Technology

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in artificial intelligence and robotics. The programme falls under the ICT & Computing category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Programming Fundamentals, Data Structures and Algorithms, Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Neural Networks, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in AI Ethics, Computer Vision, Control Systems, Deep Learning, Embedded Systems. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Foundations of the Discipline, Research Methods, Communication Skills, Information Technology Fundamentals, Statistics and Data Analysis. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Machine Learning and Data Science, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Computer Vision and Perception. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics pursue careers as AI Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Automation Engineer. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 406,000
Private, up to: Ksh 441,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Programming Fundamentals
Data Structures and Algorithms
Machine Learning
Deep Learning and Neural Networks
Computer Vision
Natural Language Processing
Robotics and Intelligent Systems
Digital Signal Processing
Embedded Systems
AI Ethics and Governance

Modules

8 in the programme

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

Specialisations

Machine Learning and Data Science
Focus on machine learning algorithms, statistical modelling and data-driven 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.
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Specialisation in robot design, motion planning, sensor integration and autonomous navigation. 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.
Computer Vision and Perception
Concentration on image processing, object recognition and visual perception for intelligent systems.
Natural Language Processing
Focus on text processing, speech recognition and language understanding for AI applications. 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.
AI Ethics and Governance
Specialisation in ethical AI design, bias mitigation, regulatory frameworks and responsible AI deployment.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on machine learning algorithms, programming in Python for AI projects, working with ROS in the robotics lab, training neural networks and collaborating on team projects building intelligent systems.

The trade offs

In its favour

AI and robotics is one of the fastest-growing fields globally with high demand for skilled professionals.
Programme combines software AI skills with hardware robotics knowledge, offering versatile career paths.
USIU-Africa offers dual accreditation from CUE (Kenya) and WASC (United States).

Against it

Only offered at one university in Kenya (USIU-Africa), a private institution with higher fees than public universities.
Rapidly evolving field requires continuous self-learning beyond the curriculum to stay current.
High tuition costs at USIU-Africa may be prohibitive for many students without financial aid.

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

Public306k to 406k

306k at Kenyatta University406k at University of Nairobi

Private110k to 442k

110k at Mount Kenya University442k 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

UoN CS 406K/yr, KU ~306K/yr. USIU AI&Robotics 441.5K/yr (USIU fee PDF), MKU ~110K/yr (prospectus).

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, USIU-Africa financial aid and county government bursaries.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
USIU-Africa Financial Aid
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

USIU-Africa Financial Aid
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
USIU-Africa students demonstrating financial need. Awarded through the university's financial aid office.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: A-level with two principal passes in Mathematics and Physics, or a relevant Diploma in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or ICT from an institution recognised by the University Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Programming assignments, quizzes, lab reports and project milestones throughout the semester.
Laboratory Practicals
Practicum20% of the mark
Hands-on robotics and AI lab work, including robot programming, sensor integration and model training.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering AI theory, algorithms, robotics fundamentals and programming concepts.
Capstone Project
Project20% of the mark
Final year project designing and implementing an AI or robotics solution, assessed through presentation and demonstration.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya and the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. The programme is offered at USIU-Africa.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. USIU-Africa is a CUE-accredited university.
WASC Senior College and University Commission
International
USIU-Africa is additionally accredited by WASC, the United States regional accrediting body.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

AI Engineer
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Designs and deploys machine learning models and AI systems for technology companies and startups.
Robotics Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 200,000
Builds and programmes robotic systems for manufacturing, logistics and automation applications.
Machine Learning Engineer
High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 280,000
Develops and optimises machine learning pipelines and models for data-driven products and services.
Automation Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 180,000
Designs and implements automated systems for manufacturing, logistics and business processes.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 120,000
Supports AI and robotics research projects at universities, research labs and technology companies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as AI engineers, robotics engineers, machine learning engineers and automation specialists in technology companies, manufacturing firms and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
SoftwarePrimary
Primary programming language for AI and machine learning development.
TensorFlow
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source machine learning framework for building and deploying AI models.
PyTorch
Software
Deep learning framework for research and production AI applications.
ROS (Robot Operating System)
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source framework for building robot applications, including navigation and manipulation.
OpenCV
Software
Computer vision library for image processing and visual recognition tasks.
Arduino IDE
Software
Development environment for programming microcontrollers and embedded systems in robotics.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

AI and Robotics is just about building robots.
The programme covers machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, control systems and AI ethics alongside robotics, providing a broad AI foundation.
You need to be a genius to study AI.
The programme builds from foundational programming and mathematics courses, progressively developing AI and robotics competencies over four years.
AI will replace all jobs, making this degree pointless.
AI and robotics create new roles requiring professionals who can design, deploy and maintain intelligent systems, making graduates increasingly sought after.
The programme is only for students interested in hardware.
The programme balances software-focused AI skills like machine learning and NLP with hardware-focused robotics, offering diverse career paths.