Top 15 Most Marketable Degree Courses in Kenya (Guide)
Are you wondering which courses offer the best career opportunities in Kenya today?
With a fast-evolving job market and rising competition among graduates, choosing a marketable degree course is more important than ever. Whether you are preparing to join university or considering a career change, this guide reveals the most in-demand degree programs in Kenya —based on job availability, earning potential, and global relevance.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Degree Course “Marketable”?
A marketable course is one that:
- Has high demand in the job market
- Offers diverse employment opportunities
- Allows freelancing or remote work (locally and internationally)
- Has future-proof relevance in Kenya’s economy and global trends
15 Most Marketable Degree Courses in Kenya
1. Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MBChB)
Field: Health & Medical
Kenya has a growing need for qualified doctors, especially in rural areas. Medical professionals also have access to government jobs, private practice, and NGO work.
Careers: Doctor, Surgeon, Public Health Officer, Consultant
Offered by: UoN, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Aga Khan University
2. Bachelor of Software Engineering / Computer Science
Field: Technology
Tech skills are in huge demand due to Kenya’s growing digital economy. Graduates can work locally or remotely for global companies.
Careers: Software Developer, Web Developer, App Developer, AI Engineer
Offered by: JKUAT, KCA University, DeKUT, Strathmore, Kenyatta University
3. Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT)
Field: Tech + Business
Combines computing with business skills—ideal for roles in digital transformation, IT consultancy, and enterprise systems.
Careers: IT Consultant, Systems Analyst, ERP Specialist
Offered by: Strathmore, JKUAT, MKU, USIU-A
4. Bachelor of Nursing (BScN)
Field: Health
Nursing professionals are in high demand locally and abroad (e.g., UK, Canada). It’s also one of the easiest medical careers to internationalize.
Careers: Registered Nurse, Critical Care Nurse, Nursing Officer
Offered by: UoN, KMTC, Kenyatta University, Aga Khan University
5. Bachelor of Law (LLB)
Field: Legal
Legal professionals are essential in corporate, human rights, government, and private practice. With specialization, one can also pursue international law.
Careers: Advocate, Legal Officer, Judge, Corporate Counsel
Offered by: UoN, Kabarak University, Riara, Strathmore, MKU
6. Bachelor of Finance / Accounting / Economics
Field: Finance
Strong demand in banks, SACCOs, fintech, auditing firms, and international agencies.
Careers: Accountant, Auditor, Investment Analyst, Financial Planner
Offered by: UoN, Strathmore, KCA University, Daystar
7. Bachelor of Education (Science, Math, ICT)
Field: Education
Teachers—especially in math, physics, chemistry, and ICT—are in high demand both locally and internationally.
Careers: Secondary School Teacher, Lecturer, Education Consultant
Offered by: KU, Moi University, Machakos University, Daystar
8. Bachelor of Actuarial Science
Field: Mathematics & Insurance
One of the best-paying careers, especially for those who pass professional exams. Demand in insurance, pensions, and banking.
Careers: Actuary, Risk Analyst, Data Analyst
Offered by: UoN, JKUAT, Strathmore
9. Bachelor of Pharmacy
Field: Health
Pharmacists are crucial in both public and private healthcare. The course offers stable employment and entrepreneurial potential.
Careers: Pharmacist, Drug Consultant, Pharmaceutical Sales
Offered by: UoN, Kenyatta University, Mount Kenya University
10. Bachelor of Architecture / Quantity Surveying / Civil Engineering
Field: Built Environment
Kenya’s growing infrastructure and real estate sector demand engineers, planners, and surveyors.
Careers: Architect, Civil Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, Urban Planner
Offered by: UoN, JKUAT, TUK, DeKUT, Egerton
11. Bachelor of Mechatronics / Electrical Engineering
Field: Industrial Tech
Automation, robotics, and energy management make this a future-proof field.
Careers: Mechatronics Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Robotics Technician
Offered by: JKUAT, Dedan Kimathi, TUK
12. Bachelor of Journalism & Digital Media
Field: Media & Communication
With Kenya’s booming content creation and media sector, digital-savvy storytellers are needed more than ever.
Careers: Journalist, Content Creator, PR Officer, Digital Marketer
Offered by: Daystar, Multimedia University, USIU-A
13. Bachelor of Procurement & Supply Chain Management
Field: Logistics
Vital in government, manufacturing, e-commerce, and NGO sectors.
Careers: Procurement Officer, Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Manager
Offered by: UoN, KU, KCA University, MKU
14. Bachelor of Agricultural Economics / Agribusiness
Field: Agriculture
Agriculture remains Kenya’s economic backbone. Agritech, food security, and value chains make this a modern, marketable option.
