Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Midwifery

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

The curriculum covers Antenatal Care and Pregnancy Monitoring, Labour and Delivery Management, Postnatal and Neonatal Care, Obstetric Complications and Emergencies, Maternal Nutrition and Mental Health, Family Planning and Reproductive Health. 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 Midwifery Ethics and Professional Practice, Maternal Nutrition and Mental Health, Antenatal Care and Pregnancy Monitoring, Family Planning and Reproductive Health, Community Midwifery and Health Promotion. 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 Labour and Delivery Midwifery, Antenatal and Postnatal Care, Neonatal Care and Resuscitation. 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 Midwifery pursue careers as Community Midwife, Labour Ward Manager / Maternity Unit Manager, Midwife / Nurse-Midwife, Midwifery Educator / Lecturer. 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 364,000
Private, up to: Ksh 463,200
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

Antenatal Care and Pregnancy Monitoring
Labour and Delivery Management
Postnatal and Neonatal Care
Obstetric Complications and Emergencies
Maternal Nutrition and Mental Health
Family Planning and Reproductive Health
HIV, Malaria and TB in Pregnancy
Community Midwifery and Health Promotion
Midwifery Ethics and Professional Practice
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Midwifery

Modules

10 in the programme

Antenatal Care and Pregnancy Monitoring
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Antenatal care, ANC, prenatal care, pregnancy monitoring, foetal assessment, foetal heart rate monitoring, ultrasound interpretation, pregnancy complications, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, gestational ...
Labour and Delivery Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Labour and delivery, normal labour, SVD, labour support, pain management, epidural analgesia, labour monitoring, partograph, obstetric emergencies, shoulder dystocia, cord prolapse, instrumental de...
Postnatal and Neonatal Care
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Postnatal care, postpartum care, maternal assessment, newborn assessment, neonatal resuscitation, neonatal care, newborn examination, Apgar score, breastfeeding support, lactation management, infan...
Obstetric Complications and Emergencies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Obstetric complications, PPH, obstetric fistula, multiple pregnancy, breech presentation, emergency obstetric care, EmOC, obstetric emergencies, perioperative care, and supporting obstetric complic...
Maternal Nutrition and Mental Health
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Maternal nutrition, maternal anaemia, iron supplementation, folic acid supplementation, maternal mental health, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, bonding, attachment, and supporting mate...
Family Planning and Reproductive Health
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Family planning, postpartum contraception, contraceptive counselling, IUD insertion, implant insertion, reproductive health, maternal immunisation, tetanus toxoid, and supporting family planning an...
HIV, Malaria and TB in Pregnancy
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
HIV in pregnancy, PMTCT, ART in pregnancy, syphilis in pregnancy, malaria in pregnancy, IPT, TB in pregnancy, maternal infections, sepsis, and supporting HIV, malaria and TB in pregnancy.
Community Midwifery and Health Promotion
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Community midwifery, home births, TBAs, CHWs, community mobilisation, health education, birth preparedness, birth planning, danger signs, skilled birth attendance, and supporting community midwifery.
Midwifery Ethics and Professional Practice
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Midwifery ethics, professional ethics, informed consent, confidentiality, Nursing Act, Midwives Act, KNMC regulations, professional conduct, medico-legal issues, documentation, and supporting midwi...
Research Methods, Ethics and Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, biostatistics, research ethics, NACOSTI, scientific writing, KNMC regulations, evidence-based midwifery, independent research project, and supporting research methods and project ...

Specialisations

Labour and Delivery Midwifery
Focuses on labour management, normal delivery, obstetric emergencies, and emergency obstetric care. 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.
Antenatal and Postnatal Care
Specialises in antenatal care, pregnancy monitoring, postnatal care, and breastfeeding support. 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.
Neonatal Care and Resuscitation
Concentrates on neonatal care, newborn assessment, neonatal resuscitation, and special care nursery.
Maternal Health Programme Management
Focuses on maternal health programmes, maternal mortality reduction, skilled birth attendance, and maternal health policy.
Community Midwifery
Focuses on community midwifery, home births, skilled birth attendance promotion, and community health education.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with morning lectures on antenatal care, labour management, or neonatal care, followed by laboratory practicals, clinical rotations, or midwifery practicum at maternity hospitals. Students conduct antenatal assessments, monitor labour, assist with deliveries, provide postnatal care, support breastfeeding, conduct neonatal resuscitation, and work on their research project. Clinical rotations at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, KNH, MTRH, county hospitals, and health centres provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — maternal mortality is high, skilled birth attendance is a priority, creating strong demand for qualified midwives.
Direct impact — midwives directly save lives through safe deliveries, emergency obstetric care, and newborn resuscitation.
Diverse settings — graduates work at hospitals, maternity hospitals, health centres, community facilities, and NGOs.

