Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is a programme that provides comprehensive training in chemical science, molecular structure and chemical reactions. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Maseno University, Egerton University, Moi University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in chemistry, research and industry.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 264,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,056,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 191,700 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 33 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic DNA Scientist, at 15 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, polymer chemistry, environmental chemistry, industrial chemistry, biochemistry, nuclear chemistry, computational chemistry, statistics, research methods and a research project. Students develop laboratory and analytical skills in chemistry.
Kenya's manufacturing sector, pharmaceutical industry, environmental monitoring and research institutions create demand for chemistry graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, intensive laboratory sessions, industrial attachment and research projects.
Graduates are prepared for careers as chemists, analytical chemists, research scientists, quality control officers, laboratory managers, environmental chemists, industrial chemists, forensic chemists, teachers and consultants. They work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, research institutions, government laboratories, educational institutions and consulting firms.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Biology, and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.
What you study
10 subjects- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Polymer Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Computational Chemistry
Modules
10 in the programmeOrganic Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Carbon compounds. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examin...
Inorganic Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Non-carbon compounds. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...
Physical Chemistry
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Physical principles of chemistry. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of...
Analytical Chemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Chemical analysis. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...
Spectroscopy
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Spectroscopic methods. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Polymer Chemistry
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Polymer science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Environmental Chemistry
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Environmental chemistry. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...
Industrial Chemistry
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Industrial applications. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...
Computational Chemistry
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Computational methods. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final year research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...
Specialisations
Analytical Chemistry
Chemical analysis. 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.
Organic Chemistry
Organic synthesis. 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.
Environmental Chemistry
Environmental monitoring. 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.
Industrial Chemistry
Industrial 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.
A day as a student
A typical day involves attending chemistry lectures, working in chemistry laboratories, conducting titrations and syntheses, operating spectroscopic instruments, studying reaction mechanisms, analysing chemical data, and working on research projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals | Laboratory work involves hazardous chemicals |
| Versatile degree with diverse career paths | Requires precision and attention to detail |
| Strong foundation for postgraduate study | May require postgraduate qualifications for research roles |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 science 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 ku.ac.ke:244.8K. UoN Sch.II:264K. Kabarak:95.85K/sem. MKU SPAS:54.55K/sem
HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available for eligible students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students
Scholarships you could apply for
15 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
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Biology, and English or Kiswahili. Diploma in chemistry, laboratory technology or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
When it next starts
Taught at 33 institutionsIncluding Kibabii University, University of Nairobi, Kaimosi Friends University.
Including Kibabii University, University of Nairobi, Kaimosi Friends University.
Including Kibabii University, University of Nairobi, Kaimosi Friends University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments
Laboratory Practicals
Practicum30% of the mark
Lab sessions and reports
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Final year research project
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at multiple public and private universities. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Biology, and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesEnvironmental Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000
Environmental monitoring
Quality Control Officer
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000
Quality assurance
Laboratory Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 320,000
Lab management
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000
Chemical research
Chemist
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000
Chemical analysis and research
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as chemists, research scientists and quality control officers in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and research institutions.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Forensic DNA ScientistScience15Low exposure
- Neuromorphic Computing ResearcherScience15Low exposure
- Agricultural EntomologistScience17Low exposure
- Neurotechnology Research EngineerScience17Low exposure
- Phage Therapy ResearcherScience17Low exposure
- Applied GeochemistScience18Low exposure
- Computational ToxicologistScience18Low exposure
- Computational Toxicology SpecialistScience18Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
Python
ProgrammingPrimary
Data analysis and machine learning for risk modelling.
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Chemistry is just about mixing chemicals.
The programme covers molecular structure, reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy and computational chemistry.
Chemistry graduates only work in laboratories.
Graduates work in research, quality control, forensics, environmental management and teaching.
There are no jobs for chemistry graduates.
Manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and environmental monitoring create strong demand.
Chemistry is too difficult.
Chemistry requires dedication but is rewarding with diverse career opportunities.