Technology

Bachelor of Science in Informatics and Computer Science

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

The curriculum covers Programming and Software Development, Information Systems and Systems Analysis, Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Management and Data Modelling, Computer Networks and Network Systems, Operating Systems and Computer Architecture. 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 Programming and Software Development, Database Management and Data Modelling, Computer Networks and Network Systems, Operating Systems and Computer Architecture, Research Methods, Computer Science Research and Project. 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 Management and Data Analytics, Information Systems and Systems Analysis, Software Development and Software 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 Informatics and Computer Science pursue careers as Informatics Specialist / Information Systems Specialist, IT Consultant / Technology Consultant, Data Analyst / Data Manager, Systems Analyst / Business 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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 306,000
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

Programming and Software Development
Information Systems and Systems Analysis
Data Structures and Algorithms
Database Management and Data Modelling
Computer Networks and Network Systems
Operating Systems and Computer Architecture
Web Development and Web Applications
Software Engineering and Project Management
Informatics and Information Management
Research Methods and Computer Science Research

Modules

10 in the programme

Programming and Software Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Programming and Software Development: Programming, software development, coding, and supporting programming. Includes practical programming exercises, algorithm design, and system implementation.
Information Systems and Systems Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Information systems, systems analysis, system design, and supporting information systems.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Data structures, algorithms, algorithm analysis, and supporting data structures and algorithms.
Database Management and Data Modelling
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Database Management and Data Modelling: Database management, data modelling, SQL, and supporting database management. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Computer Networks and Network Systems
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer networks, network systems, network protocols, and supporting computer networks.
Operating Systems and Computer Architecture
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Operating systems, computer architecture, system programming, and supporting operating systems.
Web Development and Web Applications
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Web development, web applications, web programming, and supporting web development.
Software Engineering and Project Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Software engineering, project management, software lifecycle, and supporting software engineering.
Informatics and Information Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Informatics, information management, data management, and supporting informatics.
Research Methods, Computer Science Research and Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, computer science research, research project, and supporting research methods and project work.

Specialisations

Data Management and Data Analytics
Concentrates on data management, data analytics, database systems, and 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.
Information Systems and Systems Analysis
Specialises in information systems, systems analysis, system design, and business 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.
Software Development and Software Engineering
Focuses on software development, software engineering, application development, and software solutions.
Web Development and Web Applications
Focuses on web development, web applications, web programming, and web technologies. 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.
Informatics and Information Management
Focuses on informatics, information management, data systems, and information technology. 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 programming, information systems, or computer science, followed by computer science laboratories, software development projects, or industry visits. Students develop software, design information systems, work with programming tools, analyse data, and work on their development projects. Industrial attachments at technology companies, government agencies, and financial institutions provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — digital transformation, fintech growth, and government digitisation create strong demand for informatics and computer science professionals.
Diverse applications — graduates work in technology, finance, government, healthcare, education, and various industries.
Innovation — informatics and computer science involves cutting-edge technology including software development, data science, and digital solutions.

Against it

Continuous learning — informatics and computer science faces rapid technology changes, continuous learning requirements, and skills obsolescence.
Technical complexity — informatics and computer science requires strong technical skills in programming, algorithms, and systems analysis.
Sedentary work — informatics and computer science involves long hours of coding, screen time, and sedentary work patterns.

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

Public265k to 306k

265k at University of Nairobi306k at Kenyatta University

Private226k to 442k

226k 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

UoN CS 264K/yr (victormatara), KU CS 306K/yr (mawese). USIU 441K, Daystar 226K/yr (official schedules)

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

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

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
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
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, Informatics, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant programming or IT experience is advantageous.

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

How you are assessed

5 components

Informatics and Computer Science Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of informatics and computer science competencies including programming, information systems, software development, and data management.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and informatics projects throughout each semester.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including software development work, informatics work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent informatics and computer science research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering informatics, computer science, information systems, and computer science research.

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. The Data Protection Act governs data protection.

Accredited by

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

5 roles

Informatics Specialist / Information Systems Specialist
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Develops informatics solutions, information systems, data management, and supports informatics at government agencies, financial institutions, or business organisations.
IT Consultant / Technology Consultant
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Provides IT consulting, technology consulting, informatics consulting, and supports technology consulting at consulting firms, technology companies, or as independent consultants.
Data Analyst / Data Manager
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 140,000
Analyses data, manages data, data systems, and supports data analysis at financial institutions, government agencies, or business organisations.
Systems Analyst / Business Analyst
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 150,000
Analyses systems, business processes, information systems, and supports systems analysis at financial institutions, government agencies, or consulting firms.
Software Developer / Software Engineer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 160,000
Develops software, applications, software solutions, and supports software development at technology companies, financial institutions, or government agencies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as software developers and informatics specialists. Informatics and computer science is in high demand driven by digital transformation. Salaries range from KES 65,000 to 160,000 per month. Ministry of ICT, CAK, technology companies, and financial institutions offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Docker
Cloud
Git
Code
GitHub Copilot
Ai
PostgreSQL
Database
Python
Code
VS Code
Code

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Informatics and computer science is just about programming.
Informatics and computer science includes information systems, software engineering, data management, algorithms, and systems analysis — programming is one component.
Informatics and computer science is only for technology companies.
Informatics and computer science applies to government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare, education, and many other industries beyond technology companies.
There are limited career opportunities for informatics graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation, fintech growth, government digitisation, and business automation create demand for informatics and computer science professionals at technology companies, government agencies, and financial institutions.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.