Business

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a postgraduate programme that provides advanced study of business management, leadership, strategy, and entrepreneurship. The programme equips professionals with management skills and knowledge for leadership roles across business and industry.

Core areas include strategic management, financial management, marketing management, human resource management, operations management, entrepreneurship, business analytics, and research methods. Students engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical business case studies.

The programme is offered by multiple universities in Kenya including the University of Nairobi through its School of Business, Kenyatta University, Moi University, USIU-Africa through its Chandaria School of Business, Strathmore University through its Business School, and KCA University. Most universities offer specialisations in marketing, finance, human resource management, strategic management, entrepreneurship, and project management.

Students develop competencies in strategic thinking, financial analysis, marketing, leadership, decision-making, and research. The programme includes coursework, examinations, project or thesis, and oral defence. Most programmes run for 2 years.

Public universities charge KES 187,200–301,125/year. Private universities charge KES 319,500–700,000/year. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with at least Upper Second Class Honours and relevant work experience may be required.

Graduates pursue careers as business managers, consultants, executives, entrepreneurs, and directors across all sectors of the economy.

Skills Required

Strategic Management and Planning
Financial Management and Analysis
Marketing Management and Strategy
Human Resource Management
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Business Analytics and Decision-Making
Leadership and Organisational Behaviour
Project Management
Business Research Methods

Key Subjects

Strategic Management
Financial Management and Corporate Finance
Marketing Management and Strategy
Human Resource Management
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Business Analytics and Decision-Making
Leadership and Organisational Behaviour
Project Management
Business Research Methods

Certifications

AMBA MBA Accreditation
KIM Management Certification

Specializations

Marketing Management

Focuses on marketing management, marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, brand management, digital marketing, and developing and implementing marketing strategies.

Finance

Examines financial management, corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets, and managing and analysing organisational finances and investments.

Human Resource Management

Covers human resource management, HR strategy, talent management, organisational development, and managing and developing human resources in organisations.

Strategic Management

Focuses on strategic management, strategy formulation, competitive strategy, corporate strategy, and understanding and developing organisational strategy.

Entrepreneurship

Examines entrepreneurship, venture creation, business planning, innovation, and understanding and practising entrepreneurship and new venture creation.

Project Management

Covers project management, project planning, project execution, project monitoring, and managing and delivering projects in organisations.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 301,125
Private, up to: Ksh 700,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Modular, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Strategic Management
Financial Management and Corporate Finance
Marketing Management and Strategy
Human Resource Management
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Business Analytics and Decision-Making
Leadership and Organisational Behaviour
Project Management
Business Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Strategic Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines strategic management, strategy formulation, competitive strategy, corporate strategy, and understanding and developing organisational strategy.
Financial Management and Corporate Finance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers corporate finance, financial analysis, capital budgeting, working capital management, and managing and analysing organisational finances.
Marketing Management and Strategy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines marketing management, marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, brand management, digital marketing, and developing and implementing marketing strategies.
Human Resource Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers human resource management, HR strategy, talent management, organisational development, and managing and developing human resources.
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines operations management, supply chain management, quality management, process improvement, and managing and improving operations.
Business Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods, design, data collection, analysis, and conducting business research, preparing students for their project or thesis.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines entrepreneurship, venture creation, business planning, innovation, and understanding and practising entrepreneurship and new venture creation.
Leadership and Organisational Behaviour
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers leadership, organisational behaviour, change management, motivation, and developing and applying leadership skills in organisations.
Business Analytics and Decision-Making
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines business analytics, data-driven decision-making, statistical analysis, and using data and analytics for business decisions.
Project Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers project management, project planning, project execution, project monitoring, and managing and delivering projects in organisations.
Research Project or Thesis Proposal
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of research project or thesis proposal, including research design, literature review, methodology, and proposal presentation.
Research Project or Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research project or thesis on a business management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Marketing Management
Focuses on marketing management, marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, brand management, digital marketing, and developing and implementing marketing strategies.
Finance
Examines financial management, corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets, and managing and analysing organisational finances and investments.
Human Resource Management
Covers human resource management, HR strategy, talent management, organisational development, and managing and developing human resources in organisations.
Strategic Management
Focuses on strategic management, strategy formulation, competitive strategy, corporate strategy, and understanding and developing organisational strategy.
Entrepreneurship
Examines entrepreneurship, venture creation, business planning, innovation, and understanding and practising entrepreneurship and new venture creation.
Project Management
Covers project management, project planning, project execution, project monitoring, and managing and delivering projects in organisations.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MBA programme combines lectures, case studies, group discussions, and research. Sessions cover strategic management, financial management, marketing, HR, operations, and entrepreneurship. Strategic management sessions examine strategy formulation, competitive strategy, corporate strategy, and understanding and developing organisational strategy. Financial management sessions cover corporate finance, financial analysis, capital budgeting, working capital, and managing and analysing organisational finances. Marketing sessions examine marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, brand management, digital marketing, and developing and implementing marketing strategies. HR sessions cover human resource management, talent management, organisational development, and managing and developing human resources. Operations sessions examine operations management, supply chain, quality management, and managing and improving operations. Entrepreneurship sessions cover venture creation, business planning, innovation, and understanding and practising entrepreneurship. Analytics sessions examine business analytics, data-driven decision-making, and using data for business decisions. Leadership sessions cover leadership, organisational behaviour, change management, and developing and applying leadership skills. Research methods sessions prepare students for their project or thesis. Case studies are central to the MBA pedagogy, with students analysing real business cases, discussing solutions, and presenting recommendations. Group work develops teamwork and communication skills. Guest lectures from business executives, entrepreneurs, and consultants provide real-world insights. The programme culminates in a research project or thesis on a business management topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme offered at multiple public and private universities, providing wide choice of institution, cost, specialisation, and mode of study.
MBA is the most recognised and versatile postgraduate business qualification, opening doors across all sectors and industries.
High job market demand with career opportunities in management, consulting, entrepreneurship, and leadership across all sectors.
Programme available in full-time, part-time, modular, and online modes, providing flexibility for working professionals.

