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.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 204,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 816,000 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 9 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 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.
What you study
6 subjects- Information Systems and Knowledge Management
- Information Systems
- Knowledge Management
- Data Management
- Information Technology
- Organizational Knowledge
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| Growing demand for information systems and knowledge management professionals due to digital transformation. | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
| Information systems and knowledge management offer diverse career opportunities in IT, consulting, and organizations. | Information systems work requires strong technical skills and comfort with IT systems and data management. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | — |
| Information systems and knowledge management provide hands-on experience with IT systems and data analysis. | — |
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
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 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
11 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
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 9 institutionsIncluding Technical University of Kenya, Kibabii University, Machakos University.
Including Technical University of Kenya, Kibabii University, Machakos University.
Including Technical University of Kenya, Kibabii University, Machakos University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsContinuous 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
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.
Accredited by 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.
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- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Embedded Firmware EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Embedded Linux DeveloperTechnology15Low exposure
- Site Reliability EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Applied Cryptography EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Database Reliability EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Edge Computing EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
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.