Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy

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

The curriculum covers Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology and Biomechanics, Occupational Therapy Theory, Paediatric Occupational Therapy, Physical Rehabilitation, Mental Health OT. 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 Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR), OT Practice Management and Ethics, Assistive Technology and Splinting, Physical Rehabilitation OT, Anatomy and Physiology. 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 Paediatric OT, Community-Based Rehabilitation, Mental Health OT. 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 Occupational Therapy pursue careers as Paediatric OT Specialist, Community Rehabilitation Officer, Mental Health OT, Rehabilitation Manager. 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 275,400
Private, up to: Ksh 239,500
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

8 subjects

Anatomy and Physiology
Kinesiology and Biomechanics
Occupational Therapy Theory
Paediatric Occupational Therapy
Physical Rehabilitation
Mental Health OT
Community-Based Rehabilitation
Assistive Technology

Modules

12 in the programme

Anatomy and Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Kinesiology and Biomechanics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Kinesiology and Biomechanics: Movement science, joint mechanics, and muscle function applied to therapy. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Occupational Therapy Theory and Process
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Occupational Therapy Theory and Process: OT models, therapeutic process, activity analysis, and intervention planning. Covers safety regulations, risk assessment, and workplace hazard management.
Paediatric Occupational Therapy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Developmental disorders, sensory integration, fine motor skills, and school-based OT.
Physical Rehabilitation OT
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Rehabilitation for stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopaedic conditions, and hand therapy.
Mental Health Occupational Therapy
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Psychiatric OT, group therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and mental health interventions.
Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Community rehabilitation, disability inclusion, and home-based therapy programmes.
Assistive Technology and Splinting
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Assistive Technology and Splinting: Splinting, adaptive devices, wheelchair prescription, and assistive technology. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant ski...
Activities of Daily Living Training
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Activities of Daily Living Training: Training patients in self-care, productivity, and leisure activities. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Rehabilitation for neurological conditions — stroke, brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases.
OT Practice Management and Ethics
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
OT Practice Management and Ethics: Managing OT services, professional ethics, and healthcare administration. Encourages critical thinking about moral dilemmas and professional responsibility.
Research Project and Clinical Placement
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project and supervised clinical placements at hospitals and rehab centres.

Specialisations

Community-Based Rehabilitation
Focus on community rehabilitation and disability inclusion programmes. 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.
Paediatric OT
Specialise in working with children with developmental disorders and disabilities. 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.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Specialise in rehabilitation for stroke, brain injury, and neurological conditions. 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.
Hand Therapy
Specialise in rehabilitation of hand and upper extremity conditions. 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.
Mental Health OT
Specialise in psychiatric rehabilitation and mental health interventions. 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

Students attend morning lectures on anatomy, OT theory, or rehabilitation techniques, then spend afternoons in the OT skills lab — practising activities of daily living training, splinting, adaptive equipment use, and therapeutic exercises. Clinical placements at hospitals, rehab centres, and special schools provide hands-on experience with patients — helping stroke patients regain motor skills, children with autism develop life skills, and mental health patients improve functioning. Group projects involve designing intervention plans, making splints, and adapting assistive devices. The programme emphasises practical skills and patient-centred care.

The trade offs

In its favour

Extremely high demand — Kenya has a severe shortage of occupational therapists.
Rewarding work — helping people regain independence and quality of life.
Diverse work settings — hospitals, schools, mental health, and community.

Against it

Emotionally demanding — working with patients facing significant challenges.
Heavy clinical placement hours alongside classroom learning.
Limited training institutions — few universities offer the programme.

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 275k

275k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology275k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Private240k to 240k

240k at Presbyterian University of East Africa240k at Presbyterian University of East Africa

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

JKUAT 275,400/yr KUCCPS. PUEA 239,500/yr KUCCPS listing.

HELB loans and county bursaries are available. KMTC offers government-sponsored places. Disability organisations (APDK, CBM) sometimes sponsor students committed to rehabilitation work.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
County Government Bursaries
KMTC Government Sponsorship

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from the respective county.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
ScholarshipKsh 400,000
Economically disadvantaged students with academic potential.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies.
APDK Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 150,000
Students committed to rehabilitation and disability work.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C
Alternative entry: Diploma in Occupational Therapy from KMTC or recognised institution. Certificate in OT with experience can upgrade.

English or Kiswahili
C
Biology/Biological Sciences
C-
Physics or Chemistry or Mathematics
C-
Any other subject
C-

How you are assessed

5 components

Research Project
Research5% of the mark
Independent OT research project.
Written Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
End-of-semester written exams on OT theory, anatomy, and rehabilitation.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat15% of the mark
Mid-semester tests, assignments, and quizzes.
Practical Skills Assessment
Clinical25% of the mark
Practical exams on splinting, ADL training, and therapeutic techniques.
Clinical Placement Assessment
Clinical15% of the mark
Assessment of clinical skills during hospital and rehab placements.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates must register with KOTA to practise. KMTC programmes are accredited by the relevant regulatory bodies.

Accredited by

Kenya Occupational Therapists Association
Professional registrationRequired
Graduates must register with KOTA to practise occupational therapy.
Commission for University Education
Academic accreditationRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Paediatric OT Specialist
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Specialise in working with children with developmental disorders and disabilities.
Community Rehabilitation Officer
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 140,000
Implement community-based rehabilitation programmes with NGOs and government.
Mental Health OT
Medium demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 160,000
Work in psychiatric hospitals and mental health programmes.
Rehabilitation Manager
Medium demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manage rehabilitation departments and programmes (requires experience).
Occupational Therapist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 150,000
Provide occupational therapy at hospitals, rehab centres, and special schools.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as occupational therapists at hospitals (KNH, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital), rehabilitation centres, special schools, mental health facilities, NGOs (APDK, CBM), and private practice. Starting salaries range from KES 55,000–90,000, with experienced OTs earning KES 90,000–180,000. Senior OTs and rehabilitation managers can earn KES 150,000–300,000. Kenya has a severe shortage of occupational therapists — demand far exceeds supply.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Cognitive Assessment Tools
Assessment tool
Standardised tools including MoCA, MMSE, and LOTCA for assessing cognitive function in patients with neurological conditions.
Goniometer
Assessment toolPrimary
Instrument for measuring joint range of motion. Essential for assessing physical dysfunction and monitoring rehabilitation progress.
Manual Muscle Testing Kit
Assessment toolPrimary
Tools and techniques for grading muscle strength from 0 to 5. Used to assess neurological and orthopaedic conditions.
ADL Training Kit
Treatment toolPrimary
Adaptive utensils, dressing aids, reachers, and modified daily living equipment used to train patients in activities of daily living.
Wheelchair and Seating System
Assistive device
Manual and powered wheelchairs with custom seating systems for patients with mobility impairments. Includes pressure mapping assessment.
Sensory Integration Equipment
Treatment toolPrimary
Swings, therapy balls, weighted blankets, tactile discs, and proprioceptive equipment used in sensory integration therapy for children.
Splinting Materials (Thermoplastic)
Treatment toolPrimary
Low-temperature thermoplastic materials used to fabricate custom static and dynamic hand splints. Includes rivets, straps, and padding.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Occupational therapy is just about finding people jobs.
Occupational therapy helps people regain the ability to perform daily activities (occupations) — self-care, work, and leisure — after injury, illness, or disability. It's not about employment.
OT is the same as physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy focuses on physical movement and mobility, while OT focuses on helping people perform daily activities and participate in life — they are complementary but distinct professions.
OT only works with physically disabled people.
OTs work with people across the lifespan — children with developmental disorders, mental health patients, elderly patients, and people with physical disabilities.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.