Technology

Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering and Cyber Security

The Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering and Cyber Security is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in network engineering and cyber security. The programme falls under the Engineering & Construction category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Computer Networks and Network Architecture, Routing, Switching and Network Protocols, Network Security and Firewalls, Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking, Cryptography and Digital Forensics, Cloud Networking and Cloud Security. 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 Security Operations and Incident Response, Network Security and Firewalls, Risk Management, Compliance and Policies, Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking, Wireless and Mobile Networks. 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 Wireless and Mobile Network Security, Digital Forensics and Incident Response, Network Engineering and Infrastructure. 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 Network Engineering and Cyber Security pursue careers as Network Engineer / Network Administrator, Network Architect / Cloud Security Engineer, Cyber Security Engineer / Security Analyst, SOC Analyst / Digital Forensics Analyst. 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 406,000
Private, up to: Ksh 111,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Computer Networks and Network Architecture
Routing, Switching and Network Protocols
Network Security and Firewalls
Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking
Cryptography and Digital Forensics
Cloud Networking and Cloud Security
Wireless and Mobile Networks
Security Operations and Incident Response
Risk Management and Compliance
Network and Cyber Security Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Computer Networks and Network Architecture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer networks, network architecture, network design, LAN, WAN, TCP/IP, OSI model, understanding networks, and supporting network engineering.
Routing, Switching and Network Protocols
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Routing, switching, routers, switches, network protocols, TCP/IP, routing protocols, understanding routing, and supporting network infrastructure.
Network Security and Firewalls
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Network security, firewalls, VPN, intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, access control, understanding security, and supporting network security.
Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Cyber security, ethical hacking, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, attack techniques, understanding threats, and supporting cyber security.
Cryptography and Digital Forensics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Cryptography, encryption, digital forensics, forensic analysis, evidence handling, understanding cryptography, and supporting forensics and cryptography.
Cloud Networking and Cloud Security
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Cloud networking, cloud security, AWS, Azure, cloud architecture, understanding cloud, and supporting cloud networking and security.
Wireless and Mobile Networks
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Wireless networks, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, cellular networks, 4G, 5G, understanding wireless, and supporting wireless and mobile networking.
Security Operations and Incident Response
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Security operations, SOC, incident response, threat hunting, SIEM, understanding operations, and supporting security operations.
Risk Management, Compliance and Policies
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Risk management, compliance, security policies, data protection, ISO 27001, understanding risk, and supporting security governance.
Network Programming, Automation and Virtualisation
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Network programming, Python, shell scripting, automation, SDN, virtualisation, Docker, Kubernetes, understanding programming, and supporting network automation.
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised industrial attachment at a telecommunications company, bank, cybersecurity firm, or IT consulting firm, applying network engineering and cyber security skills.
Final Network Engineering and Cyber Security Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year network engineering and cyber security research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.

Specialisations

Network Engineering and Infrastructure
Focuses on network architecture, routing, switching, network design, and supporting network infrastructure engineering.
Wireless and Mobile Network Security
Concentrates on wireless networks, mobile networks, 5G, IoT security, and supporting wireless and mobile network security.
Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Concentrates on digital forensics, incident response, SOC operations, and supporting forensic and incident response engineering.
Cloud Networking and Cloud Security
Focuses on cloud networking, cloud security, AWS, Azure, and supporting cloud network and security engineering.
Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking
Specialises in cyber security, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and supporting offensive and defensive security.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with a morning lecture on networking, security, or cryptography, followed by laboratory work, network simulations, or security exercises. Students work on network configurations, routing exercises, firewall setups, VPN configurations, penetration testing, vulnerability scans, digital forensics exercises, Wireshark captures, Python scripts, and security research. Laboratory work for network configuration and security exercises, network simulations using GNS3 and Packet Tracer, and industrial attachment at a telecom, bank, or cybersecurity firm provide practical experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — digital transformation, cyber threats, and the Data Protection Act create strong demand for network and cyber security professionals.
Excellent salary potential — cyber security professionals are among the highest-paid IT professionals in Kenya.
Future-proof career — cyber security and networking skills are essential as digital transformation continues across all sectors.

