Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
<p>The Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for leading innovation and creating entrepreneurial ventures in organisations and the economy. The programme combines innovation theory with entrepreneurship practice and venture creation.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 353,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 707,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 700,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Core areas include innovation theory, entrepreneurship practice, venture creation, innovation management, technology entrepreneurship, design thinking, business model innovation, entrepreneurial finance, research methods, and thesis or project. Students engage with both innovation science and practical entrepreneurial application.
The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Both are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes.
Students develop competencies in innovation management, venture creation, business model design, technology commercialisation, design thinking, entrepreneurial finance, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, business plan development, and thesis or project.
The University of Nairobi charges a total of approximately KES 707,000 (~KES 353,500/year) for its MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovations Management. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, or related fields with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division or Lower Division with relevant experience.
Graduates pursue careers as innovation managers, entrepreneurs, venture developers, technology commercialisation specialists, business consultants, and lecturers in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Skills Required
- Innovation Theory and Management
- Entrepreneurship Practice and Venture Creation
- Business Model Design and Innovation
- Technology Commercialisation
- Design Thinking and Innovation
- Entrepreneurial Finance and Funding
- Product Development and Innovation
- Innovation Strategy and Leadership
- Business Research Methods
- Academic Writing and Thesis Research
Key Subjects
- Innovation Theory and Management
- Entrepreneurship Practice and Venture Creation
- Business Model Design and Innovation
- Technology Commercialisation
- Design Thinking
- Entrepreneurial Finance
- Innovation Strategy and Leadership
- Product Development and Innovation
- Business Research Methods
- Thesis or Project
Certifications
- KENIA Innovation Certification
- ICSB Professional Membership
Specializations
Technology Entrepreneurship
Focuses on creating technology ventures, covering technology commercialisation, tech startup creation, and managing technology innovation.
Innovation Management
Examines managing innovation in organisations, covering innovation processes, innovation culture, and managing R and D.
Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Covers creating social ventures and innovations, covering social enterprise design, impact measurement, and social innovation.
Business Model Innovation
Focuses on innovating business models, covering business model canvas, platform business models, and disruptive business models.
Corporate Innovation
Examines innovation within established organisations, covering intrapreneurship, corporate venturing, and organisational renewal.
Venture Finance
Covers financing entrepreneurial ventures, covering startup funding, venture capital, angel investment, and crowdfunding.
What you study
10 subjects- Innovation Theory and Management
- Entrepreneurship Practice and Venture Creation
- Business Model Design and Innovation
- Technology Commercialisation
- Design Thinking
- Entrepreneurial Finance
- Innovation Strategy and Leadership
- Product Development and Innovation
- Business Research Methods
- Thesis or Project
Modules
12 in the programmeInnovation Theory and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines innovation types, innovation processes, innovation systems, and managing innovation in organisations.
Entrepreneurship Practice and Venture Creation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers opportunity recognition, venture creation, entrepreneurial mind-set, and the entrepreneurial process.
Business Model Design and Innovation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines business model canvas, platform business models, disruptive business models, and business model innovation.
Business Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting innovation and entrepreneurship research, preparing students for their thesis or project.
Technology Commercialisation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers commercialising technology, covering technology transfer, IP management, and bringing innovations to market.
Design Thinking and Innovation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines design thinking methodology, user-centred design, prototyping, and applying design thinking to innovation.
Entrepreneurial Finance and Funding
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers startup financing, venture capital, angel investment, crowdfunding, and financial planning for entrepreneurial ventures.
Innovation Strategy and Leadership
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines innovation strategy formulation, innovation leadership, creating innovation culture, and leading innovation in organisations.
Product Development and Innovation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers product development processes, innovation in product design, and managing product development in organisations.
Contemporary Issues in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines current trends, challenges, and developments in innovation and entrepreneurship, including digital innovation, social innovation, and global perspectives.
Research Seminar
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of research proposal or business project plan, including design, literature review, methodology, and presentation.
Research Thesis or Business Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis or comprehensive business project on an innovation and entrepreneurship topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and practical application, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Specialisations
Technology Entrepreneurship
Focuses on creating technology ventures, covering technology commercialisation, tech startup creation, and managing technology innovation.
Innovation Management
Examines managing innovation in organisations, covering innovation processes, innovation culture, and managing R and D.
Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Covers creating social ventures and innovations, covering social enterprise design, impact measurement, and social innovation.
Business Model Innovation
Focuses on innovating business models, covering business model canvas, platform business models, and disruptive business models.
Corporate Innovation
Examines innovation within established organisations, covering intrapreneurship, corporate venturing, and organisational renewal.
Venture Finance
Covers financing entrepreneurial ventures, covering startup funding, venture capital, angel investment, and crowdfunding.
