Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Systems
This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in computing and information systems. It develops expertise in software development, information systems management, database administration, and business technology while building practical skills for designing and implementing computing solutions.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 345,100 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,380,400 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 16 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 develop software applications, manage information systems, administer databases, analyse computing requirements, implement technology solutions, evaluate system performance, support business processes, and integrate computing systems. They also strengthen programming skills, systems analysis, problem-solving, technical communication, and project management.
Kenya's digital economy requires professionals who can develop computing solutions, manage information systems, and support technology adoption across government agencies, private enterprises, financial institutions, and technology companies.
The programme combines coursework, computing laboratories, software projects, industrial attachment, and systems development projects to build comprehensive computing and information systems expertise.
Graduates pursue careers as software developers, information systems managers, database administrators, systems analysts, and IT consultants across government agencies, banks, insurance companies, and technology firms.
The programme is ideal for students interested in computing, software development, information systems, database management, 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- Programming and Software Development
- Information Systems and Systems Analysis
- Database Management and Database Administration
- Computer Networks and Network Systems
- Web Development and Application Development
- Systems Administration and IT Infrastructure
- Business Information Systems and Enterprise Systems
- Data Management and Data Analytics
- Information Security and Cybersecurity
- Research Methods and Computing Research
Modules
10 in the programmeProgramming and Software Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Programming, software development, programming languages, and supporting programming.
Information Systems and Systems Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Information systems, systems analysis, requirements analysis, and supporting information systems.
Database Management and Database Administration
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Database management, database administration, SQL, and supporting database management.
Computer Networks and Network Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer networks, network systems, network protocols, and supporting computer networks.
Web Development and Application Development
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Web development, application development, software development, and supporting web development.
Systems Administration and IT Infrastructure
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Systems administration, IT infrastructure, server administration, and supporting systems administration.
Business Information Systems and Enterprise Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Business information systems, enterprise systems, ERP systems, and supporting business information systems.
Data Management and Data Analytics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Data management, data analytics, data processing, and supporting data management.
Information Security and Cybersecurity
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Information security, cybersecurity, security administration, and supporting information security.
Research Methods, Computing Research and Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, computing research, research project, and supporting research methods and project work.
Specialisations
Software Development and Application Development
Focuses on software development, application development, web development, and mobile 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.
Systems Analysis and Business Analysis
Focuses on systems analysis, business analysis, requirements analysis, and business process improvement.
Business Information Systems and Enterprise Systems
Focuses on business information systems, enterprise systems, ERP systems, and business process automation.
Database Administration and Data Management
Concentrates 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.
Information Systems Management and IT Management
Specialises in information systems management, IT management, IT operations, and technology infrastructure.
A day as a student
A typical day starts with morning lectures on programming, information systems, or database management, followed by computing laboratories, software projects, or industry visits. Students develop software, manage databases, work with information systems, work with development tools, and work on their computing 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 technology growth create strong demand for computing professionals. | Technology changes — computing 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 — computing and information systems combines technology with business, creating opportunities at the intersection of both fields. | Skills gap — computing 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
KU 306K/yr official. UoN 345.1K/yr KUCCPS. Kabarak 99.35K/sem=198.7K/yr. Strathmore ~461K/yr shika.co.ke
Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, ICT industry sponsorships, and international computing scholarships are available.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries
Scholarships
4 recordedCounty 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.
ICT Industry Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Banks, insurance companies, and technology organisations may sponsor computing students in exchange for service commitment.
Scholarships you could apply for
15 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
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computing, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant IT or programming experience is advantageous.
When it next starts
Taught at 16 institutionsIncluding National Defence University - Kenya, United States International University Africa, Kibabii University.
Including United States International University Africa, Kibabii University, Machakos University.
Including National Defence University - Kenya, United States International University Africa, Kibabii University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsIndustry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including computing work, software development work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and computing projects throughout each semester.
Computing and Information Systems Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of computing competencies including programming, database administration, systems analysis, and software development.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent computing research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering computing, information systems, database management, and computing 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 rolesInformation Systems Manager / IT Manager
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Manages information systems, IT operations, technology infrastructure, and supports information systems management at banks, insurance companies, or government agencies.
Systems Analyst / Business Analyst
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 160,000
Analyzes systems, business processes, requirements analysis, and supports systems development at banks, insurance companies, or consulting firms.
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.
Software Developer / Application Developer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 170,000
Develops software, web applications, mobile applications, and supports software development at technology companies, fintech firms, or digital businesses.
IT Consultant / Technology Consultant
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Provides IT consulting, technology strategy, systems implementation, and supports technology consulting at consulting firms, IT companies, or government agencies.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as software developers and information systems managers. Computing and 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
Computing and information systems is just about programming.
Computing and information systems includes software development, information systems management, database administration, systems analysis, and business technology — programming is one component.
Computing and information systems is only for IT companies.
Computing and information systems applies to banks, insurance companies, government agencies, healthcare, retail, and many other industries beyond IT companies.
There are limited career opportunities for computing graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation, business automation needs, information systems adoption, and technology growth create demand for computing 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.