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Bachelor of Science in Statistics

The Bachelor of Science in Statistics is a programme that provides comprehensive training in statistical theory, methods and applications. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Maseno University, Moi University, Egerton University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in statistics, data analysis and quantitative research.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 306,000
Ksh 1,224,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 191,700
Ksh 766,800 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 306,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,224,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 191,700 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 3 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 12 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic DNA Scientist, at 15 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

The curriculum covers probability theory, statistical inference, regression analysis, experimental design, sampling methods, biostatistics, econometrics, time series analysis, multivariate statistics, Bayesian statistics, statistical computing, operations research, programming, research methods and a research project. Students develop analytical and computational skills for data-driven decision making.

Kenya's data-driven economy, research needs and financial sector create strong demand for statistics graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, problem-solving sessions, computer laboratories and research projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as statisticians, data analysts, biostatisticians, actuaries, quantitative analysts, research statisticians, data scientists, statistical consultants and risk analysts. They work in the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, banks, insurance companies, research institutions, universities, government, consulting firms and tech companies.

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 4.

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
  • Probability Theory
  • Statistical Inference
  • Regression Analysis
  • Experimental Design
  • Sampling Methods
  • Biostatistics
  • Econometrics
  • Time Series Analysis
  • Statistical Computing
  • Bayesian Statistics

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Probability Theory

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

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

  • Statistical Inference

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

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

  • Regression Analysis

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Regression models. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...

  • Experimental Design

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Design of experiments. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...

  • Sampling Methods

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Survey sampling. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...

  • Biostatistics

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Statistics in health. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...

  • Econometrics

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

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

  • Time Series Analysis

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

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

  • Statistical Computing

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

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

  • Research Project

    Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore

    Final year research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...

Specialisations

  • Data Analytics

    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.

  • Biostatistics

    Health statistics. 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

    Economic statistics. 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.

  • Actuarial Science

    Risk and insurance. 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 statistics lectures, solving probability problems, working with statistical software (R, Python, SPSS), designing experiments, analysing datasets, studying econometric models, researching statistical methods, and working on quantitative research projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
High demand for statistical skills across sectorsMathematically demanding programme
Strong foundation for data science and analyticsSome career paths require additional certification
Versatile degree with diverse career pathsCan be theoretical and abstract

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses
Public288k to 306k
288k at University of Nairobi306k at Kenyatta University
Private110k to 192k
110k at Mount Kenya University192k at Kabarak 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

UoN 288K, KU 306K (uonbi, ku.ac.ke). Kabarak 191.7K, MKU 110K/yr.

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available for eligible students.

Funding options

  • HELB Loan

  • County Bursaries

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students from participating counties

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan

    KUCCPS-placed students

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan undergraduate students

Scholarships you could apply for

13 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 statistics, mathematics, computer science or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Subject requirements
MathematicsB-
Physics or ChemistryC+
English or KiswahiliC+

When it next starts

Taught at 12 institutions
January 202712 institutions

Including University of Nairobi, Kisii University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

May 202712 institutions

Including University of Nairobi, Kisii University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

September 202712 institutions

Including University of Nairobi, Kisii University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests and problem sets

  • Research Project

    Project10% of the mark

    Final year research project

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Written examination50% of the mark

    End of semester written exams

  • Computer Practicals

    Practicum10% of the mark

    Statistical software sessions

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 multiple public and private universities. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Research Statistician

    Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000

    Research statistics

  • Actuary

    High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 500,000

    Actuarial science

  • Data Analyst

    High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 380,000

    Data analysis

  • Statistician

    High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 320,000

    Statistical analysis

  • Biostatistician

    Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000

    Health statistics

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as statisticians, data analysts and biostatisticians in KNBS, banks, insurance companies and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • R

    Statistical computingPrimary

    Statistical computing and graphics

  • SPSS

    Statistical analysisPrimary

    Statistical analysis package

  • Python

    Programming

    Statistical programming and data analysis

  • STATA

    Statistical analysis

    Statistical software for econometric analysis

  • SAS

    Statistical analysis

    Advanced statistical analysis system

  • Microsoft Excel

    Spreadsheet

    Data management and basic statistics

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Statistics is just about counting numbers.

    The programme covers probability, inference, modelling, econometrics and computational methods.

  • Statistics graduates only work for KNBS.

    Graduates work in finance, research, healthcare, tech, government and consulting.

  • Statistics is too mathematical.

    The programme is mathematically rigorous but highly practical and applied.

  • There are no statistics jobs in Kenya.

    Data-driven industries create strong demand for statistical skills.

Further reading

Read next