Bachelor of Science in Informatics
The Bachelor of Science in Informatics is a four-year programme offered at Moi University, University of Eldoret, and Rongo University. It trains students to harness information and communication technology to solve organisational and societal problems, producing competent informatics professionals for modern workplaces.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 294,185 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,176,740 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 5 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 study database systems, systems analysis and design, programming, web technologies, information management, and network administration. The curriculum blends theory with practical laboratory sessions, industrial attachments, and project work, ensuring graduates can design, implement, and manage information systems.
Entry requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. Diploma holders in IT or related fields may receive credit transfers into the second or third year of study.
Graduates work as systems developers, ICT managers, database administrators, web designers, and information system analysts in banks, government agencies, telecommunications companies, and technology firms across Kenya and beyond.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and aligns with Kenya Vision 2030 goals of expanding ICT infrastructure and business process outsourcing capabilities in the country.
Career opportunities include roles in software development, data management, IT consultancy, and systems integration. The demand for informatics professionals continues to grow as organisations increasingly digitise their operations and services.
What you study
6 subjects- Informatics
- Programming
- Data Structures & Algorithms
- Database Systems
- Computer Networks
- Research Methods
Modules
12 in the programmeAdvanced Mathematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced calculus, algebra, and mathematical methods. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, c...
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.
Laboratory Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Advanced laboratory methods and instrumentation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, course...
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Scientific research methodology and experimental design. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Advanced Topics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced theoretical and applied topics in the discipline. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent research project in pure or applied science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.
Specialisations
Informatics
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Informatics. 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 Development
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Informatics. 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 & Analytics
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Informatics. 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.
Networks & Security
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Informatics. 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.
Artificial Intelligence
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Informatics. 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
Lectures, practicals, group discussions, and independent study form the core of the student experience. Industrial attachment and research projects provide real-world exposure.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Solid foundation for diverse career paths across multiple sectors | Competitive job market requiring additional skills or experience |
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Recognised qualification accredited by CUE | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | May require further specialisation for advanced roles |
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
UoEldoret 244,800/yr; Kisii 294,185/yr (educationnewshub KUCCPS). Private unverified.
HELB loans available for eligible students. University and external scholarships may be available.
Funding options
HELB Loan
KUCCPS Placement
Scholarships
3 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
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
9 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
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moi University Merit Scholarship
Before semester startsPartialMoi University
50% tuition waiver
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders may upgrade through bridging programmes.
When it next starts
Taught at 5 institutionsIncluding Kabarnet University College, Rongo University, Moi University.
Including Kabarnet University College, Rongo University, Moi University.
Including Kabarnet University College, Rongo University, Moi University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Industrial Attachment
Clinical10% of the mark
Supervised attachment report.
Research Project
Research15% of the mark
Final-year research project.
Continuous Assessment
Cat25% of the mark
Assignments, tests, and presentations.
Accreditation
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
Academic accreditationRequired
Mandatory accreditation for university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
8 rolesGraduate 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.
Research Data Analyst (Junior)
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Data Analyst (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Stable.
Research Program Coordinator
Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Program Coordinators work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Research Scientist
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Scientists work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 110,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers in pure & applied sciences or proceed to further studies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Embedded Firmware EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Embedded Linux DeveloperTechnology15Low exposure
- Forensic DNA ScientistScience15Low exposure
- Neuromorphic Computing ResearcherScience15Low exposure
- Site Reliability EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Applied Cryptography EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
Tools you will learn
MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing environment for optical simulations, data analysis and modelling.
Zemax OpticStudio
SoftwarePrimary
Optical design software for designing and analysing optical systems.
Python
Software
Programming language for data analysis, optical simulations and automation.
COMSOL Multiphysics
Software
Simulation software for electromagnetic and optical wave propagation modelling.
LabVIEW
Software
Laboratory virtual instrumentation software for data acquisition and instrument control.
SQL
SoftwarePrimary
Database query language for information systems and data management.
Java
Software
Programming language for enterprise application development.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for data analysis and information management.
HTML/CSS
Software
Web technologies for designing and developing web-based information systems.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
This programme has limited career options.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors including government, private sector, NGOs, and entrepreneurship.
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.