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Bachelor of Science in Accounting

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting is a degree programme that prepares graduates for the accounting profession with a strong foundation in financial reporting, auditing, taxation and business management. The programme is offered at the Co-operative University of Kenya and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, preparing graduates for careers in accounting, auditing, financial management and tax advisory.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 220,150
Ksh 880,600 total
Private tuition
Ksh 365,000
Ksh 1,460,000 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 220,150 a year at a public institution, Ksh 880,600 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 365,000 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 8 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

The curriculum covers financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, corporate finance, financial reporting, business law, economics, business statistics, accounting information systems, corporate governance, investment analysis and research methods. Students develop competencies in financial statement preparation, audit procedures and tax compliance.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, case studies, accounting software practicals, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can prepare financial statements, conduct audits, calculate tax liabilities and use accounting software effectively.

The programme emphasises the critical role of accounting in organisational governance and financial transparency. Students learn about international financial reporting standards, ethical accounting practices and the regulatory framework governing the accounting profession in Kenya.

Graduates are equipped to work in accounting firms, banks, corporate finance departments, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and consulting firms. They play a critical role in ensuring financial integrity and regulatory compliance.

Career opportunities exist in accounting firms, banks, the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Auditor General's office, corporate finance departments, NGOs and consulting firms. Graduates work as accountants, auditors, tax consultants, financial analysts and finance officers across the business and financial services sector.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting
  • Auditing
  • Taxation
  • Corporate Finance
  • Financial Reporting
  • Business Law
  • Economics
  • Business Statistics
  • Accounting Information Systems

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Financial Accounting Principles

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Accounting principles, double-entry bookkeeping, financial statement preparation and accounting standards.

  • Management Accounting and Cost Analysis

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Cost accounting, budgeting, variance analysis and management decision-making techniques.

  • Financial Accounting

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Preparation and presentation of financial statements. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, c...

  • Management Accounting

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Costing, budgeting, variance analysis and decision making. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...

  • Corporate Finance and Investment

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Corporate finance principles, investment appraisal, capital structure and financial strategy.

  • Auditing and Assurance Services

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Auditing and Assurance Services: Audit principles, internal controls, audit procedures and assurance engagement. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Taxation and Business Law

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Taxation and Business Law: Kenyan tax law, income tax, VAT, business law and corporate legal frameworks. Examines statutory frameworks, case law, and regulatory compliance in the Kenyan context.

  • Auditing and Assurance

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Auditing standards, audit procedures and assurance services. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment t...

  • Financial Reporting and IFRS

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    International Financial Reporting Standards, advanced financial reporting and disclosure requirements.

  • Accounting Information Systems

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Accounting software, information systems, internal controls and digital accounting tools.

  • Research Methods and Accounting Project

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Research design and a project applying accounting principles to real-world problems.

  • Business Finance

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Business Finance: Corporate finance, investment, financing and risk management Covers financial reporting, budgeting, investment analysis, and regulatory frameworks.

Specialisations

  • Financial Accounting and Reporting

    Focus on financial statement preparation, IFRS compliance and corporate financial reporting. 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.

  • Auditing and Assurance

    Specialisation in audit procedures, internal auditing and assurance services. 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.

  • Taxation and Compliance

    Focus on tax planning, tax compliance, KRA regulations and tax advisory services. 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.

  • Management Accounting

    Specialisation in cost analysis, budgeting, performance measurement and strategic management accounting.

  • Taxation

    Specialization in Taxation, preparing graduates for careers such as tax-accountant. 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.

  • Corporate Finance

    Specialization in Corporate Finance, preparing graduates for careers such as financial-accountant. 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.

  • Auditing

    Specialization in Auditing, preparing graduates for careers such as auditor. 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 Accounting

    Specialization in Financial Accounting, preparing graduates for careers such as accountant. 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

    Specialization in Public Finance, preparing graduates for careers such as accountant. 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 financial accounting lectures, working on accounting software in the computer laboratory, analysing financial statements, studying taxation and auditing principles, and participating in case study discussions.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
High demand for accounting graduatesCPA and professional exams require additional effort
Clear path to professional certificationWork can be demanding during financial reporting and audit periods
Diverse career opportunities across sectorsAccounting standards and tax laws change frequently
Stable and respected professionEntry-level salaries may be modest

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 220k
184k at Kenyatta University220k at University of Nairobi
Private105k to 365k
105k at Mount Kenya University365k at Strathmore 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

KU B.Com ~184K/yr, UoN ~220K/yr (educationnewshub). Strathmore ~365K/yr, MKU ~105K/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 supports academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Funding options

  • HELB Undergraduate Loan

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

  • Equity Bank Wings to Fly

Scholarships

4 recorded

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties

  • ICPAK Scholarship for Accounting and Finance Students

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Bright and needy students admitted to accounting or finance programmes

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    Government fundingKenyan

    Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.

Scholarships you could apply for

13 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (Plus)minimum entry
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.

When it next starts

Taught at 8 institutions
January 20278 institutions

Including The Co-operative University of Kenya, United States International University Africa, Strathmore University.

May 20278 institutions

Including The Co-operative University of Kenya, United States International University Africa, Strathmore University.

September 20278 institutions

Including The Co-operative University of Kenya, United States International University Africa, Strathmore University.

How you are assessed

5 components

  • Final Examination

    Coursework30% of the mark

  • Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)

    Coursework20% of the mark

  • Accounting Practicals and Case Studies

    Coursework40% of the mark

  • Industrial Attachment Report

    Coursework10% of the mark

  • Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout 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.

  • KASNEB

    InstitutionalRequired

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme prepares graduates for CPA professional examinations administered by KASNEB.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

  • Credit Analyst

    Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 220,000

    Assesses credit risk and loan applications

  • Financial Analyst

    High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000

    Analyses financial data and performance

  • Auditor

    High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 250,000

    Reviews financial records and ensures compliance

  • Accountant

    High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Prepares and maintains financial records

  • Tax Associate

    High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 230,000

    Supports tax compliance and advisory

  • 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.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as accountants, auditors, tax consultants and financial analysts in accounting firms, banks, government agencies and corporate finance departments.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • QuickBooks

    SoftwarePrimary

    Accounting software for bookkeeping, financial reporting and small business accounting.

  • SAP

    SoftwarePrimary

    Enterprise resource planning software for financial management and corporate accounting.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Software

    Spreadsheet for financial modelling, budgeting, data analysis and reporting.

  • PASTEL

    Software

    Accounting software for financial records, invoicing and inventory management.

  • Power BI

    Software

    Business analytics tool for financial data visualisation and performance dashboards.

  • 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

Common misconceptions

  • Accounting is just about bookkeeping.

    The programme covers auditing, taxation, corporate finance, financial reporting and accounting information systems.

  • Graduates only work as accountants.

    Graduates work as auditors, tax consultants, financial analysts, finance managers and consultants in diverse organisations.

  • Accounting is being replaced by software.

    While software automates routine tasks, accountants are needed for analysis, strategy, compliance and decision-making.

  • Accounting has limited career growth.

    Accounting graduates can progress to CFO, audit partner, tax consultant and executive management roles.

Further reading

Read next