A day as a student
A typical day during the Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme combines lectures, case studies, design thinking workshops, business plan development, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover innovation theory, entrepreneurship, venture creation, and innovation management. Innovation theory sessions examine innovation types, innovation processes, and innovation systems. Entrepreneurship sessions cover opportunity recognition, venture creation, and entrepreneurial mind-set. Venture creation sessions cover business modelling, business planning, startup financing, and venture launch. Innovation management sessions examine managing innovation in organisations, innovation culture, and R and D management. Technology entrepreneurship sessions cover technology commercialisation, tech startup creation, and managing technology innovation. Design thinking sessions cover design thinking methodology, user-centred design, and prototyping. Business model innovation sessions cover business model canvas, platform models, and disruptive innovation. Entrepreneurial finance sessions cover startup funding, venture capital, angel investment, and financial planning. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis or project, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Case studies provide practical application of theory to real innovation and entrepreneurship scenarios. Design thinking workshops provide hands-on experience with innovation methodologies. Business plan development involves creating comprehensive business plans for new ventures. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in innovation and sharing venture ideas. Guest lectures from successful entrepreneurs and innovation leaders provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis or business project on an innovation and entrepreneurship topic.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Innovation and entrepreneurship are critical for Kenya's economic transformation, creating strong demand for innovation professionals. | UoN fees are relatively high at ~KES 353,500/year compared to other Master's programmes. |
| Programme combines innovation science with practical entrepreneurship, providing versatile skills for venture creation and corporate innovation. | JKUAT fee data not independently verified, limiting cost comparison. |
| Design thinking and business plan development components provide hands-on experience with real innovation and venture creation. | Only two public universities offer this programme, limiting institutional choice. |
| Graduates can pursue both entrepreneurial ventures and corporate innovation roles, providing diverse career paths. | Programme may overlap with Master of Entrepreneurship and Management and MBA, causing confusion for prospective students. |
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
UoN 707,000/2yr (kenyaeducationguide). MKU 59,550/sem (victormatara). Strathmore 350K/sem (zangcash).
HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. Kenya Youth Enterprise Development Fund supports entrepreneurship development. KENIA may provide innovation funding. Some institutions may offer internal scholarships for innovation and entrepreneurship studies.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
Kenya Youth Enterprise Development Fund
KENIA Innovation Funding
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
Kenya Youth Enterprise Development Fund
GrantKsh 500,000Kenyan
Youth Enterprise Development Fund supports young entrepreneurs with financing and training for business ventures in Kenya.
KENIA Innovation Funding
GrantKsh 500,000Kenyan
Kenya National Innovation Agency provides funding and support for innovation activities and innovators in Kenya.
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
JKUAT requires Upper Second Class Honours in Business and Management, or Lower Second with two years of experience or professional qualifications, or a pass degree with five years of experience. UoN has similar requirements. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding The Co-operative University of Kenya, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Including The Co-operative University of Kenya, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Including The Co-operative University of Kenya, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCoursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework25% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, case study analysis, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination35% of the mark
Written examinations covering innovation theory, entrepreneurship, venture creation, and innovation management.
Business Plan and Project Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through business plan development, design thinking projects, case studies, and demonstrating innovation and entrepreneurship skills.
Research Thesis or Business Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis or comprehensive business project on an innovation and entrepreneurship topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and practical application, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (both public) offer MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovations Management. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate innovation and entrepreneurship training.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (both public) offer MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovations Management. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate innovation and entrepreneurship training.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesInnovation Manager
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages innovation processes in organisations, overseeing innovation strategy, product development, and creating innovation culture.
Entrepreneur
High demandKsh 0 to Ksh 1,000,000
Creates and runs own business venture, overseeing business planning, innovation, operations, and growth strategy.
Venture Developer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops new ventures in organisations or independently, overseeing venture creation, business modelling, and venture launch.
Technology Commercialisation Specialist
Low demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Commercialises technology, overseeing technology transfer, IP management, and bringing innovations to market.
Business Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 600,000
Consults on innovation and entrepreneurship matters, providing advisory services, strategy development, and support for businesses.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Teaches innovation and entrepreneurship at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as innovation managers, entrepreneurs, venture developers, technology commercialisation specialists, business consultants, and lecturers in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Business Model Canvas
SoftwarePrimary
Strategic management tool for developing new business models and documenting existing ones, widely used in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Design Thinking Tools
Software
Design thinking tools and frameworks for user-centred design, prototyping, and innovation, including IDEO Method Cards and design thinking toolkits.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for innovation and entrepreneurship research, data analysis, and analysing research data for thesis.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for financial modelling, business planning, data analysis, and managing business data.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Innovation and entrepreneurship cannot be taught.
Research shows that innovation and entrepreneurship education significantly improves venture success and innovation outcomes through structured frameworks, methods, and skills.
This programme is only for tech startups.
Innovation and entrepreneurship skills are valuable across all sectors, including social innovation, corporate innovation, family business, and public sector innovation.
You need a business idea before enrolling.
The programme helps students develop and refine ideas through structured processes, and many students develop their ideas during the programme.
This is the same as an MBA.
While related, this programme specifically focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, while an MBA covers broader business management topics.
Innovation is only about technology.
Innovation covers business models, processes, services, social innovation, and organisational innovation, not just technology.
Entrepreneurship is only for young people.
Entrepreneurship and innovation have no age limits, and the programme welcomes students from all age groups and career stages.