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Bachelor of Science in Economics and Data Science

The Bachelor Of Science In Economics And Data Science is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in economics and data science. The programme falls under the Business & Economics category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 200,000
Ksh 800,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 295,500
Ksh 1,182,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 200,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 800,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 295,500 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE 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 8 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic Audit Investigator, at 17 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

The curriculum covers Economics and Data Science, Economic Analysis, Data Science, Statistical Modeling, Econometrics, Data-driven Decision-making. 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 Introduction to Economics and Data Science, Economics and Data Science Research Project, Economic Analysis, Data-driven Decision-making, Programming for Economics. 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 Data Science, Econometrics, Policy Analysis. 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 Economics And Data Science pursue careers as Econometrician, Economic Analyst, Data Scientist, Policy Analyst. 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.

What you study

6 subjects
  • Economics and Data Science
  • Economic Analysis
  • Data Science
  • Statistical Modeling
  • Econometrics
  • Data-driven Decision-making

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Introduction to Economics and Data Science

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Comprehensive introduction to economics and data science, covering economic concepts, data science principles, and approaches to data-driven economics.

  • Economic Analysis

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Study of economic analysis, covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic modeling, and economic forecasting.

  • Data Science

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Examination of data science, covering data mining, machine learning, data visualization, and data analysis.

  • Statistical Modeling

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Study of statistical modeling, covering regression analysis, time series analysis, probability theory, and statistical inference.

  • Econometrics

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Analysis of econometrics, covering econometric methods, economic data analysis, hypothesis testing, and econometric modeling.

  • Data-driven Decision-making

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Development of decision-making skills, covering data-driven strategy, business intelligence, decision analysis, and predictive analytics.

  • Programming for Economics

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Study of programming for economics, covering Python, R, statistical software, and data analysis tools.

  • Big Data Analytics

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examination of big data analytics, covering big data technologies, data engineering, distributed computing, and big data applications.

  • Strategic Management

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Study of strategic management, covering strategic analysis, strategy formulation, and strategic implementation in economic context.

  • Data Ethics

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Analysis of ethical issues in data science, covering data privacy, data ethics, and ethical decision-making in data practice.

  • Economics and Data Science Practice

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Practical data work where students apply learned skills in data analysis, economic modeling, and statistical analysis.

  • Economics and Data Science Research Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Independent research project on economic or data topic, demonstrating mastery of economics and data science theory and practice.

Specialisations

  • Data Science

    Focus on machine learning, data mining, and data visualization for data science careers. 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.

  • Econometrics

    Specialization in econometric methods, economic modeling, and economic forecasting. 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.

  • Policy Analysis

    Focus on policy evaluation, policy research, and evidence-based policy. 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.

A day as a student

Students attend lectures, conduct data analysis, participate in case studies, and engage in economic modeling.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Growing demand for data science and economic analysis professionals due to increasing data availability and evidence-based decision-making.Data science requires strong quantitative skills and comfort with statistical analysis and programming.
Economics and data science skills are highly transferable across various industries and sectors.Data science requires continuous learning of new tools, techniques, and technologies.
Data analysis and economic modeling provide hands-on experience with statistical analysis and machine learning.—

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
Public150k to 200k
150k at Kenyatta University200k at University of Nairobi
Private109k to 296k
109k at Zetech University296k 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 ~150K, UoN ~200K/yr. Zetech ~109K, USIU ~296K/yr. USIU/Zetech fee structures

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

5 recorded

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

  • 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 Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    Government fundingKenyan

    Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.

Scholarships you could apply for

11 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+ (plus) mean grade at KCSEminimum entry
Alternative entry

Diploma holders in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Subject requirements
MathematicsC+
English/KiswahiliC
Economics/Business StudiesC
Any Group II subjectC

When it next starts

Taught at 8 institutions
January 20278 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya.

May 20278 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya.

September 20278 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam70% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of economic analysis, data science, and econometrics.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests, assignments, and data science exercises throughout the semester evaluating economic knowledge and practical skills.

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Independent research project on economic or data topic, demonstrating mastery of economics and data science theory and practice.

  • Practice Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of data science skills, analytical work, and practical applications through data analysis and case studies.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    NationalRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Econometrician

    Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 130,000

    Apply econometric methods, develop economic models, and support economic analysis and forecasting.

  • Economic Analyst

    High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Analyse economic data, conduct economic research, and support economic policy and forecasting.

  • Data Scientist

    High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Analyse data, develop data models, and support data-driven decision-making and machine learning applications.

  • Policy Analyst

    High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000

    Analyse policy issues, develop policy recommendations, and support policy development and evaluation.

  • Data Consultant

    Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Provide data expertise, consult on data strategy, and support organizations in data improvement.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in economics and data science across Kenya's economic and data sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Docker

    Cloud

  • Git

    CodePrimary

  • GitHub Copilot

    Ai

  • PostgreSQL

    Database

  • Python

    CodePrimary

  • VS Code

    Code

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • This programme has limited career opportunities.

    Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.

  • The programme is only for top-performing students.

    While academic excellence is valued, the programme accepts students meeting the minimum KCSE requirements and supports diverse learners.

  • Graduates cannot find employment in Kenya.

    Kenya's growing economy creates demand for qualified graduates across public, private, and NGO sectors.

  • The degree is not recognised internationally.

    The programme is accredited by CUE and is recognised under regional and international qualification frameworks.

Further reading

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