Technology

Master of Science in Knowledge Management and Innovation

The Master of Science in Knowledge Management and Innovation is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in knowledge management, innovation management, intellectual capital, and organisational learning. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in knowledge management, innovation strategy, organisational development, and intellectual asset management.

Core areas include knowledge management, innovation management, intellectual capital, organisational learning, knowledge transfer, innovation strategy, technology management, collaboration, knowledge systems, and research methods. Students engage with a multi-disciplinary approach focusing on management, technology, and innovation.

The programme is offered by KCA University, a private university in Nairobi. The programme is suitable for professionals in all disciplines who seek to effectively manage organisational knowledge within their specialised field to drive strategic innovation and collaboration.

Students develop competencies in knowledge management, innovation management, intellectual capital development, knowledge systems, organisational learning, and research. The programme includes coursework, projects, examinations, supervised research, and thesis over 6 trimesters.

The programme is delivered over two years (6 trimesters). KCA requires a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with required work experience. Application fee is KES 3,000. The programme takes a multi-disciplinary approach to knowledge management and innovation.

Graduates pursue careers as knowledge managers, innovation managers, organisational development specialists, intellectual capital managers, and lecturers in corporate organisations, consulting firms, government, NGOs, and universities.

Skills Required

Knowledge Management and Knowledge Transfer
Innovation Management and Innovation Strategy
Intellectual Capital Management and Valuation
Organisational Learning and Learning Organisations
Knowledge Systems and Knowledge Technology
Strategic Innovation and Competitive Advantage
Technology Management and Digital Innovation
Collaboration and Communities of Practice
Change Management and Innovation Implementation
Knowledge Management Research Methods

Key Subjects

Knowledge Management
Innovation Management
Intellectual Capital
Organisational Learning
Knowledge Transfer
Innovation Strategy
Technology Management
Collaboration and Communities of Practice
Knowledge Systems
Knowledge Management Research Methods

Certifications

KENIA Innovation Professional Certification
IAKM Knowledge Management Certification

Specializations

Knowledge Management

Focuses on knowledge management, knowledge creation, knowledge capture, knowledge sharing, knowledge transfer, communities of practice, and managing and leveraging organisational knowledge.

Innovation Management

Examines innovation management, innovation processes, innovation strategy, product innovation, process innovation, and managing and driving innovation in organisations.

Intellectual Capital Management

Covers intellectual capital, intellectual assets, intellectual property, knowledge valuation, and managing and valuing intellectual capital in organisations.

Organisational Learning

Focuses on organisational learning, learning organisations, organisational memory, learning culture, and building and managing learning organisations.

Technology and Digital Innovation

Examines technology management, digital innovation, digital transformation, knowledge technology, and applying technology for knowledge management and innovation.

Strategic Innovation

Covers strategic innovation, competitive advantage, innovation strategy, business model innovation, and driving strategic innovation for organisational success.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 192,650
Private, up to: Ksh 190,500
Job market: Moderate

