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Nairobi · KenyaFree to read
Technology

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Knowledge Management

This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in information systems and knowledge management. It develops expertise in information systems, knowledge management, data management, information technology, and organizational knowledge while building comprehensive skills for managing information and knowledge effectively.

Students analyse information and knowledge needs, design information strategies, implement knowledge management techniques, evaluate information systems performance, conduct research, apply ethical principles, manage information projects, and develop sustainable knowledge practices. They also strengthen analytical thinking, information management skills, communication, teamwork, and technical abilities.

Kenya requires information systems and knowledge management to support digital transformation, enhance knowledge sharing, and promote data-driven decision-making, creating demand for professionals who can work in information systems, knowledge management, data management, and support the IT and knowledge sectors.

The programme combines coursework, information systems practice, case studies, research projects, and knowledge management training. Students gain hands-on experience through information systems, knowledge management, and data analysis.

Graduates pursue careers as information systems managers, knowledge managers, data analysts, IT consultants, and information officers across organizations, government departments, IT companies, and knowledge institutions.

The programme is ideal for students interested in information systems, knowledge management, data management, information technology, and organizational knowledge.

Duration
4 years
Public, up to
Ksh 204,000
Private, up to
Ksh 295,500
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
30 students
Award
Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects
  • Information Systems and Knowledge Management
  • Information Systems
  • Knowledge Management
  • Data Management
  • Information Technology
  • Organizational Knowledge

Modules

12 in the programme
  • Introduction to Information Systems and Knowledge Management

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Comprehensive introduction to information systems and knowledge management, covering information concepts, knowledge principles, and approaches to data management.

  • Communication Skills

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.

  • 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.

  • Research Methods

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.

  • Information Technology Fundamentals

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.

  • Statistics and Data Analysis

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.

  • Information Technology

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Analysis of information technology, covering software development, network systems, IT infrastructure, and technology applications.

  • Professional Ethics

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.

  • Business Intelligence

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Study of business intelligence, covering data analytics, reporting, dashboards, and decision support systems.

  • 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.

  • Information Ethics

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

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

  • Information Systems and Knowledge Management Practice

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Practical information work where students apply learned skills in information systems, knowledge management, and data analysis.

Specialisations

  • Information Systems

    Focus on system design, system development, and database management for information systems careers.

  • Knowledge Management

    Specialization in knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, and knowledge 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.

  • Data Management

    Focus on data analysis, data quality, and data security. 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.

  • 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

Students attend lectures, conduct information systems, participate in case studies, and engage in knowledge management.

The trade offs

In its favour

  • Growing demand for information systems and knowledge management professionals due to digital transformation.
  • Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
  • Information systems and knowledge management offer diverse career opportunities in IT, consulting, and organizations.
  • Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
  • Information systems and knowledge management provide hands-on experience with IT systems and data analysis.

Against it

  • Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
  • Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
  • Information systems work requires strong technical skills and comfort with IT systems and data management.

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)

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

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

3 recorded
  • County 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.

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 in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
  • Mathematics

    C+

  • English/Kiswahili

    C

  • Computer Studies/Information Technology

    C

  • Any Group II subject

    C

How you are assessed

5 components
  • Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Independent research project on information or knowledge topic, demonstrating mastery of information systems and knowledge management theory and practice.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam70% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of information systems, knowledge management, and data management.

  • Practice Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of information systems skills, IT work, and practical applications through information systems and case studies.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests, assignments, and information systems exercises throughout the semester evaluating knowledge and practical skills.

Accreditation

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

  • Commission for University Education

    NationalRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles
  • 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.

  • Analyst

    High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000

    Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.

  • Knowledge Manager

    High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Support knowledge management, implement knowledge systems, and work in knowledge sharing and organizational learning.

  • Data Analyst

    High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Analyse data, conduct data analysis, and support data-driven decision-making and business intelligence.

  • Information Systems Manager

    High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Manage information systems, develop IT strategies, and coordinate information technology and data management.

  • Information Officer

    High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000

    Support information management, implement information systems, and work in data governance and information security.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in information systems and knowledge management across Kenya's IT and knowledge 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

  • Microsoft SharePoint

    SoftwarePrimary

    Document management and collaboration platform for knowledge management.

  • SQL

    SoftwarePrimary

    Database query language for information systems and data management.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Software

    Spreadsheet for data analysis and information management.

  • DSpace

    Software

    Open-source repository software for knowledge repositories and digital archives.

  • Microsoft Visio

    Software

    Diagramming software for information systems design and process mapping.

Certifications

Industry links

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.

Related courses

Further reading

Keep this

Fees and entry marks for Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Knowledge Management are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.