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Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering is a programme that provides comprehensive training in software development, software architecture and engineering principles. Offered at JKUAT, Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, Technical University of Kenya, Mount Kenya University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in software engineering, systems development and technology.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 360,000
Ksh 1,440,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 441,500
Ksh 1,766,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 360,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,440,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 441,500 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 17 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

The curriculum covers programming, data structures, algorithms, software design, software architecture, database systems, web development, mobile development, software testing, software project management, software quality assurance, DevOps, cloud computing, cybersecurity, agile methodologies, user interface design, research methods and a final year project. Students develop programming and engineering skills for building reliable software systems.

Kenya's tech ecosystem, digital transformation and startup culture create strong demand for software engineering graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, programming labs, hackathons, industrial attachment and software development projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as software engineers, full-stack developers, mobile developers, software architects, DevOps engineers, QA engineers, software project managers, systems analysts, tech entrepreneurs and software consultants. They work in tech companies, banks, telecommunications, consulting firms, startups, government and as freelancers.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Programming
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Software Design
  • Software Architecture
  • Database Systems
  • Web Development
  • Mobile Development
  • Software Testing
  • Software Project Management
  • DevOps

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Programming

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Programming fundamentals. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...

  • Data Structures and Algorithms

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Algorithms and data structures. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...

  • Software Design

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Design patterns and principles. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...

  • Software Architecture

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    System architecture. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...

  • Database Systems

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Database design and management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...

  • Web Development

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Frontend and backend development. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of...

  • Mobile Development

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Mobile app development. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...

  • Software Testing

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Testing and QA. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinat...

  • Software Project Management

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Project management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exam...

  • Final Year Project

    Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore

    Capstone software project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semest...

Specialisations

  • DevOps and Cloud

    DevOps engineering. 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.

  • Software Architecture

    System 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.

  • Mobile Development

    Mobile apps. 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.

  • Web Development

    Full-stack web. 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

A typical day involves attending software engineering lectures, programming in multiple languages, designing software architectures, building web and mobile applications, testing software, using Git for version control, participating in hackathons, and developing software projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
One of the most in-demand skills globallyRapidly evolving field requiring continuous learning
Excellent earning potential and remote work opportunitiesSedentary work with long hours at computer
Entrepreneurial opportunities in tech startup ecosystemCan be stressful with project deadlines

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 360k
306k at Kenyatta University360k at University of Nairobi
Private132k to 442k
132k at Zetech 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 306K, UoN 360K (ku.ac.ke, uonbi). USIU 441.5K, Zetech 132K/yr.

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Tech companies may offer sponsorships.

Funding options

  • HELB Loan

  • County Bursaries

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

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

  • Huawei Seeds for the Future Kenya

    Scholarship

    Talented ICT/STEM university students with a GPA of 3.0+

  • Generation Google Scholarship

    Scholarship

    Women in computer science and related technical fields

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan

    KUCCPS-placed students

Scholarships you could apply for

14 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
Alternative entry

KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. Diploma in computer science, IT, software development or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Subject requirements
MathematicsB-
Physics or ChemistryC+

When it next starts

Taught at 17 institutions
January 202717 institutions

Including Kirinyaga University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya Methodist University.

May 202717 institutions

Including Kirinyaga University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya Methodist University.

September 202717 institutions

Including Kirinyaga University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya Methodist University.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Written examination40% of the mark

    End of semester written exams

  • Programming Projects

    Practicum30% of the mark

    Software development projects

  • Final Year Project

    Project10% of the mark

    Capstone software project

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat20% of the mark

    Regular tests and assignments

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at JKUAT, KU, Strathmore, TUK, MKU and other institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Mobile Developer

    High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 400,000

    Mobile app development

  • DevOps Engineer

    High demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 550,000

    DevOps and cloud

  • Software Architect

    Moderate demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 600,000

    System architecture

  • Software Engineer

    High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 500,000

    Software development

  • Full-Stack Developer

    High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 450,000

    Web development

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as software engineers, full-stack developers and software architects in tech companies, banks and startups.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Java

    ProgrammingPrimary

    Enterprise software development

  • Python

    ProgrammingPrimary

    Software development and scripting

  • Git/GitHub

    Version control

    Version control and CI/CD

  • Docker

    Devops

    Containerization for software deployment

  • Visual Studio Code

    Ide

    Integrated development environment

  • PostgreSQL

    Database

    Advanced relational database management

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Software engineering is just about coding.

    The programme covers architecture, testing, project management, DevOps, security and quality assurance.

  • You need to be a genius to study software engineering.

    The programme requires logical thinking and practice, not genius.

  • Software engineering jobs are saturated.

    Kenya's tech ecosystem is growing with strong demand for skilled developers.

  • Self-taught developers are better than graduates.

    A degree provides systematic foundation in engineering principles that self-study may miss.

Further reading

Read next