Technology

Master of Information System

The Master of Information System is a postgraduate programme that equips professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in information systems design, management, and strategic application. The programme prepares graduates to design, implement, and manage information systems that support organisational operations and decision-making in Kenya and beyond.

Core areas of study include information systems analysis and design, database management, enterprise systems, IT project management, information systems strategy, business intelligence, systems security, web technologies, data analytics, research methods, and thesis or project writing. Students engage with both technical foundations and strategic applications of information systems.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University, with Kisii University listed as a college. The University of Nairobi offers MSc Information Systems through its Department of Computer Science, established in 1998 as an evening programme with coursework and project options. The programme combines technical IT skills with business and management contexts.

Students develop competencies in systems analysis and design, database management, enterprise systems, IT project management, information systems strategy, business intelligence, systems security, web application development, data analytics, and research methodology. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a research project or thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time modes available. The University of Nairobi programme runs as an evening programme with coursework and project options, lasting 18 months to 3 years. The programme is designed for IT professionals, systems analysts, database administrators, and technology managers seeking advanced information systems expertise.

Graduates pursue careers as systems analysts, IT project managers, database administrators, information systems managers, business intelligence analysts, IT consultants, and enterprise systems managers in banks, telecoms, government, NGOs, and technology companies.

Skills Required

Information Systems Analysis and Design
Database Management and Administration
Enterprise Systems Management
IT Project Management
Information Systems Strategy
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Systems Security Management
Web Application Development
Data Analytics and Visualisation
Research Methods in Information Systems

Key Subjects

Information Systems Analysis and Design
Database Management
Enterprise Systems
IT Project Management
Information Systems Strategy
Business Intelligence
Systems Security
Web Technologies
Data Analytics
Research Methods

Certifications

ACM Professional Membership
IEEE Computer Society Certification

Specializations

Systems Analysis and Design

Focuses on information systems analysis, systems design methodologies, requirements engineering, and designing effective information systems for organisational needs.

Database Management

Examines database design, database administration, data modelling, database performance tuning, and managing enterprise database systems.

Enterprise Systems

Covers enterprise systems including ERP, CRM, supply chain systems, enterprise architecture, and managing large-scale enterprise information systems.

IT Project Management

Focuses on IT project management methodologies, project planning, agile methods, managing IT projects, and delivering information systems projects successfully.

Business Intelligence

Examines business intelligence, data warehousing, data analytics, data visualisation, and using information systems for business decision support.

Information Systems Security

Covers information systems security, cybersecurity, access control, security auditing, and protecting organisational information systems from threats.

Web Technologies

Focuses on web application development, web services, cloud computing, mobile application development, and modern web technologies for information systems.

IS Strategy and Governance

Examines information systems strategy, IT governance, aligning IS with business strategy, and strategic planning for information technology in organisations.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 486,000
Private, up to: Ksh 476,250
Job market: Very high

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Evening
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Information Systems Analysis and Design
Database Management
Enterprise Systems
IT Project Management
Information Systems Strategy
Business Intelligence
Systems Security
Web Technologies
Data Analytics
Research Methods

Modules

10 in the programme

Information Systems Analysis and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines information systems analysis, systems design methodologies, requirements engineering, and designing effective information systems for organisational needs.
Database Management Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers database design, database administration, data modelling, database performance tuning, and managing enterprise database systems.
Enterprise Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines enterprise systems including ERP, CRM, supply chain systems, enterprise architecture, and managing large-scale enterprise information systems.
IT Project Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers IT project management methodologies, project planning, agile methods, risk management, and delivering information systems projects on time and within budget.
Information Systems Strategy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines information systems strategy, IT governance, aligning IS with business strategy, and strategic planning for information technology in organisations.
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers business intelligence, data warehousing, data analytics, data visualisation, and using information systems for business decision support.
Systems Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines information systems security, cybersecurity, access control, security auditing, and protecting organisational information systems from threats.
Web Technologies and Applications
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers web application development, web services, cloud computing, mobile application development, and modern web technologies for information systems.
Research Methods in Information Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for conducting original research in information systems, including IS research design and data analysis.
Research Project or Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research project or thesis on an information systems topic, demonstrating mastery of IS concepts and research methods, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Systems Analysis and Design
Focuses on information systems analysis, systems design methodologies, requirements engineering, and designing effective information systems for organisational needs.
Database Management
Examines database design, database administration, data modelling, database performance tuning, and managing enterprise database systems.
Enterprise Systems
Covers enterprise systems including ERP, CRM, supply chain systems, enterprise architecture, and managing large-scale enterprise information systems.
IT Project Management
Focuses on IT project management methodologies, project planning, agile methods, managing IT projects, and delivering information systems projects successfully.
Business Intelligence
Examines business intelligence, data warehousing, data analytics, data visualisation, and using information systems for business decision support.
Information Systems Security
Covers information systems security, cybersecurity, access control, security auditing, and protecting organisational information systems from threats.
Web Technologies
Focuses on web application development, web services, cloud computing, mobile application development, and modern web technologies for information systems.
IS Strategy and Governance
Examines information systems strategy, IT governance, aligning IS with business strategy, and strategic planning for information technology in organisations.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on systems analysis, database management, or enterprise systems. Students engage in practical sessions designing databases, developing web applications, or configuring enterprise systems. Group projects involve analysing business requirements, designing information systems, or implementing IT solutions for real organisational problems. Laboratory sessions include programming, database development, business intelligence dashboard creation, and systems security exercises. The programme at UoN runs as an evening programme, accommodating working professionals. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their project or thesis, with practical training in IS research methods. Guest lectures from industry practitioners, ICT Authority officials, and experienced systems analysts provide real-world insights. The programme balances technical depth with strategic understanding of how information systems support organisational goals. Those in the project phase develop practical IS solutions, while thesis students conduct independent IS research, working under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's digital transformation, fintech growth, and e-government initiatives create very high demand for qualified information systems professionals.
Programme bridges technology and business, providing versatile expertise applicable across all sectors including banking, telecoms, government, and NGOs.
UoN programme established since 1998 with strong industry links and experienced faculty, providing quality education and networking.
Evening and part-time modes accommodate working professionals, allowing career advancement while employed.