Against it

Tuition varies widely from KES 187,200/year at public universities to KES 700,000+/year at private institutions.
MBA market is saturated, with many graduates competing for similar positions, requiring differentiation through specialisation and experience.
Programme quality varies significantly across institutions, with some lacking accreditation, industry links, or rigorous academic standards.
Balancing work, family, and study can be challenging, especially for part-time and modular programmes.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public187k to 301k

187k at Moi University301k at University of Nairobi

Private119k to 700k

119k at Mount Kenya University700k at Strathmore 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 602,250/2=301,125/yr verified. Moi ~187,200/yr. Strathmore 700,000. MKU unverified for MBA.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KIM supports professional development for management professionals. AMBA supports MBA programmes globally. Many universities offer internal scholarships and flexible payment plans. The programme's business focus attracts corporate, professional body, and alumni funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KIM Professional Development
AMBA MBA Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate business administration studies at recognised universities.
KIM Professional Development
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Kenya Institute of Management supports professional development for management professionals in Kenya.
AMBA MBA Funding
ScholarshipKsh 200,000
Association of MBAs supports MBA programmes globally, providing scholarships for MBA study at accredited programmes.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Entry requirements vary by university. UoN requires Upper Second Class Honours or Lower Second with two years of work experience. KU requires Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or Lower Division with two years of experience. USIU-Africa requires GPA of 3.00 or Lower Second with GPA of 2.50 and two years of experience. Strathmore and KCA may have additional requirements. Most programmes run for 2 years with intakes in September, January, and May. Contact the respective university for specific admission requirements and procedures.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, case study analysis, business plans, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering strategic management, finance, marketing, HR, operations, and research methods.
Case Study Analysis and Presentations
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through case study analysis, group projects, business simulations, and presenting business solutions and recommendations.
Research Project or Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research project or thesis on a business management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Multiple universities offer the MBA including UoN, KU, Moi University, USIU-Africa, Strathmore University, and KCA University. Strathmore Business School also holds AMBA accreditation. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate business administration training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Multiple universities offer the MBA including UoN, KU, Moi University, USIU-Africa, Strathmore University, and KCA University. Strathmore Business School also holds AMBA accreditation. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate business administration training.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Business Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 700,000
Manages business operations, overseeing strategy, operations, finance, HR, and ensuring efficient and profitable business operations.
Management Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 800,000
Consults on business and management, overseeing advisory, analysis, strategy, and providing management expertise and solutions to clients.
Business Executive
Moderate demandKsh 250,000 to Ksh 1,500,000
Leads business organisations, overseeing strategy, operations, growth, and ensuring organisational success and sustainability.
Entrepreneur
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 1,000,000
Creates and runs businesses, overseeing venture creation, business planning, operations, and building and growing business ventures.
Project Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages projects, overseeing project planning, execution, monitoring, and delivering projects on time, within budget, and to specification.
Business Analyst
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Analyses business operations, overseeing business analysis, process improvement, data analysis, and supporting business decision-making.

Graduate outcomes