Skip to content
Pathrel
Start free
All courses
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.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 360,000
Ksh 1,440,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 461,000
Ksh 1,844,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

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 3 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 58 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

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.

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 favourAgainst it
High demand with excellent earning potentialRapidly evolving field requiring continuous learning
Opportunities for remote work and global employmentCan involve long hours of screen time
Entrepreneurial opportunities in techSitting 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

Scholarships you could apply for

16 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
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.

Subject requirements
MathematicsB-
Physics or ChemistryC+
English or KiswahiliC+

When it next starts

Taught at 58 institutions
January 202758 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kirinyaga University, University of Nairobi.

May 202757 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kirinyaga University, University of Nairobi.

September 202758 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kirinyaga University, University of Nairobi.

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

  • 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 B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

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

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.

Further reading

Read next