Bachelor of Science in Commerce in Management Information Systems
This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in commerce with management information systems specialization. It develops expertise in information systems, business management, data management, business analytics, and IT management while building comprehensive skills for managing information systems in commercial organizations.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 285,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,142,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 295,500 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE 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 6 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic Audit Investigator, at 17 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students analyse information needs, design information systems, implement management techniques, evaluate system performance, conduct information research, apply ethical principles, manage information projects, and develop sustainable information practices. They also strengthen analytical thinking, information management skills, communication, teamwork, and technological abilities.
Kenya requires commerce with management information systems to support digital transformation, enhance information systems, and promote data-driven decision-making, creating demand for professionals who can work in information management, business analytics, IT management, and support the corporate and technology sectors.
The programme combines coursework, information systems practice, case studies, research projects, and technology training. Students gain hands-on experience through information systems practice, data analysis, and business analytics.
Graduates pursue careers as information managers, business analysts, IT managers, data analysts, and systems analysts across corporate organizations, government agencies, IT firms, and consulting firms.
The programme is ideal for students interested in commerce, management information systems, data management, business analytics, and IT management.
What you study
6 subjects- Commerce - Management Information Systems
- Information Systems
- Business Management
- Data Management
- Business Analytics
- IT Management
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Commerce
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive introduction to commerce, covering business concepts, commercial principles, and approaches to business management.
Information Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of information systems, covering system components, system design, system implementation, and system management.
Business Management
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of business management, covering planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions of management.
Data Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of data management, covering database systems, data warehousing, data governance, and data quality.
Business Analytics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of business analytics, covering data analysis, statistical methods, predictive analytics, and business intelligence.
IT Management
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of IT management skills, covering IT strategy, IT governance, IT infrastructure, and IT service management.
Systems Analysis and Design
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of systems analysis, covering requirements analysis, system design, system development, and system implementation.
Digital Business
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of digital business, covering e-business, digital transformation, digital strategy, and digital innovation.
Strategic Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of strategic management, covering strategic analysis, strategy formulation, and strategic implementation in information context.
Information Ethics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of ethical issues in information management, covering data privacy, information security, and ethical decision-making in IT practice.
Commerce Practice
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical information work where students apply learned skills in information systems practice, data analysis, and business analytics.
Commerce Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project on information or commerce topic, demonstrating mastery of commerce in management information systems theory and practice.
Specialisations
Systems Analysis
Specialization in requirements analysis, system design, and system development. 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.
Data Analytics
Focus on data analysis, statistical methods, and predictive analytics for data analytics careers. 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.
IT Management
Focus on IT infrastructure, cloud computing, and IT security. 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.
A day as a student
Students attend lectures, conduct information systems practice, participate in case studies, and engage in data analysis.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Growing demand for information management professionals due to digital transformation across all sectors. | Information management requires continuous learning of new technologies and data management techniques. |
| Information management skills are transferable across various industries and organizational sizes. | IT work can involve complex technical challenges and requires strong problem-solving skills. |
| Information systems practice and case studies provide hands-on experience with data analysis and business analytics. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 191 technology 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 B.Com:183.6K. UoN B.Com:285.5K. USIU:295.5K. Zetech:140K
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scholarships
4 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
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
ICPAK Scholarship for Accounting and Finance Students
ScholarshipKenyan
Bright and needy students admitted to accounting or finance programmes
Scholarships you could apply for
6 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
- 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
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Information Technology, Business Administration, Computer Science, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 4 institutionsIncluding Kaimosi Friends University, Africa Nazarene University, Daystar University.
Including Kaimosi Friends University, Africa Nazarene University, Daystar University.
Including Kaimosi Friends University, Africa Nazarene University, Daystar University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsResearch Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on information or commerce topic, demonstrating mastery of commerce in management information systems theory and practice.
Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of information management skills, systems work, and practical applications through information systems practice and case studies.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and information management exercises throughout the semester evaluating commerce knowledge and practical skills.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of information systems, data management, and business analytics.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesSystems Analyst
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Analyse system requirements, design information systems, and support system development and implementation.
Information Manager
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage information systems, develop information strategies, and oversee data management and information governance.
Business Analyst
High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Analyse business processes, develop business solutions, and support organizational improvement and digital transformation.
IT Manager
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 135,000
Manage IT operations, develop IT strategies, and oversee IT infrastructure and technology implementation.
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Analyse data, develop data models, and support data-driven decision-making and business intelligence.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in commerce with management information systems across Kenya's corporate and technology sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Forensic Audit InvestigatorBusiness17Low exposure
- Franchise Operations ManagerBusiness18Low exposure
- Infrastructure Finance SpecialistBusiness18Low exposure
- Intermodal Reefer TechnicianBusiness18Low exposure
- Climate Risk UnderwriterBusiness19Low exposure
- Coldchain Logistics ManagerBusiness19Low exposure
- Municipal Finance SpecialistBusiness19Low exposure
- Islamic Banking SpecialistBusiness20Low exposure
Tools you will learn
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Google Workspace
Cloud
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
Power BI
AnalyticsPrimary
QuickBooks
Accounting
SAP
Enterprise
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.
The programme is only for top-performing students.
While academic excellence is valued, the programme accepts students meeting the minimum KCSE requirements and supports diverse learners.
Graduates cannot find employment in Kenya.
Kenya's growing economy creates demand for qualified graduates across public, private, and NGO sectors.
The degree is not recognised internationally.
The programme is accredited by CUE and is recognised under regional and international qualification frameworks.