Have you ever considered whether university courses prepare students for real-world challenges? In Kenya, there’s been quite a stir around specific programs that some call “useless courses.”
It started when the Commission for University Education (CUE) looked into the courses offered by various universities and found a shocking number of programs that didn’t seem to hold any value in the job market.
In this article, we will give you a list of these 133 useless courses in Kenya or, if you may, the list of the unapproved courses in Kenya, the real reason why they are considered worthless, and the universities offering them in Kenya.
Table of contents
List of 133 Useless Courses in Kenya
Below is a list of the most useless courses in Kenya, according to CUE:
Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Polymer Chemistry (4 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics (4 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Modeling (4 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics (4 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics with Computing (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Botany (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Informatics (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Zoology (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Control and Instrumentation (21 universities)
- Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Biotechnology)
- Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Economics)
- Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Economics with IT)
- Bachelor of Science (Agriculture Education)
- Bachelor of Science (Agronomy with IT)
- Bachelor of Science (Animal Production & Health)
- Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Applied Statistics with Computing)
- Bachelor of Science (Applied Statistics with IT)
- Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry)
- Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)
- Bachelor of Science (Botany)
- Bachelor of Science (Business Information Systems)
- Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Control and Instrumentation)
- Bachelor of Science (Dry Land Agriculture)
- Bachelor of Science (Earth Science with IT)
- Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health)
- Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science with IT)
- Bachelor of Science (Environmental Studies)
- Bachelor of Science (Fashion Design and Textile)
- Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Geography and Natural Resource Management)
- Bachelor of Science (Health Records and Information)
- Bachelor of Science (Hospitality and Tourism Management)
- Bachelor of Science (Industrial Chemistry with IT)
- Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Sciences with IT)
- Bachelor of Science (Mathematics & Business Studies with IT)
- Bachelor of Science (Mathematics & Computer Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Medical Laboratory Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics with IT)
- Bachelor of Science (Physics with IT)
- Bachelor of Science (Renewable Energy)
- Bachelor of Science (Soil Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Water Resources and Environment)
- Bachelor of Science (Wildlife Management)
Read: 10+ Best Hotcake Courses in Kenya
Business and Management
- Bachelor of Commerce (6 universities)
- Bachelor of Business Management and Information (8 universities)
- Bachelor of Business Information Technology
- Bachelor of Business Management
- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management (8 universities)
- Bachelor of Business Information Technology (10 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies with IT (26 universities)
- Bachelor of Developmental Studies
- Bachelor of Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Developmental Studies
Education
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) (10 universities)
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
- Bachelor of Education (French with IT)
- Kiswahali
- Bachelor of Education (Arts) (18 universities)
- Bachelor of Education (Science) (18 universities)
- Bachelor of Education (Home Science with IT)
- Bachelor of Education in Special Needs Education (Secondary Education) (18 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts (Geography) (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and Public Administration) (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Community Development (5 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts (Developmental and Policy Studies) (7 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology (9 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Governance (10 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (22 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (27 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies (27 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (27 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies (27 universities)
- Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics)
- Bachelor of Arts (Business Studies with IT)
- Bachelor of Arts (Development Studies with IT)
- Bachelor of Arts (Developmental and Policy Studies)
- Bachelor of Arts (Geography)
- Bachelor of Arts (Peace Education)
- Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and Public Administration)
- Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and Anthropology with IT)
- Bachelor of Arts (Translation and Interpretation)
- Bachelor of Arts (with IT)
- Bachelor of Arts Community Development
- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
- Bachelor of Arts in Community Development
- Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Governance
Read Also: Top 15+ Criminology Courses in Kenya| Institution, Fees and Requirements
Health and Medicine
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine (11 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture and Fisheries
- Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (9 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health (9 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (20 universities)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (24 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Modelling
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Information Management (29 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Oral Health (29 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Polymer Chemistry
Agriculture and Environment
- Bachelor of Science in Animal Science (7 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Soil Science (7 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Water Resources and Environment (7 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (7 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Dry Land Agriculture (18 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology (20 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics (20 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Animal Production & Health (30 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (30 universities)
- Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management (30 universities)
Law
- Bachelor of Law (LL.B.)
Others
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy)
Also, read: Official List Medical Courses in Kenya and their Requirements | 2024 Fees
Why are there 133 useless courses in Kenya?
The 133 courses are considered useless because it was found that they are not relevant or approved.
The idea started with an audit by the Commission for University Education (CUE). They found that many universities were offering programs that were just not up to par in terms of quality and relevance. Some courses were not approved or even properly recognized.
Education is supposed to prepare students for the job market and life, but with some of these courses, students are basically paying for something that won’t help them get jobs or build skills. It’s a bit like ordering a fancy meal that turns out to be mostly just garnish!
