Technology

Master's in Information Technology

The Master's in Information Technology is a postgraduate programme that provides advanced training in IT systems, networks, software, data management, and emerging technologies. The programme prepares graduates for senior IT roles in systems design, infrastructure management, and technology leadership.

Core areas include network systems, database management, software engineering, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, IT governance, and emerging technologies. Students engage with both technical foundations and practical IT applications.

The programme is offered by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Mount Kenya University, and Kabarak University. JKUAT offers MSc IT through its School of Computing and IT at KES 505,000 total. MKU offers MSc IT at KES 59,550 per semester.

Students develop competencies in systems design, network management, database administration, cybersecurity, cloud architecture, and IT project management. The programme includes coursework, practical projects, examinations, research project or thesis, and oral defence.

JKUAT charges KES 505,000 total (~KES 252,500/year) with full-time, evening, and weekend modes. MKU charges KES 59,550/semester (~KES 119,100/year). Kabarak charges KES 80,000/semester (~KES 160,000/year). Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in computing or related field with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division.

Graduates pursue careers as IT managers, systems analysts, network engineers, database administrators, cybersecurity specialists, and IT consultants in corporates, government, banks, and tech companies.

Skills Required

Network Systems Design and Management
Database Administration and Management
Software Engineering and Development
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
IT Governance and Compliance
IT Project Management
Systems Integration and Architecture
Emerging Technologies and Innovation

Key Subjects

Network Systems
Database Management
Software Engineering
Cybersecurity
Cloud Computing
Data Analytics
IT Governance
Project Management
Systems Architecture
Research Methods

Certifications

CSK ICT Professional Certification
IEEE Computer Society Certification

Specializations

Network Systems

Focuses on network systems, network design, protocols, routing, switching, network security, and managing and designing network infrastructure.

Database Management

Examines database management, SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, database administration, and managing and designing database systems.

Cybersecurity

Covers cybersecurity, information security, threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, security operations, and managing IT security.

Cloud Computing

Focuses on cloud computing, cloud architecture, AWS, Azure, virtualisation, containers, and managing and designing cloud infrastructure.

Data Analytics

Examines data analytics, BI, data mining, machine learning, visualisation, and using data for business intelligence and decision-making.

IT Management

Covers IT management, IT governance, ITIL, COBIT, project management, IT strategy, and managing IT functions and projects.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 252,500
Private, up to: Ksh 130,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Evening, Weekend
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Network Systems
Database Management
Software Engineering
Cybersecurity
Cloud Computing
Data Analytics
IT Governance
Project Management
Systems Architecture
Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Network Systems Design and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines network systems, network design, protocols, routing, switching, network security, and managing and designing network infrastructure.
Database Management and Administration
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers database management, SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, database administration, and managing and designing database systems.
Software Engineering and Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines software engineering, development methodologies, agile, DevOps, testing, and developing software systems.
Research Methods in IT
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods, design, data collection, analysis, and conducting research in IT, preparing students for their project or thesis.
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines cybersecurity, information security, threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, security operations, and managing IT security.
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cloud computing, cloud architecture, AWS, Azure, virtualisation, containers, and managing and designing cloud infrastructure.
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines data analytics, BI, data mining, machine learning, visualisation, and using data for business intelligence and decision-making.
IT Governance and Compliance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers IT governance, ITIL, COBIT, compliance, risk, audit, and managing IT governance and compliance in organisations.
Systems Integration and Architecture
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines systems integration, enterprise architecture, SOA, microservices, API, and integrating and designing enterprise systems.
Emerging Technologies and Innovation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers emerging technologies, AI, blockchain, IoT, 5G, edge computing, and understanding and applying emerging technologies.
IT Project Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines IT project management, project lifecycle, agile, scrum, PMO, PMP, and managing IT projects.
Research Project or Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research project or thesis on an IT topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Network Systems
Focuses on network systems, network design, protocols, routing, switching, network security, and managing and designing network infrastructure.
Database Management
Examines database management, SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, database administration, and managing and designing database systems.
Cybersecurity
Covers cybersecurity, information security, threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, security operations, and managing IT security.
Cloud Computing
Focuses on cloud computing, cloud architecture, AWS, Azure, virtualisation, containers, and managing and designing cloud infrastructure.
Data Analytics
Examines data analytics, BI, data mining, machine learning, visualisation, and using data for business intelligence and decision-making.
IT Management
Covers IT management, IT governance, ITIL, COBIT, project management, IT strategy, and managing IT functions and projects.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc IT programme begins with morning lectures on network systems, database management, or software engineering. Students engage with both technical foundations and practical IT applications. Network systems sessions cover network design, protocols, routing, switching, security, and managing network infrastructure. Database sessions examine SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, and managing database systems. Software engineering sessions cover development methodologies, agile, DevOps, testing, and developing software systems. Cybersecurity sessions examine threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, security operations, and managing IT security. Cloud computing sessions cover cloud architecture, AWS, Azure, virtualisation, containers, and managing cloud infrastructure. Data analytics sessions examine BI, data mining, machine learning, visualisation, and using data for decision-making. IT governance sessions cover ITIL, COBIT, governance, compliance, and managing IT functions. Research methods sessions prepare students for their project or thesis, covering IT research methods, design, and data analysis. Practical lab work provides hands-on experience with networking, databases, security, and cloud platforms. Guest lectures from industry leaders, ICTA officials, and technology experts provide real-world insights. The programme culminates in a research project or thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's digital economy, fintech, ICT growth, and technology adoption create high demand for qualified IT professionals.
MKU offers affordable tuition at KES 59,550/semester with full-time and part-time modes.
Career opportunities across corporates, government, banks, tech companies, NGOs, and consulting firms.
Programme provides versatile IT skills including networking, security, cloud, and data analytics.

