Technology

Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Knowledge Management

The Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Knowledge Management is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in information sciences and knowledge management. The programme falls under the Business & Economics category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Information Science, Knowledge Management, Library and Information Studies, Records and Archives Management, Information Organisation and Retrieval, Digital Libraries and Content Management. 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 Information Science Foundations, Library and Information Studies, Data Curation and Digital Preservation, Records and Archives Management, Final Information Sciences and Knowledge Management Research Project or Dissertation. 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 Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning, Records and Archives Management, Information Governance and Data Curation. 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 Information Sciences and Knowledge Management pursue careers as Information Officer / Analyst, Knowledge Management Officer, Content / Information Manager, Librarian / Digital Library Manager. 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 204,000
Private, up to: Ksh 295,500
Job market: Low

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Information Science
Knowledge Management
Library and Information Studies
Records and Archives Management
Information Organisation and Retrieval
Digital Libraries and Content Management
Database Management
Organisational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Information Governance and Policy
Data Curation and Digital Preservation

Modules

12 in the programme

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.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Information Science Foundations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Information science, information theory, information processes, and understanding the science of information.
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.
Library and Information Studies
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Library management, library services, information services, managing libraries, and providing information services.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Records and Archives Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Records management, archives management, managing records, preserving archives, and ensuring records and archives are properly managed.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
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.
Data Curation and Digital Preservation
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Data curation, digital preservation, curating data, preserving digital information, and ensuring long-term digital information access.

Specialisations

Library and Digital Information Services
Specialises in library management, digital libraries, information services, and managing library and digital information resources.
Records and Archives Management
Concentrates on records management, archives management, digital preservation, and ensuring records and archives are properly managed.
Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning
Focuses on knowledge management, organisational learning, knowledge sharing, and leveraging knowledge for organisational success.
Information Governance and Data Curation
Focuses on information governance, data curation, digital preservation, information policy, and ensuring information compliance and preservation.
Content and Digital Information Management
Concentrates on content management, digital information management, web content, and managing digital content and information resources.
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 a morning lecture on information science, knowledge management, or records management, followed by information organisation practicals, database labs, or digital library projects. Students work on cataloguing, classification, database designs, knowledge management strategies, digital library setups, and information governance plans. Industrial attachment at a library, government records department, corporate knowledge management department, or university provides real-world experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Every organisation generates and needs to manage information — graduates have opportunities across all sectors.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
Digital transformation is increasing demand for professionals who can manage digital information and knowledge assets.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
The field is niche with limited job opportunities, especially in Kenya where knowledge management is not yet widely adopted.
Some roles, particularly in libraries and archives, may have modest salaries and limited career progression.

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

Public140k to 204k

140k at Technical University of Kenya204k at Kenyatta University

Private145k to 296k

145k 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

TUK Info Studies 139K/yr, KU 204K/yr. Zetech 145K/yr, USIU business 296K/yr (official)

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some information and library science organisations offer scholarships.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
SponsorshipKsh 500,000
Academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students at partner universities.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders with credit pass in Library Studies, Information Science, Records Management, IT, or related fields from recognised institutions may join.

English or Kiswahili
C (plain)
Mathematics or Computer Studies
C (plain)
Any other subject
C (plain)
Any other subject
C (plain)

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of cataloguing, classification, database designs, knowledge management strategies, digital library setups, and information governance plans.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of supervised attachment at a library, government records department, corporate knowledge management department, or university. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, information science assignments, cataloguing exercises, and knowledge management case studies throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering information science, knowledge management, records management, digital libraries, and information governance.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). No mandatory professional licensing. KLA membership enhances credentials for library and information professionals.

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. KLA membership enhances credentials for library and information professionals.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Information Officer / Analyst
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages information resources, provides information services, analyses information, and supports information needs of organisations.
Knowledge Management Officer
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 220,000
Manages organisational knowledge, facilitates knowledge sharing, supports organisational learning, and leverages knowledge for organisational success.
Content / Information Manager
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages content, oversees information resources, ensures content quality, and supports content and information management.
Librarian / Digital Library Manager
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages library services, oversees digital libraries, provides information services, and supports library and information access.
Records / Archives Manager
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages records and archives, ensures records compliance, preserves archives, and supports records and archives management.
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.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as knowledge management officers, information officers, records managers, librarians, and content managers. The field is niche but important for the knowledge economy. Starting salaries range from KES 45,000 to 70,000 per month, with experienced knowledge managers and information directors earning KES 100,000 to 250,000. Government agencies, universities, corporate organisations, libraries, and NGOs offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Docker
Cloud
Git
CodePrimary
GitHub Copilot
Ai
PostgreSQL
Database
Python
CodePrimary
VS Code
Code
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for information data analysis and records management.
SQL
SoftwarePrimary
Database query language for information storage and retrieval systems.
Microsoft SharePoint
Software
Document management and collaboration platform for knowledge management.
DSpace
Software
Open-source repository software for digital archives and institutional repositories.
Microsoft Word
Software
Word processing for documentation and records management.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Information Sciences is just about working in libraries.
Information sciences covers knowledge management, records management, digital libraries, content management, information governance, and data curation. Graduates work in corporate, government, and academic settings, not just libraries.
Knowledge Management is a buzzword with no real career.
Knowledge management is a growing field as organisations recognise knowledge as a strategic asset. Knowledge managers help organisations capture, share, and leverage knowledge for competitive advantage.
This field is becoming obsolete with digital technology.
Digital technology has increased the need for information professionals who can organise, manage, and preserve digital information. The field is evolving, not disappearing.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.