Technology

Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in computer technology. The programme falls under the ICT & Computing category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Computer Hardware and Computer Architecture, Computer Networks and Network Administration, Systems Administration and IT Infrastructure, Operating Systems and System Software, Web Development and Application Development, Database Management and Database Administration. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Rust, Smart-contract security, Advanced Machine Learning, AI Ethics, AI Ethics and Governance. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Cybersecurity and Information Security, Web Development and Application Development, Database Management and Database Administration, IT Support and Technical Support, Computer Networks and Network Administration. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Systems Administration and IT Infrastructure, Cloud Computing and Virtualisation, Network Administration and Network Engineering. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology pursue careers as Systems Administrator / IT Administrator, IT Support Specialist / Technical Support Specialist, Network Administrator / Network Engineer, Systems Engineer / IT Infrastructure Engineer. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 345,100
Private, up to: Ksh 441,500
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 50 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Computer Hardware and Computer Architecture
Computer Networks and Network Administration
Systems Administration and IT Infrastructure
Operating Systems and System Software
Web Development and Application Development
Database Management and Database Administration
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
IT Support and Technical Support
Cybersecurity and Information Security
Research Methods and Computer Technology Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Computer Hardware and Computer Architecture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer hardware, computer architecture, hardware configuration, and supporting computer hardware.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Computer Networks and Network Administration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer networks, network administration, network configuration, and supporting computer networks.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Systems Administration and IT Infrastructure
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Systems administration, IT infrastructure, server administration, and supporting systems administration.
Operating Systems and System Software
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Operating systems, system software, system configuration, and supporting operating systems.
Web Development and Application Development
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Web development, application development, software development, and supporting web development.
Database Management and Database Administration
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Database management, database administration, data management, and supporting database management.
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Cloud computing, virtualisation, cloud infrastructure, and supporting cloud computing.
IT Support and Technical Support
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
IT Support and Technical Support: IT support, technical support, help desk, and supporting IT support. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Cybersecurity and Information Security
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Cybersecurity, information security, security administration, and supporting cybersecurity.
Research Methods, Computer Technology Research and Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, computer technology research, research project, and supporting research methods and project work.

Specialisations

Systems Administration and IT Infrastructure
Focuses on systems administration, IT infrastructure, server administration, and systems management.
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
Focuses on cloud computing, virtualisation, cloud infrastructure, and cloud administration. 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.
Network Administration and Network Engineering
Specialises in network administration, network engineering, network configuration, and network management.
IT Support and Technical Support
Concentrates on IT support, technical support, help desk, and IT operations. 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.
Database Administration and Data Management
Focuses on 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.
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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based 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.
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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based 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.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with morning lectures on computer hardware, networking, or systems administration, followed by technology laboratories, practical training, or industry visits. Students configure hardware, manage networks, administer systems, work with IT tools, and work on their technology projects. Industrial attachments at government agencies, private companies, and technology firms provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — digital transformation, infrastructure growth, and technology adoption create strong demand for computer technology professionals.
Diverse settings — graduates work at government agencies, private companies, educational institutions, healthcare, and various industries.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Practical skills — computer technology focuses on practical, hands-on skills that are directly applicable in the workplace.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Technology changes — computer technology faces rapid technology changes, continuous learning requirements, and skills obsolescence.
Work pressure — IT support involves tight deadlines, system downtime pressure, and high pressure during technology incidents.
Skills gap — computer technology 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 courses

Public306k to 345k

306k at Kenyatta University345k at University of Nairobi

Private206k to 442k

206k at Daystar University442k at United States International University Africa

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

KU 306K/yr official. UoN 345.1K/yr KUCCPS. Daystar ~103K/sem=206K/yr. USIU 220.75K/sem=441.5K/yr fee schedule.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, ICT industry sponsorships, and international technology scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
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)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Technology, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant IT or technical support experience is advantageous.

Mathematics
C+
Physics or Computer Studies
C
English or Kiswahili
C
Chemistry or Biology
C

How you are assessed

5 components

End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent computer technology research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including technology work, IT support work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering computer technology, networking, systems administration, and computer technology research.
Computer Technology Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of computer technology competencies including hardware configuration, network administration, systems administration, and IT support.

Accreditation

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.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Systems Administrator / IT Administrator
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 160,000
Administers systems, IT infrastructure, server management, and supports systems administration at government agencies, private companies, or educational institutions.
IT Support Specialist / Technical Support Specialist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 140,000
Provides IT support, technical support, help desk services, and supports IT operations at government agencies, private companies, or educational institutions.
Network Administrator / Network Engineer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 160,000
Administers networks, network configuration, network management, and supports network administration at telecommunications companies, government agencies, or private companies.
Systems Engineer / IT Infrastructure Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Designs systems, IT infrastructure, system integration, and supports systems engineering at technology companies, government agencies, or large corporations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as systems administrators and network administrators. Computer technology is in high demand driven by digital transformation. Salaries range from KES 60,000 to 160,000 per month. Ministry of ICT, CAK, government agencies, and private companies offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Docker
Cloud
Git
CodePrimary
GitHub Copilot
Ai
PostgreSQL
Database
VS Code
Code
C++
SoftwarePrimary
Programming language for system-level programming and hardware interfacing.
Linux
Software
Operating system for server administration and network management.
SQL
Software
Database query language for managing relational databases.
Python
CodePrimary

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Computer technology is just about fixing computers.
Computer technology includes hardware configuration, network administration, systems administration, IT infrastructure, and technology support — fixing computers is one component.
Computer technology is only for IT companies.
Computer technology applies to government agencies, private companies, educational institutions, healthcare, and many other settings beyond IT companies.
There are limited career opportunities for computer technology graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation, infrastructure growth, technology adoption, and IT support needs create demand for computer technology professionals at government agencies, private companies, and educational institutions.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.