Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in information systems and business technology. It develops expertise in information systems management, database administration, systems analysis, and business process automation while building technical skills for managing organisational information technology.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 360,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,440,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 461,000 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 6 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 9 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
Students analyse information systems, design database solutions, implement business software, manage IT infrastructure, evaluate system performance, assess technology needs, support business processes, and develop information strategies. They also strengthen analytical thinking, business analysis, project management, technical communication, and problem-solving.
Kenya's business sector requires professionals who can manage information systems, support digital transformation, and align technology with business objectives across banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and private enterprises.
The programme combines coursework, information systems laboratories, case studies, industrial attachment, and systems projects to build comprehensive information systems expertise.
Graduates pursue careers as systems analysts, database administrators, IT managers, business analysts, and information systems consultants across banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and technology firms.
The programme is ideal for students interested in information technology, business analysis, systems management, database administration, and applying technology to solve business problems. The programme emphasises practical skills through laboratory sessions, industrial attachments, and project-based learning that prepare graduates for real-world technology challenges.
What you study
10 subjects- Information Systems and Systems Analysis
- Database Management and Database Administration
- Business Process Management and Business Analysis
- IT Infrastructure and Systems Administration
- Enterprise Systems and ERP Systems
- Software Development and Application Development
- Information Security and Data Security
- Project Management and IT Project Management
- Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Research Methods and Information Systems Research
Modules
10 in the programmeInformation Systems and Systems Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Information systems, systems analysis, requirements analysis, and supporting information systems.
Database Management and Database Administration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Database management, database administration, SQL, and supporting database management.
Business Process Management and Business Analysis
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Business process management, business analysis, process improvement, and supporting business process management.
IT Infrastructure and Systems Administration
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
IT infrastructure, systems administration, server management, and supporting IT infrastructure.
Enterprise Systems and ERP Systems
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Enterprise systems, ERP systems, enterprise resource planning, and supporting enterprise systems.
Software Development and Application Development
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Software development, application development, business applications, and supporting software development.
Information Security and Data Security
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Information security, data security, cybersecurity, and supporting information security.
Project Management and IT Project Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Project management, IT project management, project planning, and supporting project management.
Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Business intelligence, data analytics, reporting, and supporting business intelligence.
Research Methods, Information Systems Research and Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, information systems research, research project, and supporting research methods and project work.
Specialisations
Database Administration and Data Management
Specialises in database administration, data management, data governance, and database systems. 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.
Systems Analysis and Business Analysis
Focuses on systems analysis, business analysis, requirements analysis, and business process improvement.
IT Infrastructure and Systems Administration
Focuses on IT infrastructure, systems administration, server management, and cloud infrastructure. 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.
Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Focuses on business intelligence, data analytics, reporting, 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.
Enterprise Systems and ERP Systems
Concentrates on enterprise systems, ERP systems, business process automation, and enterprise software.
A day as a student
A typical day starts with morning lectures on information systems, database management, or business analysis, followed by laboratory practicals, case studies, or industry visits. Students analyze information systems, develop database solutions, work with enterprise software, and work on their systems projects. Industrial attachments at banks, insurance companies, and government agencies provide hands-on experience.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand — digital transformation, business automation, and information systems adoption create strong demand for information systems professionals. | Technology changes — information systems faces rapid technology changes, continuous learning requirements, and skills obsolescence. |
| Diverse settings — graduates work at banks, insurance companies, government agencies, consulting firms, and various industries. | Work pressure — IT work involves tight deadlines, system downtime pressure, and high pressure during system implementations. |
| Business focus — information systems combines technology with business, creating opportunities at the intersection of both fields. | Skills gap — information systems requires continuous learning, technology 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 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
UoN CS ~360K (uonbi.ac.ke). KU ~306K (mawese). Strathmore ~461K, Kabarak ~130K.
Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, ICT industry sponsorships, and international information systems scholarships are available.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries
Scholarships
5 recordedHuawei Seeds for the Future Kenya
Scholarship
Talented ICT/STEM university students with a GPA of 3.0+
Generation Google Scholarship
Scholarship
Women in computer science and related technical fields
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
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.
Scholarships you could apply for
13 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
- 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
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant IT or business analysis experience is advantageous.
When it next starts
Taught at 9 institutionsIncluding Kenya Methodist University, Mount Kenya University, Kirinyaga University.
Including Kenya Methodist University, Mount Kenya University, Kirinyaga University.
Including Kenya Methodist University, Mount Kenya University, Kirinyaga University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsInformation Systems Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of information systems competencies including systems analysis, database administration, business analysis, and IT infrastructure.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including information systems work, database work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent information systems research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and information systems projects throughout each semester.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering information systems, database management, business analysis, and information systems research.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Certified by Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) for ICT professionals. The Kenya Information and Communications Act governs ICT. The National ICT Policy guides digital development. Data Protection Act governs data protection.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesIT Manager / Systems Administrator
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Manages IT infrastructure, systems administration, IT operations, and supports IT management at banks, government agencies, or large corporations.
Systems Analyst / Business Analyst
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 170,000
Analyzes information systems, business processes, requirements analysis, and supports systems development at banks, insurance companies, or government agencies.
ERP Consultant / Enterprise Systems Consultant
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 180,000
Implements ERP systems, enterprise systems, business process automation, and supports enterprise software at consulting firms, software companies, or large corporations.
Information Systems Consultant / IT Consultant
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Provides information systems consulting, IT consulting, technology strategy, and supports technology implementation at consulting firms, IT companies, or government agencies.
Database Administrator / Data Manager
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 160,000
Manages databases, database administration, data management, and supports data systems at banks, insurance companies, or government agencies.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as systems analysts and database administrators. Computer information systems is in high demand driven by digital transformation. Salaries range from KES 65,000 to 170,000 per month. Ministry of ICT, CAK, banks, and insurance companies offer the main opportunities.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Embedded Firmware EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Embedded Linux DeveloperTechnology15Low exposure
- Site Reliability EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Applied Cryptography EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Database Reliability EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Edge Computing EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Docker
Cloud
Git
CodePrimary
GitHub Copilot
Ai
PostgreSQL
Database
Python
CodePrimary
VS Code
Code
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Computer information systems is just about programming.
Computer information systems includes systems analysis, database administration, business process management, IT infrastructure, and business analysis — programming is one component.
Computer information systems is only for IT companies.
Computer information systems applies to banks, insurance companies, government agencies, healthcare, retail, and many other industries beyond IT companies.
There are limited career opportunities for information systems graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation, business automation needs, information systems adoption, and enterprise software implementation create demand for information systems professionals at banks, insurance companies, and government agencies.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.