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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.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 371,000
Ksh 1,484,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 187,150
Ksh 748,600 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 371,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,484,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 187,150 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 12 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 5 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Dental Ceramist, at 3 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

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.

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 favourAgainst it
High demand — diagnostic services and laboratory automation create demand for laboratory scientists with technology skills.Infection risk — laboratory scientists work with infectious specimens, requiring strict biosafety practices.
Technology-driven — opportunities to work with automated analysers, LIS, digital pathology, AI, and emerging laboratory technologies.Equipment and reagent costs — laboratory supplies are expensive, limiting resources in some institutions.
Dual skills — graduates combine laboratory science with technology expertise, making them versatile across diagnostic and equipment sectors.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

Scholarships you could apply for

11 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
Alternative entry

Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences from KMLTTB-accredited institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant laboratory or equipment experience is advantageous.

Subject requirements
Biology or Biological SciencesC+
ChemistryC+
English or KiswahiliC
Mathematics or PhysicsC

When it next starts

Taught at 5 institutions
January 20275 institutions

Including Kisii University, Meru University of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi.

May 20275 institutions

Including Kisii University, Meru University of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi.

September 20275 institutions

Including Kisii University, Meru University of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi.

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

  • 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.

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.

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

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.

Further reading

Read next