Against it

Shift work — midwives work night shifts, weekends, and on-call rotations for labour and delivery.
Emotional demands — dealing with maternal complications, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths can be emotionally challenging.
Resource constraints — rural facilities may lack equipment, supplies, and infrastructure for safe deliveries.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses

Public275k to 364k

275k at Kenyatta University364k at University of Nairobi

Private344k to 463k

344k at Amref International University463k at Aga Khan 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/UoN nursing proxy 275K-364K/yr. Amref midwifery 344K/yr, AKU ~463K/yr (nyongesasande, AKU PDF).

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, Beyond Zero sponsorships, and international midwifery 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.
Beyond Zero Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
The Beyond Zero initiative may sponsor midwifery students and maternal health workers.
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.
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 Nursing, Midwifery, or KRCHN from KNMC-accredited institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant nursing or midwifery experience is advantageous.

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

How you are assessed

5 components

Midwifery Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of midwifery competencies including antenatal assessment, labour monitoring, delivery assistance, neonatal resuscitation, and breastfeeding support.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent midwifery research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Clinical Rotation Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of clinical rotations at maternity hospitals including delivery assistance, postnatal care, and supervision evaluation.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and midwifery reports throughout each semester.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering antenatal care, labour management, postnatal care, obstetric complications, and neonatal care.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Nursing and Midwifery Council (KNMC). Graduates must register with KNMC to practise. The Nursing Act and Midwives Act govern midwifery practice. The Beyond Zero initiative promotes maternal health.

Accredited by

Kenya Nursing and Midwifery Council
ProfessionalRequired
KNMC accredits midwifery programmes, regulates midwifery practice, and registers midwives. Graduates must register with KNMC to practise.
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Community Midwife
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 140,000
Provides community midwifery services, conducts home births, supports TBAs, promotes skilled birth attendance, and provides health education at community health facilities.
Labour Ward Manager / Maternity Unit Manager
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 170,000
Manages labour ward or maternity unit operations, supervises midwives, ensures quality maternal care, and manages obstetric emergencies at hospitals.
Midwife / Nurse-Midwife
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Provides antenatal care, conducts deliveries, manages postnatal care, and supports breastfeeding at hospitals, maternity hospitals, or health centres registered with KNMC.
Midwifery Educator / Lecturer
Low demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 160,000
Teaches midwifery at universities or nursing colleges, conducts research, and supervises student clinical rotations.
Maternal Health Officer
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 160,000
Coordinates maternal health programmes, monitors maternal mortality, supports skilled birth attendance, and implements maternal health interventions at county governments or the Ministry of Health.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as midwives and nurse-midwives. Midwifery is in high demand driven by maternal health needs. Salaries range from KES 70,000 to 160,000 per month. Ministry of Health, county hospitals, maternity hospitals, health centres, and NGOs 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

Midwifery is the same as nursing.
Midwifery is a specialised profession focusing on maternal and newborn health, antenatal care, labour and delivery, and postnatal care. While midwives are nurses, midwifery requires specialised training in obstetrics and neonatal care.
Midwives only work in hospitals.
Midwives work at hospitals, maternity hospitals, health centres, community health facilities, home birth settings, and NGOs — midwifery skills are needed across maternal health services.
There are limited career opportunities for midwives in Kenya.
Kenya's maternal mortality rate is high, skilled birth attendance is a priority, emergency obstetric care is needed, and the Beyond Zero initiative creates demand for midwives at hospitals, county governments, and NGOs.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.