Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management
The Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management is a degree programme designed to produce transformational and innovative health managers equipped with competencies to provide quality leadership in health organisations. The programme aims to develop graduates with the knowledge, competencies and ethics required to develop, lead, manage and govern health systems for improved and quality health service delivery.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 275,400 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,101,600 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 130,000 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, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 10 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Dental Ceramist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers healthcare administration, health policy, financial management in healthcare, human resource management, strategic planning and health systems governance. Students learn to manage healthcare delivery systems at national, county and sub-county levels, preparing them for leadership roles in Kenya devolved health system.
Throughout the programme, students develop skills in developing institutional operational and annual plans, preparing and monitoring budgets for healthcare operations, and developing proposals for funding to support health systems operations. The course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience through internships and field placements in healthcare facilities.
Students also learn to coordinate the linkage between healthcare services and health training organisations, undertake operational research for better health systems, and manage physical infrastructure and equipment in health organisations. The programme emphasises preventive maintenance and continuous professional development for health personnel.
Graduates are equipped to participate in strategic planning of healthcare services, manage healthcare delivery systems and ensure quality assurance in health facilities. They play a critical role in strengthening health systems governance and improving healthcare service delivery across Kenya.
Career opportunities exist in hospitals, county health departments, national health ministries, health insurance companies, non-governmental organisations and healthcare consulting firms. Graduates work as health services managers, hospital administrators, health programme coordinators and healthcare consultants.
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 programmeFoundations 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.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
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 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 | 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 349 health sciences 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 ~275K/yr (joweri). Zetech HSM ~117K/yr, KeMU ~130K/yr (official sites).
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 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.
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
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- 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
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
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 10 institutionsIncluding Rongo University, Kirinyaga University, Kenyatta University.
Including Rongo University, Kirinyaga University, Kenyatta University.
Including Rongo University, Kirinyaga University, Kenyatta University.
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). Business programmes may also be accredited by professional bodies like KASNEB or KIM.
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 business analysts, accountants, marketing executives, human resource officers, and entrepreneurs in Kenya's business sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist AssistantHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- PsychologyHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Dental ProsthetistHealth Sciences4Low exposure
- Dental Laboratory TechnicianHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- General DentistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Veterinary PathologistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Community Health NurseHealth Sciences6Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for healthcare budgeting, data analysis and financial management.
QuickBooks
SoftwarePrimary
Accounting software for healthcare facility financial management.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for health services research data.
Microsoft Project
Software
Project management software for healthcare service planning and implementation.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Software
Presentation software for stakeholder briefings and health management reports.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
A business degree guarantees a corporate job.
While business degrees are versatile, securing a job requires practical skills, internships, networking, and sometimes professional certifications like CPA.
All business degrees are the same.
Business degrees vary significantly in specialisation (finance, marketing, HR, procurement) and career outcomes differ accordingly.
You need an MBA to get a management position.
Many management roles are accessible with a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience.
Economics is the same as business administration.
Economics focuses on theory, policy, and quantitative analysis, while business administration focuses on practical management.