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Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management

The Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for leading and managing entrepreneurial ventures and innovation in organisations. The programme combines entrepreneurship theory with innovation management and practical business skills.

Core areas include entrepreneurship theory, innovation management, venture creation, business model innovation, entrepreneurial finance, technology entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship, research methods, and thesis or project. Students engage with both entrepreneurial theory and practical venture development.

The programme is offered by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and the University of Nairobi. Both are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes.

Students develop competencies in venture creation, innovation management, business model design, entrepreneurial finance, technology commercialisation, corporate entrepreneurship, research methods, and academic writing. The programme includes coursework, examinations, business plan development, and thesis or project.

JKUAT charges KES 126,000/year for MSc Entrepreneurship. UoN charges a total of KES 707,000 (~KES 353,500/year) for MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovations Management. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in business or related fields with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division or Lower Division with relevant experience.

Graduates pursue careers as entrepreneurs, innovation managers, venture analysts, business development managers, startup consultants, and lecturers in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Skills Required

  • Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
  • Innovation Management
  • Venture Creation and Development
  • Business Model Design and Innovation
  • Entrepreneurial Finance and Funding
  • Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation
  • Corporate Entrepreneurship
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Research Methods in Business
  • Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

  • Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
  • Innovation Management
  • Venture Creation and Development
  • Business Model Innovation
  • Entrepreneurial Finance
  • Technology Entrepreneurship
  • Corporate Entrepreneurship
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Research Methods in Business
  • Thesis or Project

Certifications

  • KNCCI Business Certification
  • GEM Research Certification

Specializations

Technology Entrepreneurship

Focuses on technology ventures, covering technology commercialisation, tech startup development, and managing technology-based enterprises.

Corporate Innovation

Examines innovation in established organisations, covering corporate entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, and managing innovation in corporations.

Social Entrepreneurship

Covers social ventures, covering social enterprise development, impact measurement, and managing social innovation projects.

Venture Finance

Focuses on entrepreneurial finance, covering venture capital, angel investment, crowdfunding, and financing entrepreneurial ventures.

Business Model Innovation

Examines business model design and innovation, covering business model frameworks, business model innovation, and business model validation.

Family Business Management

Covers family business entrepreneurship, covering family business governance, succession planning, and managing family enterprises.

Duration
2 years
Public, up to
Ksh 353,500
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
Attachment
0 months
Average class
25 students
Award
Masters

What you study

10 subjects
  • Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
  • Innovation Management
  • Venture Creation and Development
  • Business Model Innovation
  • Entrepreneurial Finance
  • Technology Entrepreneurship
  • Corporate Entrepreneurship
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Research Methods in Business
  • Thesis or Project

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines entrepreneurship theory, entrepreneurial mindsets, opportunity recognition, and entrepreneurial behaviour in practice.

  • Innovation Management

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers innovation theory, innovation processes, managing innovation in organisations, and innovation strategy.

  • Venture Creation and Development

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines business planning, venture development, startup management, and scaling entrepreneurial ventures.

  • Research Methods in Business

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting business research, preparing students for their thesis or project.

  • Business Model Innovation

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers business model design, business model frameworks, business model innovation, and business model validation.

  • Entrepreneurial Finance

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examines venture capital, angel investment, crowdfunding, financing entrepreneurial ventures, and entrepreneurial financial management.

  • Technology Entrepreneurship

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers technology commercialisation, tech startup development, managing technology ventures, and technology transfer.

  • Corporate Entrepreneurship

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines intrapreneurship, corporate innovation, managing innovation in established organisations, and corporate venture development.

  • Strategic Business Planning

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers strategic planning for entrepreneurial ventures, strategic management, growth strategies, and venture strategy.

  • Social Entrepreneurship

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines social enterprise development, impact measurement, social innovation, and managing social ventures.

  • Research Seminar

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Preparation of research proposal or business plan, including research design, literature review, methodology, and presentation.

  • Research Thesis or Entrepreneurship Project

    Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore

    Original research thesis or entrepreneurship project on an entrepreneurship or innovation topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and practical application, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

  • Technology Entrepreneurship

    Focuses on technology ventures, covering technology commercialisation, tech startup development, and managing technology-based enterprises.

  • Corporate Innovation

    Examines innovation in established organisations, covering corporate entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, and managing innovation in corporations.

  • Social Entrepreneurship

    Covers social ventures, covering social enterprise development, impact measurement, and managing social innovation projects.

  • Venture Finance

    Focuses on entrepreneurial finance, covering venture capital, angel investment, crowdfunding, and financing entrepreneurial ventures.

  • Business Model Innovation

    Examines business model design and innovation, covering business model frameworks, business model innovation, and business model validation.

  • Family Business Management

    Covers family business entrepreneurship, covering family business governance, succession planning, and managing family enterprises.

A day as a student

A typical day during the Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management programme combines lectures, case studies, business plan workshops, venture development sessions, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover entrepreneurship theory, innovation management, venture creation, and entrepreneurial finance. Entrepreneurship theory sessions examine entrepreneurial mindsets, opportunity recognition, and entrepreneurial behaviour. Innovation management sessions cover innovation theory, innovation processes, and managing innovation in organisations. Venture creation sessions cover business planning, venture development, startup management, and scaling ventures. Business model sessions cover business model design, business model innovation, and business model validation. Entrepreneurial finance sessions cover venture capital, angel investment, crowdfunding, and financing entrepreneurial ventures. Technology entrepreneurship sessions cover technology commercialisation, tech startup development, and managing technology ventures. Corporate entrepreneurship sessions cover intrapreneurship, corporate innovation, and managing innovation in established organisations. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis or project, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Business plan workshops provide hands-on experience with developing business plans, pitch presentations, and venture proposals. Case studies provide practical application of theory to real entrepreneurial scenarios. Venture development sessions provide opportunities to develop real venture concepts and business models. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in entrepreneurship and innovation. Guest lectures from successful entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation leaders provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis or entrepreneurship project.

