Science

Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Science and Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Science and Technology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in laboratory science and technology. The programme falls under the Health Sciences category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Clinical Chemistry and Biochemical Analysis, Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Medical Microbiology and Virology, Parasitology and Molecular Diagnostics, Histopathology and Cytology, Laboratory Instrumentation and Automation. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Clinical Chemistry and Biochemical Analysis, Parasitology and Molecular Diagnostics, Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Research Methods, Ethics and Research Project, Laboratory Quality Management, Biosafety and Management. 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 Laboratory Instrumentation and Automation, Digital Pathology and LIS, Haematology and Blood Transfusion. 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 Laboratory Science and Technology pursue careers as Research Technologist / KEMRI Scientist, Digital Pathology / LIS Specialist, Laboratory Technology Specialist / Equipment Technician, Laboratory Scientist / Laboratory Technologist. 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 371,000
Private, up to: Ksh 187,150
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 12 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Clinical Chemistry and Biochemical Analysis
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science
Medical Microbiology and Virology
Parasitology and Molecular Diagnostics
Histopathology and Cytology
Laboratory Instrumentation and Automation
Laboratory Information Systems and Digital Pathology
Laboratory Quality Management and ISO 15189
Biosafety and Laboratory Management
Research Methods and Professional Ethics

Modules

9 in the programme

Clinical Chemistry and Biochemical Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Clinical chemistry, LFTs, RFTs, lipid profile, cardiac markers, electrolytes, blood gas analysis, endocrine tests, TFTs, glucose, HbA1c, tumour markers, PSA, CEA, CA-125, TDM, toxicology, and suppo...
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Haematology, FBC, CBC, differential count, peripheral blood smear, haemoglobinopathies, sickle cell, thalassaemia, coagulation, PT, INR, APTT, D-dimer, fibrinogen, blood banking, ABO grouping, Rh t...
Medical Microbiology and Virology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Bacteriology, bacterial culture, Gram stain, acid-fast stain, Ziehl-Neelsen, TB culture, antimicrobial susceptibility, AST, Kirby-Bauer, disc diffusion, MIC, MRSA, ESBL, AMR, virology, viral cultur...
Parasitology and Molecular Diagnostics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Parasitology, malaria microscopy, thick and thin films, malaria RDTs, stool microscopy, OCP, urine analysis, helminths, protozoa, PCR, polymerase chain reaction, molecular diagnostics, viral load, ...
Histopathology, Cytology and Digital Pathology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Histopathology, tissue processing, fixation, embedding, microtomy, sectioning, staining, H and E, special stains, PAS, Giemsa, Ziehl-Neelsen, immunohistochemistry, IHC, cytology, Pap smear, fine ne...
Laboratory Instrumentation, Automation and Maintenance
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Laboratory instrumentation, automated analysers, spectrophotometry, centrifuges, microscopes, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, equipment maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, repair, LIS, labor...
Laboratory Information Systems and Digital Technology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
LIS, laboratory information systems, digital pathology, whole slide imaging, WSI, AI, machine learning, ML, data management, electronic records, barcode systems, and supporting laboratory informati...
Laboratory Quality Management, Biosafety and Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Quality control, QC, IQC, EQA, QA, ISO 15189, laboratory accreditation, pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical phases, specimen management, biosafety, biosecurity, BSL, PPE, medical waste, inf...
Research Methods, Ethics and Research Project
Year 3Semester 36 creditsCore
Research methods, biostatistics, research ethics, NACOSTI, scientific writing, KMLTTB regulations, professional conduct, medico-legal issues, documentation, laboratory records, independent research...

Specialisations

Laboratory Instrumentation and Automation
Concentrates on laboratory instrumentation, automated analysers, equipment maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and laboratory automation.
Digital Pathology and LIS
Focuses on digital pathology, whole slide imaging, AI, LIS, laboratory information systems, and digital laboratory technology.
Haematology and Blood Transfusion
Specialises in blood disorders, coagulation studies, blood banking, transfusion science, and haemoglobinopathies.
Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry
Focuses on biochemical analysis, liver and renal function tests, cardiac markers, endocrine tests, and tumour markers.
Medical Microbiology and Virology
Focuses on bacterial culture, antimicrobial susceptibility, serology, viral diagnostics, and AMR surveillance.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with morning lectures on clinical chemistry, haematology, or laboratory instrumentation, followed by laboratory practicals, technology training sessions, or clinical rotations at affiliated hospital laboratories. Students perform blood tests, culture bacteria, stain and examine slides, operate and maintain automated analysers, troubleshoot equipment, calibrate instruments, conduct quality control, process tissue samples, perform molecular tests, use LIS systems, and work on their research project. Laboratory practicals at university labs, technology training sessions, and clinical rotations at KNH, MTRH, KEMRI, county hospital laboratories, and private laboratories provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — diagnostic services and laboratory automation create demand for laboratory scientists with technology skills.
Technology-driven — opportunities to work with automated analysers, LIS, digital pathology, AI, and emerging laboratory technologies.
Dual skills — graduates combine laboratory science with technology expertise, making them versatile across diagnostic and equipment sectors.