These universities sometimes want to attract more students, so they offer a wide range of courses, even if they lack the right resources or qualified teachers to support them.
They might change course titles midstream or even offer way too many spots without enough teaching staff. This creates a situation where students feel like they’ve been sold a promise the universities can’t deliver.
Ultimately, it leads graduates who find it hard to get jobs in their fields because their education hasn’t equipped them with the right skills. It’s frustrating, right? Students often feel desperate to enrol, thinking any degree will do, but they end up with something that isn’t valued in the real world.
The CUE is trying to crack down on this and ensure that the courses offered provide value. They want to protect students from getting stuck in a situation where they’ve invested time and money into something that won’t help them in their careers. It’s about ensuring education serves its purpose: to empower and prepare individuals for a successful future.
See Also: Top 10+ Data Analysis Courses in Kenya | 2024 Requirements
Universities with the 133 useless courses in Kenya
Here’s the list of universities in Kenya that offer unapproved courses, along with the number of such courses for each institution:
- Tom Mboya University College – 25 unapproved courses
- Garissa University – 10 unapproved courses
- Alupe University College – 10 unapproved courses
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu – 8 unapproved courses
- Kenya Highlands Evangelical University – 7 unapproved courses
- University of Embu – 6 unapproved courses
- Lukenya University – 6 unapproved courses
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology – 6 unapproved courses
- Kisii University – 5 unapproved courses
- Turkana University College – 5 unapproved courses
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology – 4 unapproved courses
- Kenyatta University – 4 unapproved courses
- The East African University – 4 unapproved courses
- Karatina University – 4 unapproved courses
- Moi University – 3 unapproved courses
- African University – 3 unapproved courses
- Co-operative University of Kenya – 3 unapproved courses
- University of East African Baraton – 2 unapproved courses
- Kabarak University – 2 unapproved courses
- Kenya Methodist University – 2 unapproved courses
- Catholic University of East Africa – 2 unapproved courses
- Technical University of Mombasa – 2 unapproved courses
- Bomet University College – 1 unapproved course
- Gretsa University – 1 unapproved course
Worst Diploma Courses in Kenya
Diploma courses in Kenya are considered the worst if they have low market absorption, low job possibilities, or are vague and make the candidate look irrelevant. Here are some of the worst diploma courses in Kenya:
- Diploma in Political Science
- Diploma in Front Office
- Diploma in Environmental Technology
- Diploma in Fisheries
- Diploma in Forestry
- Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
- Diploma in Applied Biology
- Diploma in Risk Management and Insurance
- Diploma in Farm Resource Management
- Diploma in Sports Management
- Diploma in Gender, Women and Development Studies
- Diploma in Library and Information Science
- Diploma in Modern Chemistry Laboratory Technology
- Diploma in Agriculture
- Diploma in Counseling Psychology
- Diploma in Sociology
- Diploma in Entrepreneurship
- Diploma in Community Development
- Diploma in Environmental Health
- Diploma in NGO Management
- Diploma in Micro Finance
- Diploma in Business Management (Unless you do CPA)
- Diploma in Banking and Finance (Unless you do CFA)
- Diploma in Procurement and Supply
- Diploma in IT
- Diploma in Social Work
- Diploma in Journalism/Mass Communication
- Diploma in HR Management
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
- Diploma in Biochemistry Technology
- Diploma in Music
- Diploma in Secretarial Studies
FAQs
One course considered not marketable in Kenya is “Fine Arts.” The main reason is limited job opportunities; many graduates struggle to find roles that pay well or offer stability. The art market is often competitive, with fewer avenues for sustainable careers. You can check out resources like the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics for further details on market trends.
One course currently not in high demand in Kenya is “Library and Information Science.” The decline is due mainly to the rise of digital resources and technology, reducing the need for traditional librarians. As organizations move towards digital management, many graduates in this field struggle to find relevant employment opportunities. For more insights, you can check out reports on job market trends in Kenya.
Choosing a course in Kenya involves several steps. First, assess your interests and career goals, considering job market demands. Then, research various universities and their programs, ensuring they are accredited. Lastly, consult with professionals or mentors in your field for guidance. This thoughtful approach will help you make a well-informed decision. For more detailed advice, check out resources like the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
Conclusion
To wrap things up, we’ve shared the information you were looking for about the 133 useless courses in Kenyan universities and the institutions offering them.
Understanding these courses can help you make informed choices about education and career paths.
References
- standardmedia.co.ke – 133 unapproved degree courses
- businesstoday.co.ke – List of degree courses rejected and the universities
- mwakilishi.com – Gov’t Rejects 133 ‘Useless’ Courses Offered in over 10 Kenyan Universities