Technology

Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems

The Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems is a four-year degree programme that combines information systems with business management. The programme prepares graduates to design, implement, and manage information systems that support business operations and decision-making.

The curriculum covers computer programming, database management, systems analysis and design, enterprise systems, web development, business management, accounting, economics, e-commerce, business intelligence, data analytics, information systems strategy, IT governance, project management, and research methods.

Teaching combines lectures, computer laboratory sessions, systems design projects, industrial attachment, and a research project. Students develop skills in systems analysis, database design, business process modelling, and IT project management. The programme emphasises aligning information systems with business objectives.

Graduates pursue careers as business analysts, systems analysts, database administrators, IT consultants, enterprise systems managers, and information systems managers. Opportunities exist in banks, insurance companies, technology firms, consulting firms, manufacturing companies, and government agencies.

The programme is offered at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, a public university in Siaya County. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C- in Mathematics, English, and Business Studies. The programme runs for eight semesters with September and January intakes.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Annual tuition is approximately KES 244,800 at JOOUST based on KUCCPS data. HELB loans and government bursaries are available for eligible students.Key SubjectsPrinciples of ManagementFinancial AccountingMicroeconomicsMacroeconomicsBusiness StatisticsMarketing ManagementHuman Resource ManagementBusiness LawOperations ManagementStrategic ManagementSpecializationsGeneral PracticeBroad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field.Research and AnalysisFocus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.General PracticeBroad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field.Research and AnalysisFocus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 260,950
Private, up to: Ksh 295,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Principles of Management
Financial Accounting
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Business Statistics
Marketing Management
Human Resource Management
Business Law
Operations Management
Strategic Management

Modules

8 in the programme

Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.

Specialisations

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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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 involves attending lectures on business principles, working on case studies, participating in group projects, analysing financial data, and preparing for class presentations.

The trade offs

In its favour

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public146k to 261k

146k at Kenyatta University261k at University of Nairobi

Private121k to 296k

121k at Zetech University296k at USIU-Africa

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 146,000/yr (victormatara). UoN 260,950/yr (educationnewshub). Zetech 121,300, USIU 295,500/yr.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. Equity Bank Wings to Fly and KCB Foundation offer scholarships for disadvantaged students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Equity Bank Wings to Fly
Scholarship
Academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds

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
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: KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.

How you are assessed

2 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Business programmes may also be accredited by professional bodies like KASNEB or KIM.

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

4 roles

Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as business analysts, accountants, marketing executives, human resource officers, and entrepreneurs in Kenya's business sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SQL
SoftwarePrimary
Database query language for managing business information systems.
Python
SoftwarePrimary
Programming language for business application development and data analysis.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for business data analysis and reporting.
Power BI
Software
Business analytics tool for data visualisation and dashboards.
Visual Studio
Software
Integrated development environment for building information systems.