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

Knowledge Management
Innovation Management
Intellectual Capital
Organisational Learning
Knowledge Transfer
Innovation Strategy
Technology Management
Collaboration and Communities of Practice
Knowledge Systems
Knowledge Management Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Knowledge Management Principles and Practice
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines knowledge management, knowledge creation, knowledge capture, knowledge sharing, knowledge transfer, communities of practice, and managing and leveraging organisational knowledge.
Innovation Management and Strategy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers innovation management, innovation processes, innovation types, product innovation, process innovation, business model innovation, and managing and driving innovation.
Intellectual Capital Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines intellectual capital, intellectual assets, intellectual property, knowledge valuation, intangible assets, and managing and valuing intellectual capital in organisations.
Organisational Learning and Learning Organisations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers organisational learning, learning organisations, organisational memory, learning culture, double-loop learning, and building and managing learning organisations.
Knowledge Systems and Technology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines knowledge management systems, document management, content management, knowledge repositories, collaboration tools, and designing and implementing knowledge systems.
Strategic Innovation and Competitive Advantage
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers strategic innovation, competitive advantage, disruptive innovation, strategic innovation, blue ocean strategy, and driving strategic innovation for organisational success.
Technology Management and Digital Innovation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines technology management, digital innovation, digital transformation, emerging technologies, AI for knowledge management, and applying technology for innovation.
Collaboration and Communities of Practice
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers communities of practice, collaboration platforms, knowledge networks, social capital, virtual collaboration, and facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Change Management and Innovation Implementation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines change management, innovation implementation, organisational change, resistance to change, change agents, and managing change for innovation.
Knowledge Management Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for knowledge management, qualitative methods, quantitative methods, case study research, data analysis, and conducting KM research, preparing students for their thesis.
Innovation Policy and Ecosystems
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines innovation policy, innovation ecosystems, innovation hubs, startup ecosystems, government innovation policy, and understanding and navigating innovation ecosystems.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a knowledge management and innovation topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and KM and innovation knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Knowledge Management
Focuses on knowledge management, knowledge creation, knowledge capture, knowledge sharing, knowledge transfer, communities of practice, and managing and leveraging organisational knowledge.
Innovation Management
Examines innovation management, innovation processes, innovation strategy, product innovation, process innovation, and managing and driving innovation in organisations.
Intellectual Capital Management
Covers intellectual capital, intellectual assets, intellectual property, knowledge valuation, and managing and valuing intellectual capital in organisations.
Organisational Learning
Focuses on organisational learning, learning organisations, organisational memory, learning culture, and building and managing learning organisations.
Technology and Digital Innovation
Examines technology management, digital innovation, digital transformation, knowledge technology, and applying technology for knowledge management and innovation.
Strategic Innovation
Covers strategic innovation, competitive advantage, innovation strategy, business model innovation, and driving strategic innovation for organisational success.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Knowledge Management and Innovation programme at KCA University begins with morning or evening sessions, as the programme accommodates working professionals. Students engage in theoretical discussions on knowledge management, innovation, and organisational learning. Knowledge management sessions cover knowledge creation, knowledge capture, knowledge sharing, knowledge transfer, communities of practice, and managing and leveraging organisational knowledge. Innovation management sessions examine innovation processes, innovation types, product innovation, process innovation, business model innovation, and managing and driving innovation. Intellectual capital sessions cover intellectual capital, intellectual assets, intellectual property, knowledge valuation, and managing and valuing intellectual capital. Organisational learning sessions examine organisational learning, learning organisations, organisational memory, learning culture, double-loop learning, and building learning organisations. Knowledge transfer sessions cover knowledge transfer, knowledge sharing, best practices, lessons learned, and facilitating knowledge transfer in organisations. Innovation strategy sessions examine innovation strategy, competitive advantage, disruptive innovation, strategic innovation, and driving strategic innovation. Technology management sessions cover technology management, digital innovation, knowledge technology, KM systems, collaboration tools, and applying technology for knowledge management. Collaboration sessions examine communities of practice, collaboration platforms, knowledge networks, social capital, and facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing. Knowledge systems sessions cover knowledge management systems, document management, content management, knowledge repositories, and designing and implementing knowledge systems. Change management sessions examine change management, innovation implementation, organisational change, resistance to change, and managing change for innovation. Projects provide hands-on experience in designing knowledge management strategies, innovation plans, and knowledge systems. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering KM research methods, qualitative methods, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KENIA officials, KIPI experts, innovation consultants, KM practitioners, and industry leaders provide real-world insights. The two-year programme (6 trimesters) culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

KCA accepts graduates from any discipline with work experience, making the programme accessible to professionals from all fields.
Programme takes a multi-disciplinary approach focusing on management, technology, and innovation, providing versatile skills for diverse career paths.
Suitable for professionals seeking to manage organisational knowledge and drive strategic innovation in their specialised fields.
Career opportunities with corporate organisations, consulting firms, government, NGOs, KENIA, KIPI, and innovation hubs.

Against it

Only one university (KCA) offers this specific programme, limiting choice for prospective students.
Job market demand is moderate compared to more technical programmes like data science or IT, with fewer dedicated knowledge management positions.
Programme requires work experience, which may exclude recent graduates.
Specific fee structure could not be independently verified from the official website; prospective students should contact KCA University.

