Technology

Bachelor of Science in Science - Statistics and Computing

The Bachelor Of Science In Science - Statistics And Computing is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in science - statistics and computing. The programme falls under the ICT & Computing category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Statistical Theory and Probability Theory, Mathematical Statistics and Applied Statistics, Data Science and Data Analytics, Computer Programming and Statistical Computing, Database Management and Data Mining, Machine Learning and Predictive Modelling. 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 Time Series Analysis and Regression Analysis, Biostatistics and Health Statistics, Machine Learning and Predictive Modelling, Mathematical Statistics and Applied Statistics, Computer Programming and Statistical Computing. 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 Survey Statistics and Demographic Statistics, Statistical Computing and Data Analytics, Econometrics and Financial Statistics. 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 Science - Statistics And Computing pursue careers as Data Analyst / Business Analyst, Statistician / Data Scientist, Actuarial Analyst / Financial Analyst, Statistical Consultant / Data Consultant. 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 331,000
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: 50 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Statistical Theory and Probability Theory
Mathematical Statistics and Applied Statistics
Data Science and Data Analytics
Computer Programming and Statistical Computing
Database Management and Data Mining
Machine Learning and Predictive Modelling
Time Series Analysis and Regression Analysis
Experimental Design and Sampling Methods
Biostatistics and Health Statistics
Research Methods and Statistical Research

Modules

10 in the programme

Statistical Theory and Probability Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical theory, probability theory, probability distributions, and supporting statistical theory.
Mathematical Statistics and Applied Statistics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Mathematical statistics, applied statistics, statistical inference, and supporting mathematical statistics.
Data Science and Data Analytics
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Data Science and Data Analytics: Data science, data analytics, big data, and supporting data science. Covers data modelling, query optimisation, storage structures, and information retrieval.
Computer Programming and Statistical Computing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer programming, statistical computing, R, Python, and supporting programming.
Database Management and Data Mining
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Database management, data mining, data warehousing, and supporting database management.
Machine Learning and Predictive Modelling
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Machine learning, predictive modelling, statistical learning, and supporting machine learning.
Time Series Analysis and Regression Analysis
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Time series analysis, regression analysis, forecasting, and supporting time series analysis.
Experimental Design and Sampling Methods
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Experimental design, sampling methods, survey design, and supporting experimental design.
Biostatistics and Health Statistics
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Biostatistics, health statistics, medical statistics, and supporting biostatistics.
Research Methods, Statistical Research and Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, statistical research, research project, and supporting research methods and project work.

Specialisations

Biostatistics and Health Statistics
Focuses on biostatistics, health statistics, medical statistics, and health data analysis. 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.
Data Science and Machine Learning
Specialises in data science, machine learning, predictive modelling, and big data analytics. 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.
Survey Statistics and Demographic Statistics
Focuses on survey statistics, demographic statistics, sampling methods, and survey design. 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.
Statistical Computing and Data Analytics
Focuses on statistical computing, data analytics, data mining, and statistical software. 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.
Econometrics and Financial Statistics
Concentrates on econometrics, financial statistics, actuarial statistics, and financial data analysis.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with morning lectures on statistics, data science, or computing, followed by statistics laboratory practicals, fieldwork, or industry visits. Students analyze data, develop statistical models, write code, work with statistical software, and work on their research project. Statistics attachments at KNBS, banks, and research institutions provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — data growth, data science adoption, and big data needs create strong demand for statistics and computing professionals.
Diverse applications — graduates work in healthcare, finance, government, research, business, and many other fields.
Data-driven — statistics and computing professionals drive data-driven decision-making, predictive analytics, and data science.

Against it

Technical complexity — statistics and computing requires strong technical skills in mathematics, programming, and statistical software.
Data challenges — statistics and computing involves challenges with data quality, data access, and data privacy.
Continuous learning — statistics and computing requires continuous learning, technology updates, and skills development.

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 331k

306k at Kenyatta University331k at University of Nairobi

Private110k to 442k

110k 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

UoN Stats~331K/yr (Schedule II); KU 306K/yr (kenyaeducationguide); MKU 110K/yr; USIU 441.5K/yr.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, statistics industry sponsorships, and international data science scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

Statistics Industry Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
KNBS, banks, insurance companies, and data analytics companies may sponsor statistics and computing students in exchange for service commitment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant statistics or data analysis experience is advantageous.

Mathematics
C+
Physics or Chemistry
C
English or Kiswahili
C
Biology or Geography
C

How you are assessed

5 components

Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including statistics work, data analysis work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and statistics projects throughout each semester.
Statistics and Computing Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of statistics and computing competencies including statistical analysis, data science, programming, and data analytics.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering statistical theory, data science, computing, and statistical research.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent statistics and computing research project, assessed through written report and presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Certified by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) for statistical professionals. The Statistics Act governs statistics. The Data Protection Act governs data. The National Statistics Policy guides statistics development.

Accredited by

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

Data Analyst / Business Analyst
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 170,000
Analyzes business data, develops data analytics solutions, supports business intelligence, and supports data-driven decision-making at banks, insurance companies, or IT companies.
Statistician / Data Scientist
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Analyzes data, develops statistical models, conducts statistical analysis, and supports data-driven decision-making at KNBS, banks, or research institutions.
Actuarial Analyst / Financial Analyst
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 180,000
Analyzes financial data, develops actuarial models, supports risk assessment, and supports financial decision-making at insurance companies, banks, or financial institutions.
Statistical Consultant / Data Consultant
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 190,000
Provides statistical consulting, data consulting, statistical analysis, and supports data projects at consulting firms, government agencies, or as independent consultants.
Biostatistician / Health Data Analyst
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 180,000
Analyzes health data, conducts biostatistical analysis, supports health research, and supports health decision-making at health agencies, research institutions, or universities.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as statisticians and data scientists. Statistics and computing is in high demand driven by data growth. Salaries range from KES 70,000 to 180,000 per month. KNBS, banks, insurance companies, and data analytics companies offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Figma
DesignPrimary
Adobe Creative Suite
DesignPrimary
Unity
Game engine
Visual Studio Code
Ide
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for analytical data management, quality control charts and statistical analysis.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Statistics and computing is just about numbers.
Statistics and computing includes data science, machine learning, predictive modelling, data analytics, statistical computing, and data visualisation — numbers is one component.
Statistics and computing is only for mathematicians.
Statistics and computing applies to healthcare, finance, government, research, business, and many other fields beyond mathematics.
There are limited career opportunities for statistics and computing graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's data growth, data science adoption, big data needs, and statistical analysis requirements create demand for statistics and computing professionals at KNBS, banks, and data analytics companies.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.