Choosing the right degree course in Kenya in 2026 is more than just following your interests—it’s about career readiness, employability, and industry demand.
With the job market becoming competitive, students are opting for courses that equip them with in-demand skills in health, technology, business, engineering, and other critical sectors.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to 20 of the most marketable bachelor’s degree courses in Kenya, including universities that offer them, entry requirements, duration, tuition, and career prospects.
1. Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering / Computer Science
Why marketable: Digital transformation, fintech, mobile applications, and software development.
Career prospects: Software developer, web/mobile developer, systems analyst, IT consultant.
Universities: University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, Maseno University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Mathematics and Physics
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 120,000 – 250,000 per year
2. Bachelor of Science in Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
Why marketable: Kenya’s economy increasingly relies on data-driven decisions across fintech, government, and research sectors.
Career prospects: Data scientist, AI engineer, business intelligence analyst.
Universities: University of Nairobi, USIU–Africa, JKUAT, Strathmore University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ including Mathematics and Computer Studies
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 180,000 – 300,000 per year
3. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Why marketable: Doctors are always in demand in hospitals, public health, and private practice.
Career prospects: General practitioner, specialist, public health officer.
Universities: University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, Maseno University.
Duration: 6 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ with B+ in Biology and Chemistry, and C+ in English & Physics/Mathematics
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 350,000 – 600,000 per year
4. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing)
Why marketable: Nursing shortage and healthcare expansion across Kenya and globally.
Career prospects: Registered nurse, nurse manager, public health nurse.
Universities: University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Mount Kenya University, Masinde Muliro University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ with B in Biology and C in English & Chemistry
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 150,000 – 250,000 per year
5. Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine
Why marketable: Clinical officers are critical in county hospitals and rural health facilities.
Career prospects: Clinical officer, health program officer, hospital administrator.
Universities: Mount Kenya University, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kenya Medical Training College (degree programs).
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ including Biology and Chemistry
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 120,000 – 200,000 per year
6. Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
Why marketable: Healthcare and pharmaceutical industries continue to expand.
Career prospects: Pharmacist, hospital pharmacy officer, pharmaceutical quality control.
Universities: University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, USIU–Africa.
Duration: 5 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ with B in Chemistry & Biology, C in Mathematics and English
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 250,000 – 400,000 per year
7. Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
Why marketable: Kenya’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy sectors are growing.
Career prospects: Civil engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, project manager.
Universities: University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Technical University of Kenya, Egerton University.
Duration: 5 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ with B in Mathematics, Physics & Chemistry
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 150,000 – 300,000 per year
8. Bachelor of Commerce / Business Administration
Why marketable: High demand for business skills across companies, NGOs, and government.
Career prospects: Accountant, procurement officer, financial analyst, business manager.
Universities: University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, KCA University, Strathmore University, Mount Kenya University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ with C+ in Mathematics
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 120,000 – 250,000 per year
9. Bachelor of Science in IT / Cybersecurity
Why marketable: Cybersecurity threats and digital infrastructure growth.
Career prospects: IT officer, cybersecurity analyst, systems administrator.
Universities: JKUAT, Technical University of Kenya, University of Nairobi, Maseno University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ with Mathematics & Computer Studies
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 120,000 – 250,000 per year
10. Bachelor of Education (Science, Mathematics, Special Needs)
Why marketable: STEM education and special needs educators are in short supply.
Career prospects: Teacher, curriculum developer, education officer.
Universities: Kenyatta University, University of Eldoret, Egerton University, Maseno University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ with B in relevant subjects (Biology, Mathematics, Physics)
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 100,000 – 200,000 per year
11. Bachelor of Architecture
Why marketable: Urbanization and housing expansion.
Career prospects: Architect, urban planner, interior designer, construction consultant.
Universities: University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Kenyatta University.
Duration: 5 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ with B in Mathematics & C in Physics
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 180,000 – 350,000 per year
12. Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Why marketable: Legal services and corporate compliance are high in demand.
Career prospects: Lawyer, corporate counsel, policy advisor.
Universities: University of Nairobi, Strathmore University, Kenya Methodist University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ including C in English
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 150,000 – 300,000 per year
13. Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science / Climate Change
Why marketable: Conservation, sustainability, and climate change adaptation.
Career prospects: Environmental consultant, conservation scientist, sustainability officer.
Universities: Kenyatta University, Moi University, Egerton University, Mount Kenya University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ including B in Biology & C in Chemistry
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 120,000 – 220,000 per year
14. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture / Agribusiness
Why marketable: Agriculture is a major employer and key to Kenya’s economy.
Career prospects: Agronomist, agricultural consultant, farm manager, agribusiness entrepreneur.
Universities: Egerton University, JKUAT, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ with B in Biology & C in Mathematics
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 120,000 – 220,000 per year
15. Bachelor of Science in Economics / Actuarial Science
Why marketable: Banks, insurance, and government sectors demand analytical skills.
Career prospects: Economist, financial analyst, actuary, policy analyst.
Universities: University of Nairobi, Strathmore University, Kenyatta University, Maseno University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ including B in Mathematics & C in English
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 120,000 – 250,000 per year
16. Bachelor of Social Work and Community Development
Why marketable: NGOs, public programs, and social welfare agencies need trained professionals.
Career prospects: Social worker, program coordinator, community development officer.
Universities: Kenyatta University, Moi University, University of Nairobi, Mount Kenya University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ with C+ in English & C in Social Studies
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 100,000 – 200,000 per year
17. Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Why marketable: Tourism growth, hotels, resorts, and events management.
Career prospects: Hotel manager, tour operator, hospitality consultant, event manager.
Universities: Kenyatta University, USIU–Africa, Mount Kenya University, Technical University of Kenya.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ including C in English & C in Mathematics
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 120,000 – 250,000 per year
18. Bachelor of Science in Finance / Accounting
Why marketable: Every sector requires finance professionals.
Career prospects: Accountant, financial analyst, auditor, tax consultant.
Universities: University of Nairobi, KCA University, Strathmore University, Kenyatta University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ including B in Mathematics
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 120,000 – 250,000 per year
19. Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology / Biochemistry
Why marketable: Healthcare research, agriculture innovation, and lab science.
Career prospects: Lab scientist, biotechnologist, pharmaceutical analyst, research officer.
Universities: JKUAT, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Egerton University.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ including B in Biology & Chemistry
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 150,000 – 250,000 per year
20. Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management / Logistics
Why marketable: E-commerce, manufacturing, and trade growth require logistics experts.
Career prospects: Supply chain manager, logistics officer, procurement officer, operations analyst.
Universities: University of Nairobi, Strathmore University, Kenyatta University, Technical University of Kenya.
Duration: 4 years
Entry requirements: KCSE C+ including C in Mathematics & English
Tuition fees (approx.): KES 120,000 – 220,000 per year
