Technology

Bachelor of Science in Science - Business Information Systems

This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in business information systems. It develops expertise in information systems, business analysis, database management, systems analysis, and business intelligence while building comprehensive skills for managing business information systems effectively.

Students analyse business information needs, design information system strategies, implement business analysis techniques, evaluate system performance, conduct research, apply ethical principles, manage information system projects, and develop sustainable business practices. They also strengthen analytical thinking, information system skills, communication, teamwork, and technical abilities.

Kenya requires business information systems to support digital transformation, enhance business operations, and promote effective information management, creating demand for professionals who can work in information systems, business analysis, database management, and support the business and technology sectors.

The programme combines coursework, information systems practice, case studies, research projects, and technology training. Students gain hands-on experience through business analysis, database management, and systems analysis.

Graduates pursue careers as business analysts, systems analysts, database administrators, business intelligence analysts, and information systems managers across corporations, government departments, technology firms, and consulting organizations.

The programme is ideal for students interested in business information systems, information systems, business analysis, database management, and systems analysis.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 306,000
Private, up to: Ksh 441,500
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Business Information Systems
Information Systems
Business Analysis
Database Management
Systems Analysis
Business Intelligence

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Business Information Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive introduction to business information systems, covering information concepts, business principles, and approaches to systems analysis.
Information Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of information systems, covering system architecture, information management, system design, and system implementation.
Business Analysis
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of business analysis, covering requirements analysis, process modeling, business process improvement, and stakeholder management.
Database Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of database management, covering database design, database administration, data modeling, and database security.
Systems Analysis
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of systems analysis, covering system requirements, system design, system testing, and system integration.
Business Intelligence
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of business intelligence skills, covering data analytics, reporting, data visualization, and decision support systems.
Programming
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of programming, covering programming languages, software development, algorithm design, and coding practices.
Information Systems Law
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of information systems law, covering data protection, cyber law, regulatory frameworks, and legal frameworks for information systems.
Strategic Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of strategic management, covering strategic analysis, strategy formulation, and strategic implementation in information systems context.
Information Systems Ethics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of ethical issues in business information systems, covering data ethics, privacy ethics, and ethical decision-making in information systems practice.
Business Information Systems Practice
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical information systems work where students apply learned skills in business analysis, database management, and systems analysis.
Business Information Systems Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project on business information systems topic, demonstrating mastery of business information systems theory and practice.

Specialisations

Business Analysis
Focus on requirements analysis, process modeling, and business process improvement for business analysis careers.
Database Management
Specialization in database design, database administration, and data modeling. 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.
Business Intelligence
Focus on data analytics, reporting, and data visualization. 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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 lectures, conduct business analysis, participate in case studies, and engage in database management.

The trade offs

In its favour

Diverse career opportunities in business information systems across corporations, government, and technology firms.
Strong foundation in both information systems and business analysis skills.
Business analysis and database management provide hands-on experience with systems analysis and business intelligence.

Against it

Information systems roles often involve high pressure and responsibility for system reliability.
Business information systems requires continuous learning of new technologies and system methodologies.

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

Public306k to 306k

306k at Kenyatta University306k at Kenyatta University

Private111k to 442k

111k at Mount Kenya University442k at USIU-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

KU BIT 306K/yr (ku.ac.ke); USIU IST 441.5K/yr, MKU BBIT 111K/yr (prospectuses). UoN: unverified.

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

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 in Information Technology, Business Information Systems, Computer Science, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Mathematics
C+
English/Kiswahili
C
Physics/Chemistry
C
Any Group II subject
C

How you are assessed

4 components

End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of information systems, business analysis, and database management.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on business information systems topic, demonstrating mastery of business information systems theory and practice.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and information systems exercises throughout the semester evaluating knowledge and practical skills.
Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of information systems skills, systems work, and practical applications through business analysis and case studies.

Accreditation

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
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

Systems Analyst
High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Analyse system requirements, develop system strategies, and support system design and system integration.
Information Systems Manager
High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manage information systems operations, develop information system strategies, and coordinate system architecture and information management.
Business Intelligence Analyst
High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Analyse business data, develop intelligence strategies, and support data analytics and decision support systems.
Database Administrator
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage database operations, develop database strategies, and coordinate database design and database security.
Business Analyst
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Analyse business needs, develop business strategies, and support requirements analysis and process modeling.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in business information systems across Kenya's business and technology sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SAP FICO
ErpPrimary
SAP financial and controlling module.
QuickBooks Enterprise
Accounting
Advanced accounting for SMEs.
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
Financial modelling and analysis.
SAP ERP
ErpPrimary
Oracle ERP
Erp

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.
The programme is only for top-performing students.
While academic excellence is valued, the programme accepts students meeting the minimum KCSE requirements and supports diverse learners.
Graduates cannot find employment in Kenya.
Kenya's growing economy creates demand for qualified graduates across public, private, and NGO sectors.
The degree is not recognised internationally.
The programme is accredited by CUE and is recognised under regional and international qualification frameworks.