Against it

Rapidly evolving field — new threats, technologies, and tools require continuous learning and certification.
High-pressure work — security incidents require immediate response, often outside normal working hours.
Certification costs — industry certifications like CCNA, CEH, and CISSP require significant investment in training and exam fees.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public240k to 406k

240k at Technical University of Kenya406k at University of Nairobi

Private111k to 111k

111k at Mount Kenya University111k at Mount Kenya 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

TUK 240K, KU CS 306K, UoN CS 406K/yr (educationnewshub). MKU cyber security 111K/yr (MKU prospectus).

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some tech companies, cybersecurity firms, and international programmes offer scholarships for network and security students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes
KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities
ScholarshipKenyan
Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
SponsorshipKsh 500,000
Academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students at partner universities.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders with credit pass in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related fields from recognised institutions may join.

Mathematics
C+ (plus)
Physics or Computer Studies
C (plain)
English or Kiswahili
C (plain)
Any other subject
C (plain)

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, practical exercises, and online assessments throughout the semester.
Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of network configurations, routing exercises, firewall setups, VPN configurations, penetration testing, and forensics exercises.
Final Network Engineering and Cyber Security Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year network engineering and cyber security research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of industrial attachment at a telecom, bank, or cybersecurity firm. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering networks, routing, security, cryptography, forensics, and risk management.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) regulates the communications sector. Industry certifications like CCNA, CEH, and CISSP enhance professional credentials. The Data Protection Act requires data security compliance.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. The CA regulates the communications sector. Industry certifications like CCNA, CEH, and CISSP enhance professional credentials.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Network Engineer / Network Administrator
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 250,000
Designs networks, manages infrastructure, configures routers and switches, monitors performance, and supports network operations.
Network Architect / Cloud Security Engineer
Medium demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Designs network architecture, implements cloud security, manages cloud networks, and supports enterprise network and security strategy.
Cyber Security Engineer / Security Analyst
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 300,000
Implements security, manages firewalls, conducts assessments, monitors threats, and supports cyber security operations.
SOC Analyst / Digital Forensics Analyst
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 280,000
Monitors security events, responds to incidents, conducts forensic analysis, and supports incident response and forensics.
Penetration Tester / Security Consultant
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Conducts penetration testing, identifies vulnerabilities, advises on security, and supports security improvement.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as network engineers, cyber security engineers, and security analysts. Network engineering and cyber security is in high demand driven by digital transformation and cyber threats. Starting salaries range from KES 60,000 to 120,000 per month, with experienced professionals earning KES 150,000 to 400,000. Telecommunications companies, banks, government, the CA, KE-CIRT, IT consulting firms, and cybersecurity companies offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

AutoCAD
SoftwarePrimary
Industry-standard 2D and 3D CAD software for architectural drawing, drafting, and technical documentation.
Autodesk Revit
SoftwarePrimary
Building Information Modelling (BIM) software for architectural design, structural engineering, and construction documentation.
SketchUp
Software
3D modelling software widely used for conceptual design, massing studies, and architectural visualisation.
Adobe Photoshop
Software
Image editing software used for architectural presentation boards, rendering post-production, and portfolio production.
V-Ray
Software
Photorealistic rendering plugin for 3D modelling software, used to produce high-quality architectural visualisations.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Network engineering is just about connecting computers.
This programme covers network architecture, routing, switching, security, cloud networking, wireless, SDN, IoT, and cyber security. It's a comprehensive network and security engineering discipline.
Cyber security is only about hacking.
Cyber security covers cryptography, risk management, compliance, incident response, digital forensics, security operations, and policy. It's a comprehensive information security discipline.
Cyber security has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Digital transformation, increasing cyber threats, the Data Protection Act, and the National Cyber Security Strategy create strong demand for qualified cyber security professionals in Kenya.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.