The trade offs

In its favour

  • Entrepreneurship and innovation are critical for economic growth, creating strong demand for graduates with these skills.
  • Programme combines theory with practical venture development, providing both knowledge and hands-on experience.
  • JKUAT offers affordable fees at KES 126,000/year compared to UoN at ~KES 353,500/year.
  • Programme is valuable for both aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate innovators, providing versatile career options.

Against it

  • UoN fees are significantly higher at ~KES 353,500/year, which may be prohibitive for some students.
  • Only two universities confirmed offering this exact programme, limiting institutional choice.
  • Programme may overlap with MSc Entrepreneurship and Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, causing confusion.
  • Entrepreneurship outcomes are uncertain, and programme success depends partly on individual initiative and market conditions.

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
Public126k to 354k
126k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology354k 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

JKUAT 126,000/yr (applyscholars). UoN 707,000/2yr (kenyaeducationguide). MKU 59,550/sem. Strathmore 350K/sem.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KNCCI may provide business support for entrepreneurs. AECF may provide entrepreneurship support and funding for agribusiness and renewable energy ventures. Some organisations may sponsor employees for entrepreneurship postgraduate study.

Funding options

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

  • KNCCI Business Support

  • AECF Entrepreneurship Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

    LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.

  • KNCCI Business Support

    GrantKsh 150,000Kenyan

    Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports business development and entrepreneurship for Kenyan entrepreneurs.

  • AECF Entrepreneurship Support

    GrantKsh 500,000

    Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund provides funding and support for agribusiness and renewable energy entrepreneurs in Africa.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry
JKUAT requires Upper Second Class Honours or Lower Second with three years of experience. UoN has similar requirements. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Coursework and Continuous Assessment

    Coursework25% of the mark

    Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, case studies, seminar presentations, and class participation.

  • Written Examinations

    Examination35% of the mark

    Written examinations covering entrepreneurship theory, innovation management, venture creation, and entrepreneurial finance.

  • Business Plan and Project Assessment

    Practical40% of the mark

    Practical assessment through business plan development, venture proposals, pitch presentations, and demonstrating entrepreneurship and innovation skills.

  • Research Thesis or Entrepreneurship Project

    Research100% of the mark

    Original research thesis or entrepreneurship project on an entrepreneurship or innovation topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and practical application, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and University of Nairobi (both public) offer Master's programmes in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate business training.

Accredited by

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    Programme accredited by CUE. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and University of Nairobi (both public) offer Master's programmes in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate business training.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

  • Entrepreneur

    High demandKsh 0 to Ksh 2,000,000

    Creates and manages entrepreneurial ventures, overseeing business planning, venture development, and managing startup operations.

  • Innovation Manager

    High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 700,000

    Manages innovation in organisations, overseeing innovation processes, innovation strategy, and managing innovation projects.

  • Venture Analyst

    Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 600,000

    Analyses venture opportunities for investors or organisations, overseeing venture evaluation, due diligence, and investment analysis.

  • Business Development Manager

    High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 700,000

    Develops business opportunities in organisations, overseeing business development, partnerships, and growth strategies.

  • Startup Consultant

    Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 600,000

    Consults for startups and entrepreneurial ventures, providing advisory services, business planning support, and venture development guidance.

  • Entrepreneurship Lecturer

    Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000

    Teaches entrepreneurship and innovation at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as entrepreneurs, innovation managers, venture analysts, business development managers, startup consultants, and lecturers in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Business Model Canvas

    SoftwarePrimary

    Strategic management tool for developing business models, covering value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and business model design.

  • Lean Startup Methodology

    Software

    Methodology for developing startups and products, covering build-measure-learn cycles, minimum viable products, and validated learning.

  • SPSS

    Software

    Statistical analysis software for business research, data analysis, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Software

    Spreadsheet software for financial modelling, business planning, venture analysis, and managing business data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

  • Entrepreneurship cannot be taught.

    While entrepreneurial mindset is partly innate, entrepreneurship skills including business planning, finance, innovation management, and venture development can be effectively taught and learned.

  • This programme is only for aspiring startup founders.

    The programme is valuable for corporate innovators, family business managers, social entrepreneurs, and anyone involved in innovation and venture management.

  • Innovation management is just about technology.

    Innovation management covers business model innovation, process innovation, product innovation, and service innovation, not just technology.

  • You need a business idea to join this programme.

    Many students join without a specific idea and develop venture concepts during the programme through opportunity recognition and validation.

  • Entrepreneurship has no job security.

    Entrepreneurship skills are increasingly valued by employers, with many graduates pursuing corporate innovation roles, consulting, and venture management alongside startup opportunities.

  • This programme is the same as an MBA.

    While related, this programme focuses specifically on entrepreneurship and innovation, while an MBA covers broader business management.

Related courses

Further reading

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Fees and entry marks for Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.

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