Technology

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a programme that provides comprehensive training in computing theory, software development and computer systems. Offered at the University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, Maseno University, Technical University of Kenya, USIU-Africa, Mount Kenya University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in software development, IT and technology.

The curriculum covers programming, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, computer networks, software engineering, web development, mobile application development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, discrete mathematics, research methods and a final year project. Students develop programming and system design skills.

Kenya's tech ecosystem, the growth of IT companies and the digital transformation of businesses create strong demand for computer science graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, programming labs, projects, hackathons and industrial attachment.

Graduates are prepared for careers as software developers, software engineers, systems analysts, database administrators, network engineers, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, IT consultants, tech entrepreneurs and cloud architects. They work in tech companies, banks, telecommunications, government, consulting firms, startups and as freelancers.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 360,000
Private, up to: Ksh 461,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 50 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Programming
Data Structures and Algorithms
Computer Architecture
Operating Systems
Databases
Computer Networks
Software Engineering
Web Development
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity

Modules

10 in the programme

Programming
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Programming fundamentals. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...
Data Structures and Algorithms
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Algorithm design and analysis. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-se...
Computer Architecture
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Hardware architecture. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Operating Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
OS principles. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinati...
Databases
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Database design and management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...
Computer Networks
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Network protocols and architecture. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-...
Software Engineering
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Software development process. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-sem...
Web Development
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Web application development. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...
Artificial Intelligence
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
AI fundamentals. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Final Year Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Capstone software project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semest...

Specialisations

Cybersecurity
Information 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.
Data Science
Data 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.
Cloud Computing
Cloud architecture. 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.
Software Engineering
Software 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.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending CS lectures, programming in computer labs, working on software projects, studying algorithms, debugging code, researching new technologies, participating in hackathons, and developing applications.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand with excellent earning potential
Opportunities for remote work and global employment
Entrepreneurial opportunities in tech

Against it

Rapidly evolving field requiring continuous learning
Can involve long hours of screen time
Sitting for long periods can have health impacts

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 360k

306k at Kenyatta University360k at University of Nairobi

Private111k to 461k

111k at Mount Kenya University461k at Strathmore University

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 ~360K (uonbi.ac.ke). KU ~306K (mawese). Strathmore ~461K, MKU ~111K.

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Tech companies may offer sponsorships and internships.

Funding options

HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

5 recorded

County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
Huawei 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
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 80,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. Diploma in computer science, IT or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Mathematics
B-
Physics or Chemistry
C+
English or Kiswahili
C+

How you are assessed

4 components

Programming Projects
Practicum30% of the mark
Software development projects
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Final Year Project
Project10% of the mark
Capstone software project
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at multiple public and private universities. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Database Administrator
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 400,000
Database management
Software Developer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 500,000
Software development
Software Engineer
High demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 550,000
Software engineering
Systems Analyst
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 380,000
Systems analysis
Cybersecurity Specialist
High demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 550,000
Cybersecurity

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as software developers, software engineers and systems analysts in tech companies, banks, telecommunications and startups.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Docker
Engineering
Postman
Code
Python
CodePrimary
PostgreSQL
Database
AWS
Cloud
Git
CodePrimary
Node.js
Code
Jupyter Notebook
Analytics

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Computer science is just about programming.
The programme covers algorithms, architecture, networks, databases, AI and cybersecurity.
You need to be a genius to study computer science.
Success requires practice, logical thinking and persistence.
There are too many IT graduates.
Quality computer science graduates remain in high demand globally.
Computer science is only for men.
The field is open to all, with growing initiatives to support women in tech.