Against it

Infection risk — laboratory scientists work with infectious specimens, requiring strict biosafety practices.
Equipment and reagent costs — laboratory supplies are expensive, limiting resources in some institutions.
Continuous learning — rapid technology advancement requires ongoing skills updates in automation and digital systems.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public275k to 371k

275k at Kenyatta University371k at University of Nairobi

Private109k to 187k

109k at Mount Kenya University187k at Kabarak University

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

KU Med Lab 275K/yr (KU website). UoN Med Lab 371K/yr (UoN). MKU 109K, Kabarak 187K/yr

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, KEMRI internships, laboratory equipment company sponsorships, and international laboratory science scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.
AMREF International University Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Health sciences students demonstrating financial need
Ministry of Health Kenya Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Healthcare workers sponsored by national or county governments

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences from KMLTTB-accredited institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant laboratory or equipment experience is advantageous.

Biology or Biological Sciences
C+
Chemistry
C+
English or Kiswahili
C
Mathematics or Physics
C

How you are assessed

4 components

End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Written examinations covering clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, parasitology, histopathology, immunology, and laboratory technology.
Laboratory and Technology Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory and technology competencies including test performance, microscopy, culture techniques, equipment operation, calibration, and troubleshooting.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, and laboratory reports throughout each semester.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent laboratory science and technology research project, assessed through written report and presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB). Graduates must register with KMLTTB to practise. ISO 15189 governs laboratory accreditation. Biosafety regulations apply to all laboratory work.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.
Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board
ProfessionalRequired
KMLTTB accredits medical laboratory programmes, regulates laboratory practice, and registers technologists. Graduates must register with KMLTTB to practise.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Research Technologist / KEMRI Scientist
Medium demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 170,000
Conducts laboratory research at KEMRI, CDC Kenya, universities, or research institutions supporting infectious disease, NCD, or clinical trials research.
Digital Pathology / LIS Specialist
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 190,000
Implements digital pathology systems, manages LIS, and supports laboratory automation at specialised laboratories or referral hospitals.
Laboratory Technology Specialist / Equipment Technician
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 170,000
Maintains, calibrates, troubleshoots, and repairs laboratory and medical equipment at hospitals, laboratory equipment companies, or service providers.
Laboratory Scientist / Laboratory Technologist
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Performs diagnostic tests and operates laboratory technology at hospital laboratories registered with KMLTTB.
Laboratory Manager / Quality Assurance Officer
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages laboratory operations, oversees quality control, ensures ISO 15189 compliance, and supervises laboratory staff at hospitals or private laboratories.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as laboratory scientists and laboratory technologists. Laboratory science and technology is in high demand driven by diagnostic services and automation. Salaries range from KES 70,000 to 180,000 per month. Public hospitals, private hospitals, KEMRI, NPHL, laboratory equipment companies, and universities offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Stethoscope
Medical equipmentPrimary
Primary diagnostic tool.
KenyaEMR
Health is
Electronic medical records.
Surgical Instruments
Medical equipmentPrimary
Surgical tools and equipment.
Laparoscopic Equipment
Medical equipment
Minimally invasive surgery systems.
PACS
Imaging systemPrimary
Picture Archiving and Communication System.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Laboratory science and technology is just about running machines.
This programme covers clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, parasitology, histopathology, cytology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, laboratory instrumentation, automation, LIS, and laboratory management. It's a comprehensive diagnostic science with technology emphasis.
This is the same as laboratory science without technology.
This programme has a stronger technology component including laboratory instrumentation, automation, LIS, digital pathology, AI, and equipment maintenance, preparing graduates for technology-focused laboratory roles.
Laboratory technologists have limited career growth.
Graduates can specialise in molecular diagnostics, laboratory automation, digital pathology, quality management, or progress to MSc in clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, or molecular diagnostics.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.