Technology

Bachelor of Science in Biometry and Informatics

The Bachelor of Science in Biometry and Informatics is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in biometry and informatics. The programme falls under the ICT & Computing category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Biostatistics and Statistical Analysis, Epidemiology and Public Health Statistics, Health Informatics and Health Information Systems, Data Management and Clinical Data Management, Research Methods and Biostatistical Research, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Clinical Trials and Experimental Design, Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Management and Clinical Data Management, Data Mining and Health Data Analytics, Statistical Software and Programming. 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 Biostatistics and Statistical Analysis, Clinical Data Management and Clinical Trials, Monitoring and Evaluation. 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 Biometry and Informatics pursue careers as Biostatistician / Health Data Analyst, Research Analyst / Epidemiologist, Clinical Data Manager / Data Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist / M and E Specialist. 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 306,000
Private, up to: Ksh 441,500
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 50 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Biostatistics and Statistical Analysis
Epidemiology and Public Health Statistics
Health Informatics and Health Information Systems
Data Management and Clinical Data Management
Research Methods and Biostatistical Research
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Clinical Trials and Experimental Design
Data Mining and Health Data Analytics
Statistical Software and Programming
Monitoring and Evaluation

Modules

10 in the programme

Biostatistics and Statistical Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Biostatistics, statistical analysis, probability theory, and supporting biostatistics.
Epidemiology and Public Health Statistics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Epidemiology, public health statistics, disease surveillance, and supporting epidemiology.
Health Informatics and Health Information Systems
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Health informatics, health information systems, electronic health records, and supporting health informatics.
Data Management and Clinical Data Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Data management, clinical data management, data quality, and supporting data management.
Research Methods and Biostatistical Research
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Research methods, biostatistical research, study design, and supporting research methods.
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Computational biology, bioinformatics, biological data analysis, and supporting computational biology.
Clinical Trials and Experimental Design
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Clinical trials, experimental design, study protocols, and supporting clinical trials.
Data Mining and Health Data Analytics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Data mining, health data analytics, predictive modelling, and supporting data analytics.
Statistical Software and Programming
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Statistical Software and Programming: Statistical software, programming, R, SAS, and supporting statistical software. Includes probability theory, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and data ...
Monitoring and Evaluation
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Monitoring and evaluation, M and E, program evaluation, and supporting monitoring and evaluation.

Specialisations

Biostatistics and Statistical Analysis
Focuses on biostatistics, statistical analysis, statistical modelling, and epidemiological statistics.
Clinical Data Management and Clinical Trials
Focuses on clinical data management, clinical trials, data quality, and clinical research. 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.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Focuses on monitoring and evaluation, program evaluation, impact assessment, and health program evaluation.
Health Informatics and Health Information Systems
Specialises in health informatics, health information systems, electronic health records, and health data management.
Epidemiology and Public Health Statistics
Concentrates on epidemiology, public health statistics, disease surveillance, and public health research.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with morning lectures on biostatistics, epidemiology, or health informatics, followed by statistical laboratory practicals, fieldwork, or industry visits. Students analyze health data, develop statistical models, work with health information systems, and work on their research projects. Industrial attachments at hospitals, research institutions, and KEMRI provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — healthcare data needs, medical research growth, and public health monitoring create strong demand for biostatistics professionals.
Diverse settings — graduates work at hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, public health organisations, and government agencies.
Impactful work — biostatistics professionals support medical research, public health decisions, and healthcare improvements.

Against it

Technical complexity — biostatistics requires strong technical skills in statistics, programming, and data analysis.
Data challenges — biostatistics involves challenges with data quality, data access, and data privacy.
Continuous learning — biostatistics requires continuous learning, statistical method updates, and skills development.

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

Public288k to 306k

288k at University of Nairobi306k at Kenyatta University

Private226k to 442k

226k at Daystar University442k at United States International University 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 Stats&Programming 306K (educationnewshub). UoN 288K (Schedule II). USIU 441,500, Daystar ~226K/yr.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, health research sponsorships, and international biostatistics scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
Health Research Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
KEMRI, research institutions, and health organisations may sponsor biostatistics students in exchange for service commitment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Statistics, Biostatistics, Mathematics, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant statistics or data analysis experience is advantageous.

Mathematics
C+
Biology
C
Chemistry or Physics
C
English or Kiswahili
C

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and biostatistics projects throughout each semester.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including biostatistics work, data analysis work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering biostatistics, epidemiology, health informatics, and biostatistical research.
Biostatistics Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of biostatistics competencies including statistical analysis, data analysis, epidemiological methods, and health informatics.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent biostatistics research project, assessed through written report and presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Certified by Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for research professionals. The Public Health Act governs public health. The National Health Policy guides health development. Data Protection Act governs health data.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Biostatistician / Health Data Analyst
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 170,000
Analyzes health data, conducts biostatistical analysis, statistical modelling, and supports health research at hospitals, research institutions, or KEMRI.
Research Analyst / Epidemiologist
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Conducts research analysis, epidemiological studies, disease surveillance, and supports public health research at research institutions, KEMRI, or public health organisations.
Clinical Data Manager / Data Manager
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages clinical data, data quality, data management, and supports clinical trials at pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or hospitals.
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist / M and E Specialist
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 160,000
Conducts monitoring and evaluation, program evaluation, impact assessment, and supports health programs at NGOs, government agencies, or international organisations.
Health Informatics Specialist / Health Information Manager
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Manages health information systems, health informatics, electronic health records, and supports health data management at hospitals, health agencies, or government agencies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as biostatisticians and health informatics specialists. Biometry and informatics is in high demand driven by healthcare data needs. Salaries range from KES 65,000 to 170,000 per month. Ministry of Health, KEMRI, hospitals, and research institutions offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Figma
DesignPrimary
Adobe Creative Suite
DesignPrimary
Unity
Game engine
Visual Studio Code
Ide
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for analytical data management, quality control charts and statistical analysis.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Biometry and informatics is just about statistics.
Biometry and informatics includes biostatistics, health informatics, data management, computational biology, epidemiology, and health information systems — statistics is one component.
Biometry and informatics is only for hospitals.
Biometry and informatics applies to research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, public health organisations, government agencies, and many other settings beyond hospitals.
There are limited career opportunities for biometry and informatics graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's healthcare data needs, medical research growth, public health monitoring, and health informatics adoption create demand for biostatistics professionals at KEMRI, hospitals, and research institutions.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.