Bachelor of Science in Strategic Management
The Bachelor of Science in Strategic Management is a degree programme that focuses on the formulation, implementation and evaluation of organisational strategies to achieve competitive advantage. The programme is offered at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, preparing graduates for careers in strategic planning, business consulting, corporate management and entrepreneurship.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 220,150 a year at a public institution, Ksh 880,600 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 242,800 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 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 strategic management theory, competitive analysis, business policy, corporate governance, organisational behaviour, project management, financial management, marketing strategy, human resource management, operations management, business research methods, entrepreneurship and change management. Students develop competencies in strategic analysis, business planning and organisational leadership.
Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, case study analysis, business simulations, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can formulate business strategies, conduct competitive analysis, manage organisational change and lead strategic planning initiatives.
The programme emphasises the importance of strategic thinking in navigating dynamic business environments, preparing students to address competitive challenges and growth opportunities in Kenyan and global markets. Students learn about strategic decision-making, risk management, innovation strategy and the alignment of business operations with organisational goals.
Graduates are equipped to work in corporate strategy departments, consulting firms, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, financial institutions and entrepreneurial ventures. They play a critical role in shaping organisational direction and driving business performance.
Career opportunities exist in corporate strategy departments, management consulting firms, banks, government agencies, NGOs and manufacturing companies. Graduates work as strategic management officers, business analysts, management consultants, project coordinators and corporate planning officers across multiple sectors.
What you study
10 subjects- Strategic Management Theory
- Competitive Analysis
- Business Policy
- Corporate Governance
- Organisational Behaviour
- Project Management
- Financial Management
- Marketing Strategy
- Operations Management
- Business Research Methods
Modules
8 in the programmeStrategic Management Theory and Practice
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of strategic management, strategy formulation and the evolution of strategic thinking.
Business Policy and Corporate Governance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Corporate governance principles, business policy formulation and board-level decision-making.
Organisational Behaviour and Change Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Organisational dynamics, change management and leading strategic transformation.
Competitive Analysis and Marketing Strategy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Competitive Analysis and Marketing Strategy: Industry analysis, competitive positioning and marketing strategy development. Covers market analysis, consumer behaviour, branding, and promotional str...
Financial Management and Strategic Planning
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Financial analysis for strategic decisions, budgeting and strategic financial planning.
Project Management and Operations Strategy
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Project Management and Operations Strategy: Strategic project management, operations alignment and process optimisation. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakehol...
Business Research Methods and Strategic Project
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design, strategic analysis project and application of strategic management principles.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Strategy
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Strategy: Entrepreneurial strategy, innovation management and new venture creation. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.
Specialisations
Corporate Strategy
Focus on corporate-level strategy formulation, diversification and portfolio management. 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.
Competitive Strategy
Specialisation in industry analysis, competitive positioning and market dynamics. 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.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Focus on startup strategy, innovation management and entrepreneurial venture development. 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.
Strategic Project Management
Specialisation in aligning project execution with organisational strategy and strategic initiative management.
A day as a student
A typical day involves attending strategic management lectures, analysing business case studies, participating in business simulation exercises, developing strategic plans for hypothetical companies, and presenting competitive analysis findings to peers.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business coursesAnnual 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 Commerce 183,600 & UoN B.Com 220,150 KUCCPS. MKU 105K, Daystar 242,800 KUCCPS.
Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. Equity Bank Wings to Fly supports academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Equity Bank Wings to Fly
Scholarship
Academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher 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
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
Scholarships you could apply for
12 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Moi University, Bomet University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Including Moi University, Bomet University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Including Moi University, Bomet University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
How you are assessed
2 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at JKUAT and aligns with Kenya Institute of Management standards.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesGraduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as strategic management officers, business analysts, management consultants and corporate planning officers in corporate strategy departments, consulting firms, banks and government agencies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Embedded Firmware EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Embedded Linux DeveloperTechnology15Low exposure
- Forensic DNA ScientistScience15Low exposure
- Neuromorphic Computing ResearcherScience15Low exposure
- Site Reliability EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Applied Cryptography EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for financial modelling, strategic analysis and business planning.
Microsoft PowerPoint
SoftwarePrimary
Presentation software for strategic proposals, business plans and stakeholder communication.
SWOT Analysis Tools
Software
Strategic planning framework for analysing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Microsoft Project
Software
Project management software for strategic project planning and execution.
Google Workspace
Software
Collaboration tools for strategic planning, document sharing and team coordination.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Strategic management is just common sense business knowledge.
The programme covers strategic theory, competitive analysis, corporate governance, financial management and research methods requiring rigorous analytical skills.
Graduates only work in large corporations.
Graduates work in organisations of all sizes, including startups, SMEs, government agencies, NGOs and consulting firms.
Strategic management is the same as business administration.
Strategic management focuses specifically on long-term strategy formulation, competitive positioning and organisational direction, complementing general business administration.
The programme has no practical value.
The programme includes case studies, business simulations, industrial attachment and research projects providing practical strategic management experience.