Against it

UoN fees of KES 470,000 per year are significantly higher than Moi University at KES 187,200, creating cost disparities.
Programme is offered at only three public universities, limiting geographic access for prospective students.
Rapidly evolving technology requires continuous self-learning beyond the curriculum to stay current with industry trends.
No private university offers this programme, limiting options for students preferring private institution environments.

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

Public187k to 486k

187k at Moi University486k at University of Nairobi

Private165k to 476k

165k at Kabarak University476k 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 ~486K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). Moi ~187K/yr. Strathmore ~476K/yr, Kabarak ~165K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. ICT Authority may sponsor digital skills training. ACM and IEEE offer professional development grants for computing professionals. The programme's high market demand attracts IT sector funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
ICT Authority Digital Skills Sponsorship
ACM/IEEE Professional Development Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
ICT Authority Digital Skills Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 300,000Kenyan
ICT Authority may sponsor digital skills training for IT professionals in public service pursuing postgraduate information systems education.
ACM/IEEE Professional Development Grants
ScholarshipKsh 150,000
ACM and IEEE offer professional development grants for computing professionals pursuing postgraduate education and certification.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme at UoN runs as an evening programme with coursework and project options, lasting 18 months to 3 years. Designed for IT professionals, systems analysts, database administrators, and technology managers. Full-time and part-time modes available at all offering institutions.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
CATs, systems analysis exercises, database design assignments, programming projects, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Practical Projects
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment involving database development, systems design projects, web application development, and business intelligence dashboard creation.
Final Examination
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering systems analysis, database management, enterprise systems, and IS strategy, including essay and technical questions.
Research Project or Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research project or thesis on an information systems topic, demonstrating mastery of IS concepts and research methods, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University are all CUE-accredited public universities. The programme aligns with ICT Authority Kenya standards for information systems professionals.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University are all CUE-accredited public universities.
ICT Authority Kenya
Professional standards
ICT Authority oversees ICT standards and digital transformation in Kenya. The programme aligns with ICTA standards for information systems professionals.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Systems Analyst
Very high demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 450,000
Analyses business requirements, designs information systems, and oversees system implementation in banks, telecoms, government, or technology companies.
IT Project Manager
Very high demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages IT projects from planning to delivery, overseeing project teams, budgets, timelines, and stakeholder communication for information systems projects.
Database Administrator
High demandKsh 85,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages enterprise database systems, overseeing database design, performance, security, backup, and recovery in organisations.
Information Systems Manager
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages information systems departments, overseeing IS operations, strategy, staff, and technology decisions in organisations.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Very high demandKsh 95,000 to Ksh 450,000
Develops business intelligence solutions, creates data dashboards, analyses business data, and supports data-driven decision-making in organisations.
IT Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 500,000
Provides consulting services on information systems design, implementation, security, and strategy for organisations across various sectors.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as systems analysts, IT project managers, database administrators, and information systems managers in banks, telecoms, government, NGOs, and technology companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Oracle Database
SoftwarePrimary
Enterprise database management system used widely in Kenya for managing organisational data, database administration, and enterprise information systems.
Microsoft SQL Server
SoftwarePrimary
Relational database management system for database development, data management, and business intelligence applications in information systems.
Tableau
Software
Business intelligence and data visualisation platform for creating interactive dashboards, analysing business data, and supporting decision-making.
Microsoft Azure
Software
Cloud computing platform for deploying information systems, cloud databases, web applications, and enterprise solutions in modern IT environments.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Information systems is just about coding and programming.
The programme covers comprehensive information systems including systems analysis, database management, enterprise systems, IT project management, IS strategy, and business intelligence, bridging technology and business.
This programme is the same as computer science.
While related, information systems focuses on the application of technology in organisational contexts, emphasising systems design, business alignment, and IS management, distinct from computer science's focus on algorithms and computation.
Information systems has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation, fintech growth, e-government initiatives, and technology sector expansion create very high demand for qualified information systems professionals.
You need a computer science degree to study information systems.
The programme accepts graduates from diverse backgrounds including IT, business, mathematics, and related fields, developing IS expertise from foundational levels.
Information systems is becoming obsolete with cloud computing.
Cloud computing expands IS opportunities, requiring professionals who can design, manage, and secure cloud-based information systems and integrate them with business processes.
This programme is only for people already working in IT.
While designed for IT professionals, the programme develops IS expertise from foundational levels and accepts recent graduates with relevant backgrounds seeking to enter the IS field.