications.
Public Finance and Taxation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Government revenue and expenditure, taxation theory, fiscal policy, and public debt management.
Development Economics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Theories of economic development, poverty, inequality, and development policy in developing countries.
Econometrics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Statistical methods for economic data, regression analysis, and policy evaluation.
Policy Analysis and Evaluation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Methods for policy analysis, cost-benefit analysis, impact evaluation, and policy brief writing.
International Trade and Policy
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Trade theory, trade policy, regional integration, and international economic relations.
Governance and Economic Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Governance frameworks, institutional economics, public sector reform, and economic governance.
Economic Planning and Development
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Economic planning techniques, development planning, and project appraisal in developing economies.
Research Project and Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Supervised industrial attachment at a policy or economics organisation and a final-year research project.
Specialisations
Public Policy
Focus on policy design, implementation, and evaluation in government and public sector contexts. 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 development, 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.
Public Finance
Focus on government revenue, expenditure, taxation, and fiscal policy management. 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.
Governance and Economic Management
Focus on governance frameworks, institutional economics, and public sector reform. 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 Economic Policy
Focus on trade policy, international economic relations, and global economic governance. 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.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Focus on evaluating policy and programme outcomes using economic and statistical methods. 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 at MKU combines economics lectures, policy seminars, and case study discussions. Morning sessions cover microeconomics, macroeconomics, and public finance theory, while afternoons focus on policy analysis workshops, research methods tutorials, and group discussions on current policy issues. Students analyse real-world policy cases, participate in policy debates, and develop policy briefs. The programme emphasises connecting economic theory with practical policy applications.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Unique programme combining economics with public policy, ideal for aspiring policy professionals. | Only offered at one private university, limiting choice of institution. |
| Affordable private university tuition at KES 105,000/year with flexible payment options. | Policy-focused careers may require additional qualifications or experience for advancement. |
| Programme was revamped by MKU to align with current industry and policy needs. | As a specialised programme, it may have fewer broad career options than general economics. |
| MKU offers digital learning options, providing flexibility for working students. | Digital learning option may provide less face-to-face interaction for policy discussions. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business 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
MKU 105,000/yr (KUCCPS 2025). No public univ offers Economics & Policy.
HELB loans and Higher Education Fund (HEF) support are available for qualifying Kenyan students. MKU also offers internal scholarships and financial aid for deserving students.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
MKU Internal Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarships
4 recordedHigher 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 universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
MKU Internal Scholarships
Institutional scholarshipKenyan
Deserving students at Mount Kenya University based on academic merit and financial need.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Scholarships you could apply for
9 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
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 50% tuition waiver
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
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 MKU Senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 8 institutionsIncluding University of Eldoret, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Garissa University.
Including University of Eldoret, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Garissa University.
Including University of Eldoret, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Garissa University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, policy briefs, research assignments, and economic reports throughout the semester.
Seminars and Case Study Presentations
Practical20% of the mark
Policy case study analyses, seminar presentations, and group policy debates.
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 a policy or economics organisation plus a final-year research project.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
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.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesPolicy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000
Researches and evaluates public policies, providing recommendations to government and NGOs.
Economic Planner
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 220,000
Develops economic plans and development strategies for government and development organisations.
Research Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 200,000
Conducts economic and policy research, collects and analyses data, and prepares research reports.
Government Economist
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 280,000
Works in government ministries providing economic analysis and policy advice.
Development Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 300,000
Advises organisations on development projects, economic planning, and policy implementation.
Programme Officer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages and evaluates development programmes in NGOs and international organisations.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as policy analysts, economic planners, and research analysts in government, research institutes, and international organisations. Demand is moderate with growing need for evidence-based policy skills.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Correctional CounselorSocial Sciences15Low exposure
- Child Protection OfficerSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- CriminologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Human Rights InvestigatorSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Social GerontologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Community Resilience SpecialistSocial Sciences17Low exposure
- Forensic Audit InvestigatorBusiness17Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
Data analysisPrimary
Spreadsheet tool for economic data analysis, policy modelling, and financial calculations.
Stata
Statistical softwarePrimary
Statistical software for econometric analysis and policy evaluation.
SPSS
Statistical software
Statistical analysis software for survey data and social science research.
R
Statistical programming
Open-source programming language for statistical computing and policy analysis.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Presentation
Presentation tool for policy briefs, stakeholder presentations, and research dissemination.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
This is just a standard economics degree with a different name.
The programme has a distinct focus on public policy, governance, and economic planning, setting it apart from general economics degrees.
Policy graduates can only work in government.
Graduates work in diverse sectors including NGOs, international organisations, research institutes, think tanks, and private consultancies.
The programme is only offered at one university, so it must be low quality.
MKU is a chartered private university with CUE accreditation and a revamped, market-driven curriculum.
Economics and Policy is less rigorous than pure economics.
The programme covers the same core economics modules with additional policy-focused content, making it equally rigorous.