Against it

JKUAT total tuition of KES 505,000 (~KES 252,500/year) is relatively expensive for a public university.
Programme requires computing background, which may exclude graduates from non-IT fields.
Rapidly evolving technology landscape requires continuous learning beyond the programme.
Some employers may prefer specialised certifications (AWS, CISSP) over a general IT master's.

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

Public253k to 253k

253k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology253k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Private130k to 130k

130k at Mount Kenya University130k at Kabarak 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 MSc IT 252.5K/yr (jkuat.ac.ke). MKU 130K (kenyaeducationguide), Kabarak 130K/yr (kabarak.ac.ke).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. ICTA supports digital skills capacity building. CSK supports ICT professional development. The programme's IT focus attracts ICT, digital skills, and technology funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
ICTA Digital Skills Funding
CSK Professional Development

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate IT studies at recognised universities.
ICTA Digital Skills Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
ICTA supports digital skills capacity building in Kenya, providing funding for postgraduate study in ICT.
IEEE Computer Society Funding
FellowshipKsh 300,000
IEEE Computer Society supports computing professionals globally, providing fellowships for postgraduate study in IT.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from computing, computer science, IT, computer engineering, and related fields. JKUAT offers full-time (2 years), part-time, evening, and weekend (3 years) modes. MKU and Kabarak offer full-time and part-time modes.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, lab work, technical reports, system design projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering networking, databases, security, cloud, and IT governance, conducted at end of each semester.
Practical Project Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of practical projects, including system design, network configuration, database implementation, and security assessments.
Research Project or Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research project or thesis on an IT 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). JKUAT offers MSc IT through its School of Computing and IT. MKU offers MSc IT through its School of Computing and Informatics. Kabarak offers MSc IT through its School of Science, Engineering and Technology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate IT training. ICTA oversees ICT standards in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT offers MSc IT through its School of Computing and IT. MKU offers MSc IT through its School of Computing and Informatics. Kabarak offers MSc IT. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate IT training.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

IT Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages IT functions in organisations, overseeing systems, infrastructure, teams, and supporting technology operations and strategy.
Systems Analyst
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Analyses and designs IT systems, overseeing requirements, solutions, integration, and supporting systems design and implementation.
Network Engineer
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Designs and manages network infrastructure, overseeing networks, security, performance, and supporting network operations.
Database Administrator
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages database systems, overseeing databases, performance, security, backup, and supporting data management.
Cybersecurity Specialist
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 650,000
Manages cybersecurity, overseeing security operations, threat analysis, vulnerability, and supporting IT security.
IT Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 650,000
Provides IT consultancy, overseeing advisory, solutions, strategy, and supporting client technology decisions.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as IT managers, systems analysts, network engineers, database administrators, and cybersecurity specialists in corporates, government, and tech companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Cisco Packet Tracer
SoftwarePrimary
Network simulation tool for network design, configuration, testing, and learning network systems and protocols.
AWS Console
Platform
Cloud computing platform for cloud architecture, services, deployment, and managing cloud infrastructure.
Wireshark
Software
Network protocol analyser for network analysis, troubleshooting, security, and analysing network traffic.
Git
Software
Version control system for software development, code management, collaboration, and managing software projects.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

IT is just about fixing computers.
IT involves systems design, network architecture, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data management, and strategic technology leadership.
A master's in IT is redundant after a bachelor's.
The master's provides advanced specialisation, research capability, and career progression to senior IT, architecture, and management positions.
IT is becoming obsolete with cloud and AI.
Cloud and AI have increased demand for advanced IT skills including cloud architecture, AI integration, cybersecurity, and data management.
This programme is only for IT professionals.
The programme accepts graduates from computing, computer science, computer engineering, and related fields, providing pathways for career changers.
IT certifications are more valuable than a master's.
Certifications and master's degrees are complementary; the master's provides depth, research, and academic recognition that certifications cannot.
IT has limited career growth in Kenya.
Kenya's digital economy, fintech, ICT growth, and technology adoption create significant career growth opportunities for qualified IT professionals.