Careers: Agribusiness Consultant, Farm Manager, Food Supply Chain Expert
Offered by: Egerton, JKUAT, UoN
15. Bachelor of Environmental Science / Renewable Energy
Field: Sustainability
With growing focus on climate change and sustainability, professionals in green energy and environmental science are in demand.
Careers: Environmental Consultant, Energy Analyst, Policy Expert
Offered by: Kenyatta University, Moi University, TUK
Future Trends: Courses Gaining Popularity
- Cybersecurity
- AI & Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Digital Marketing
- Blockchain Technology
These can be studied as degree specializations or pursued through short professional certifications alongside a marketable degree.
Tips for Choosing the Right Marketable Degree Courses in Kenya
- Align with your passion – choose what excites you
- Check career demand – research industry trends
- Consider salary potential
- Look for flexibility – can the degree lead to various careers?
- Explore global relevance – can you work remotely or abroad?
Choosing a marketable degree course in Kenya is one of the smartest decisions a student can make—especially in today’s competitive job market. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why it’s important to choose a marketable course and how it can impact your future success:
Why Choose a Marketable Degree Course in Kenya?
1. Better Job Opportunities After Graduation
Marketable courses are aligned with current and future job demands. This means:
- You’re more likely to find a job soon after graduating
- Employers are actively seeking your skills
- You can avoid the stress of being jobless after investing years in education
Example: A graduate with a degree in Software Engineering is more likely to secure work faster than someone in an oversaturated field like general humanities.
2. Higher Earning Potential
Marketable courses often lead to higher-paying careers. Industries such as tech, health, engineering, and finance are known for:
- Competitive starting salaries
- Fast salary growth over time
- Opportunities for performance-based bonuses
Courses like Actuarial Science, Medicine, Law, and ICT regularly lead to six-figure salaries in Kenya.
3. Opportunities for Global Careers & Remote Work
Many marketable courses offer global mobility. With digital skills (e.g., programming, data science, digital marketing), you can work:
- For international clients
- In remote jobs
- Or migrate legally for work or postgraduate studies
Kenyan developers and nurses are increasingly getting hired by companies in the US, UK, Canada, and UAE.
4. Future-Proof Skills
Kenya’s economy is shifting toward digital transformation, smart agriculture, and green energy. Marketable courses teach future-relevant skills that keep you employable as industries evolve.
Courses in tech, environmental science, AI, and finance adapt to the modern economy.
5. Reduced Dependency on “Tarmacking”
One of the major frustrations among graduates in Kenya is “tarmacking” (long-term unemployment). Marketable degrees drastically reduce the risk of:
- Spending years job hunting
- Settling for unrelated, low-paying jobs
- Depending on connections or luck
A marketable degree gives you independence, stability, and options.
6. Entrepreneurship and Freelance Opportunities
Many marketable courses—especially in tech, business, and creative arts—equip you with skills to start your own business or work as a freelancer.
E.g., Web developers, digital marketers, and accountants can offer services online without formal employment.
7. Easier Access to Scholarships and Sponsorships
Top-performing and in-demand programs often attract: Marketable Degree Courses in Kenya.
- Government sponsorships (via KUCCPS)
- Private scholarships
- Corporate training partnerships
This can reduce your cost of education and offer a head start in your career.
8. Improved Family & Social Status
A stable, well-paying career not only uplifts you but also improves:
- Your family’s financial position
- Your ability to support siblings or parents
- Your confidence and social mobility
What Happens If You Don’t Choose Marketable Degree Courses in Kenya?
- Higher chances of being unemployed after graduation
- Lower earning potential
- Frustration and need for retraining or career-switching later
- Wasted time and money on an unviable career path
In Kenya’s fast-changing economy, choosing Marketable Degree Courses in Kenya is not just about getting a job—it’s about building a sustainable, flexible, and rewarding future. Whether you’re passionate about health, tech, finance, or engineering, aligning your interests with real-world demand is key to long-term success.
Don’t just choose what’s available—choose what’s valuable.
Would you like a list of marketable degree programs matched to your KCSE grades or career interests?
Final Thoughts on Marketable Degree Courses in Kenya
A degree is an investment—so choose one that opens doors.
Today the most marketable degree courses in Kenya combine practical skills, digital knowledge, and problem-solving ability. Whether you are into health, tech, finance, or engineering, the right course can launch you into a fulfilling and well-paying career.
Choose wisely, and the future will reward you.