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

Public193k to 193k

193k at TUK193k at TUK

Private191k to 191k

191k at KCA University191k at KCA 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

TUK MKM ~192,650/yr (intake.tukenya.ac.ke). KCAU MSc KM&I ~190,500/yr (kcau.ac.ke fee schedule).

KCA University offers financial aid for eligible students. HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KENIA supports innovation professional development and funding. IAKM supports knowledge management professional development. The programme's knowledge management and innovation focus attracts industry and innovation agency funding.

Funding options

KCA University Financial Aid
HELB Postgraduate Loan
KENIA Innovation Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

KCA University Financial Aid
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KCA University offers financial aid for eligible students demonstrating academic merit and financial need.
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate knowledge management and innovation studies at recognised universities.
KENIA Innovation Funding
GrantKsh 400,000Kenyan
KENIA supports innovation in Kenya, providing funding for innovation projects and capacity building for innovation professionals.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: KCA University accepts graduates from any discipline with required work experience. The programme is suitable for professionals in all disciplines who seek to effectively manage organisational knowledge and drive strategic innovation. Two-year programme (6 trimesters). Application fee KES 3,000.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, case studies, KM analysis projects, innovation plans, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering knowledge management, innovation management, intellectual capital, and organisational learning, conducted at end of each trimester.
Projects and Presentations
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of projects, KM strategies, innovation plans, knowledge system designs, and project presentations.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a knowledge management and innovation topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and KM knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). KCA University offers MSc in Knowledge Management and Innovation with a multi-disciplinary approach focusing on management, technology, and innovation. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate knowledge management and innovation training. KIPI protects intellectual property and KENIA promotes innovation in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. KCA University offers MSc in Knowledge Management and Innovation with a multi-disciplinary approach. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate knowledge management and innovation training.
Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA)
Professional accreditation
KENIA promotes innovation in Kenya. Graduates may benefit from KENIA professional affiliation and innovation ecosystem networking opportunities.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Knowledge Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages organisational knowledge, overseeing knowledge capture, sharing, transfer, communities of practice, and ensuring effective knowledge management.
Innovation Manager
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages innovation in organisations, overseeing innovation processes, innovation strategy, product development, and driving organisational innovation.
Organisational Development Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages organisational development, overseeing organisational learning, change management, culture, and supporting organisational development.
Intellectual Capital Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages intellectual capital, overseeing intellectual assets, intellectual property, knowledge valuation, and ensuring effective intellectual capital management.
Innovation Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Provides innovation consulting, advising organisations on innovation strategy, knowledge management, and supporting innovation and knowledge initiatives.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches knowledge management and innovation in universities, conducting research and training future KM and innovation professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as knowledge managers, innovation managers, and organisational development specialists in corporate organisations, consulting firms, and government.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft SharePoint
SoftwarePrimary
Document management and collaboration platform for knowledge management, content management, knowledge sharing, and enterprise knowledge collaboration.
Microsoft Teams
SoftwarePrimary
Collaboration platform for virtual collaboration, communities of practice, knowledge sharing, and team collaboration in organisations.
NVivo
Software
Qualitative data analysis software for KM research, qualitative analysis, case study research, and knowledge management research.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for KM and innovation research data analysis, survey analysis, and statistical modelling in knowledge management research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Knowledge management is just about documenting procedures.
The programme involves knowledge creation, capture, sharing, transfer, intellectual capital, innovation, organisational learning, and research, covering comprehensive knowledge management.
This programme is only for IT graduates.
KCA accepts graduates from any discipline with work experience, making it suitable for professionals in all fields.
There is limited demand for knowledge management professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's growing knowledge economy, innovation ecosystem, digital transformation, and organisational learning needs create moderate demand for qualified KM and innovation professionals.
Knowledge management and innovation is just a buzzword with no practical value.
Organisations that effectively manage knowledge and innovation gain competitive advantage, improve performance, and drive growth, making it a practical and valuable discipline.
Innovation management is only for technology companies.
Innovation management applies to all organisations including government, NGOs, healthcare, education, and services, not just technology companies.
A master's in KM and innovation is redundant after an MBA.
While related, this programme provides specialised knowledge management and innovation skills not typically covered in depth in MBA programmes.