Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in information technology. It develops expertise in IT infrastructure, system administration, network management, and database administration while building technical skills for managing technology systems and supporting organisational IT needs.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 306,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,224,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 144,600 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ 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 43 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 administer systems, manage networks, develop database solutions, implement IT infrastructure, analyse system performance, evaluate technology solutions, troubleshoot IT issues, and optimise IT operations. They also strengthen IT management skills, problem-solving, technical support, systems administration, and IT project management.
Kenya's digital economy requires professionals who can manage IT infrastructure, support technology systems, and enable digital transformation across government agencies, financial institutions, technology companies, and business organisations.
The programme combines coursework, IT laboratories, system administration projects, industrial attachment, and technology projects to build comprehensive information technology expertise.
Graduates pursue careers as IT managers, network administrators, system administrators, database administrators, and IT consultants across government agencies, financial institutions, technology companies, and business organisations.
The programme is ideal for students interested in information technology, system administration, network management, database administration, and applying IT technology to support organisational and business operations. The programme emphasises practical skills through laboratory sessions, industrial attachments, and project-based learning that prepare graduates for real-world technology challenges.
What you study
10 subjects- System Administration and IT Infrastructure
- Network Management and Network Administration
- Database Administration and Database Systems
- Information Technology and IT Support
- Web Technologies and Web Development
- Cloud Computing and Cloud Services
- Cybersecurity and Information Security
- IT Project Management and IT Governance
- Business Information Systems and Enterprise Systems
- Research Methods and IT Research
Modules
10 in the programmeSystem Administration and IT Infrastructure
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
System administration, IT infrastructure, server administration, and supporting system administration.
Network Management and Network Administration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Network management, network administration, network operations, and supporting network management.
Database Administration and Database Systems
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Database administration, database systems, database management, and supporting database administration.
Information Technology and IT Support
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Information technology, IT support, technical support, and supporting information technology.
Web Technologies and Web Development
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Web technologies, web development, web applications, and supporting web technologies.
Cloud Computing and Cloud Services
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Cloud computing, cloud services, cloud infrastructure, and supporting cloud computing.
Cybersecurity and Information Security
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Cybersecurity, information security, security management, and supporting cybersecurity.
IT Project Management and IT Governance
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
IT project management, IT governance, IT strategy, and supporting IT project management.
Business Information Systems and Enterprise Systems
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Business information systems, enterprise systems, ERP, and supporting business information systems.
Research Methods and IT Research
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, IT research, data collection, and supporting research methods and project work.
Specialisations
Network Management and Network Administration
Specialises in network management, network administration, network operations, and network infrastructure.
System Administration and IT Infrastructure
Focuses on system administration, IT infrastructure, server administration, and systems management. 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.
Cybersecurity and Information Security
Focuses on cybersecurity, information security, security management, and security operations. 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.
Database Administration and Data Management
Concentrates on database administration, data management, database systems, and data architecture. 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.
Cloud Computing and Cloud Services
Focuses on cloud computing, cloud services, cloud infrastructure, and cloud architecture. 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 information technology, system administration, or network management, followed by IT laboratories, system projects, or industry visits. Students administer systems, manage networks, work with IT tools, configure servers, and work on their IT projects. Industrial attachments at government agencies, financial institutions, and technology companies provide hands-on experience.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand — digital transformation, IT infrastructure development, and cloud computing adoption create strong demand for information technology professionals. | Continuous learning — information technology faces rapid technology changes, continuous learning requirements, and skills obsolescence. |
| Diverse applications — graduates work in government, finance, healthcare, education, technology, and various industries. | On-call work — system administration and network management involve on-call duties, emergency support, and sometimes working outside normal hours. |
| Practical skills — information technology focuses on practical skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace. | Technical complexity — information technology requires strong technical skills in system administration, network management, and IT infrastructure. |
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
UoN CS 264K/yr, KU BIT 306K/yr. GLUK 84K/yr (eafinder), Zetech 145K/yr (official)
Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, ICT industry sponsorships, and international information technology scholarships are available.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries
Scholarships
5 recordedHuawei 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.
ICT Industry Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Technology companies, financial institutions, and ICT organisations may sponsor information technology students in exchange for service commitment.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
Scholarships you could apply for
15 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
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, ICT, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant IT or system administration experience is advantageous.
When it next starts
Taught at 43 institutionsIncluding Presbyterian University of East Africa, Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, Kaimosi Friends University.
Including Presbyterian University of East Africa, Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, Kaimosi Friends University.
Including Presbyterian University of East Africa, Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, Kaimosi Friends University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsIndustry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including IT work, system administration work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent information technology research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Information Technology Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of information technology competencies including system administration, network management, database administration, and IT support.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and IT projects throughout each semester.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering information technology, system administration, network management, and IT research.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.
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.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesIT Manager / Information Technology Manager
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Manages IT infrastructure, IT operations, technology systems, and supports IT management at government agencies, financial institutions, or business organisations.
Network Administrator / Network Manager
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages networks, network infrastructure, network operations, and supports network management at government agencies, financial institutions, or technology companies.
IT Consultant / Technology Consultant
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Provides IT consulting, technology consulting, infrastructure consulting, and supports IT consulting at consulting firms, technology companies, or as independent consultants.
Database Administrator / Database Manager
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 150,000
Administers databases, database systems, data management, and supports database administration at government agencies, financial institutions, or technology companies.
System Administrator / Systems Administrator
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Administers systems, servers, IT infrastructure, and supports system administration at government agencies, financial institutions, or technology companies.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as IT managers and network administrators. Information technology is in high demand driven by digital transformation. Salaries range from KES 60,000 to 150,000 per month. Ministry of ICT, CAK, financial institutions, and government agencies offer the main opportunities.
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
Python
ProgrammingPrimary
General-purpose programming for IT solutions
Java
ProgrammingPrimary
Object-oriented programming for enterprise applications
MySQL
Database
Relational database management system
Linux
Operating system
Server administration and networking
Git/GitHub
Version control
Version control and collaborative development
Cisco Packet Tracer
Network simulation
Network design and simulation tool
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Information technology is just about fixing computers.
Information technology includes system administration, network management, database administration, IT infrastructure, and technology support — computer repair is one component.
Information technology is only for technology companies.
Information technology applies to government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare, education, and many other industries beyond technology companies.
There are limited career opportunities for IT graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation, IT infrastructure development, cloud computing adoption, and business digitisation create demand for information technology professionals at government agencies, financial institutions, and technology companies.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.