Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Technology
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Technology is a four-year degree programme that combines computer science fundamentals with emerging technologies. The programme prepares graduates to develop software solutions, manage computing systems, and apply technology to solve real-world problems.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 345,100 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,380,400 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 441,500 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, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 24 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers computer programming, data structures, algorithms, database systems, computer networks, operating systems, software engineering, web development, mobile application development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, computer architecture, and research methods.
Teaching combines lectures, computer laboratory sessions, programming projects, industrial attachment, and a research project. Students develop skills in software development, system design, database management, and technology integration. The programme emphasises practical computing skills and technological innovation.
Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, database administrators, network engineers, IT consultants, mobile app developers, and technology entrepreneurs. Opportunities exist in technology firms, banks, government agencies, telecommunications companies, startups, and consulting firms.
The programme is offered at Maseno University, a public university in Kisumu County. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in Mathematics and Physics. 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 306,000 at Maseno University based on KUCCPS data. HELB loans and government bursaries are available for eligible students.Key SubjectsProgramming FundamentalsData Structures and AlgorithmsDatabase SystemsComputer NetworksSoftware EngineeringWeb DevelopmentOperating SystemsComputer ArchitectureInformation SecurityArtificial IntelligenceSpecializationsGeneral 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.
What you study
10 subjects- Programming Fundamentals
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Database Systems
- Computer Networks
- Software Engineering
- Web Development
- Operating Systems
- Computer Architecture
- Information Security
- Artificial Intelligence
Modules
8 in the programmeCommunication 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.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
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 programming lectures, working on coding assignments in computer labs, participating in hackathons, debugging code, and collaborating on software development projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | 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 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
UoN 345,100 & KU 306,000/yr (educationnewshub KUCCPS). USIU 441,500/yr (usiu.ac.ke). Daystar 242,800/yr.
Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. Safaricom Academy and Google Africa offer scholarships for outstanding computing 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
Safaricom Academy Scholarship
Scholarship
Outstanding computing students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Scholarships
5 recordedHigher 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.
Huawei Seeds for the Future Kenya
Scholarship
Talented ICT/STEM university students with a GPA of 3.0+
Generation Google Scholarship
Scholarship
Women in computer science and related technical fields
Scholarships you could apply for
14 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
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
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.
When it next starts
Taught at 24 institutionsIncluding Murang'a University of Technology, Technical University of Mombasa, University of Nairobi.
Including Murang'a University of Technology, Technical University of Mombasa, University of Nairobi.
Including Murang'a University of Technology, Technical University of Mombasa, University of Nairobi.
How you are assessed
2 componentsContinuous 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
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Computing programmes may also be aligned with IEEE and ACM curricular standards.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesGraduate 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 software developers, systems analysts, network administrators, data analysts, and IT consultants in Kenya's growing digital economy.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Python
SoftwarePrimary
Programming language for software development and data analysis.
Java
SoftwarePrimary
Programming language for enterprise application development.
Git
Software
Version control system for collaborative software development.
SQL
Software
Database query language for managing relational databases.
Visual Studio
Software
Integrated development environment for building applications.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
A computer science degree guarantees a tech job.
While computing is in demand, employers value practical skills, portfolio, internships, and certifications alongside the degree.
You need to be a math genius to study computer science.
While mathematical thinking is important, many computing careers focus on practical development, design, and problem-solving.
IT and Computer Science are the same thing.
Computer Science focuses on theory and software development, while IT focuses on systems administration and technology management.
Computing degrees become outdated quickly.
Fundamental principles (algorithms, data structures, architecture) remain relevant. Graduates learn to adapt to new technologies.