Criminology has gained significant popularity in Kenya, attracting students eager to explore crime and justice issues. If you’re interested in law enforcement, forensic science, or criminal psychology, there are numerous programs available to help you achieve your career goals.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top criminology courses in Kenya, covering schools, costs, and admission requirements. Before diving in, let’s address some frequently asked questions.
What is Criminology?
Criminology is the study of crime, focusing on its causes, prevention methods, and how law enforcement and the justice system handle criminal activities. This multidisciplinary field draws from sociology, psychology, and law, aiming to understand why criminals behave the way they do and how to create strategies to combat crime effectively.
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Why Study Criminology in Kenya?
Kenya offers a range of reputable institutions with robust criminology programs. These courses equip students with the skills and knowledge to address crime issues both locally and globally. Graduates from these programs are well-positioned to work in law enforcement, the justice system, and various social services sectors.
Career Opportunities for Criminology Graduates
Graduates in criminology have diverse career options, such as:
- Police officers
- Forensic analysts
- Criminal psychologists
- Probation officers
- Security consultants
They can also work for NGOs focused on crime prevention and rehabilitation, or even provide security consultation services to governments and corporations.
General Admission Requirements for Criminology Courses in Kenya
While requirements vary by institution, most universities generally ask for:
- A KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) mean grade of at least C+
- C+ grades in key subjects such as English and Mathematics
- Some institutions may accept students with diplomas in related fields for advanced entry.
Top Criminology Courses in Kenya
Here are some of the best institutions offering criminology programs in Kenya:
1. University of Nairobi – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Fees: KES 120,000 per year
- Program Overview: This course combines theoretical and practical aspects of criminology, covering crime prevention, criminal justice, and forensic science.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in English and Mathematics.
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2. Kenyatta University – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies
- Fees: KES 130,000 per year
- Program Overview: This program prepares students for roles in crime analysis, security management, and law enforcement.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in English.
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3. Egerton University – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies
- Fees: KES 110,000 per year
- Program Overview: Focuses on crime theory, criminal law, and investigative methods, helping students understand criminology in-depth.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in English and Mathematics.
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4. Moi University – Bachelor of Science in Security Studies and Criminology
- Fees: KES 100,000 per year
- Program Overview: Offers a balanced education in criminology and security studies, emphasizing practical training.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in English.
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5. Technical University of Kenya – Bachelor of Technology in Security and Criminology
- Fees: KES 115,000 per year
- Program Overview: This course focuses on the application of technology in crime prevention and resolution.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in relevant subjects.
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6. Mount Kenya University – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies
- Fees: KES 90,000 per year
- Program Overview: Affordable and comprehensive, focusing on ethics, critical thinking, and problem-solving in criminology.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+.
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7. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Fees: KES 105,000 per year
- Program Overview: MMUST’s program covers criminal law, forensic science, and correctional administration, preparing students for a variety of law enforcement roles.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+.
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8. St. Paul’s University – Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Security Management
- Fees: KES 100,000 per year
- Program Overview: Combines criminology with security management, with a focus on current crime and security issues.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+.
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9. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Management
- Fees: KES 110,000 per year
- Program Overview: The curriculum includes studies on criminal behavior, investigative techniques, and security management.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+.
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10. Africa Nazarene University – Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Resolution (Criminology Options)
- Fees: KES 95,000 per year
- Program Overview: Focuses on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and crime prevention.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+.
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11. United States International University Africa (USIU-A) – Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (Criminology Options)
- Fees: KES 140,000 per year
- Program Overview: Merges international relations with criminology, providing a global perspective on crime and justice.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+.
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12. Daystar University – Bachelor of Arts in Community Development (Criminology Options)
- Fees: KES 120,000 per year
- Program Overview: Emphasizes practical skills to address community development issues related to crime and justice.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+.
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13. Catholic University of Eastern Africa – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
- Fees: KES 110,000 per year
- Program Overview: Offers a well-rounded education in criminology, emphasizing ethical and critical thinking.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+.
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14. University of Eldoret – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies
- Fees: KES 95,000 per year
- Program Overview: Provides in-depth studies on crime, justice, and security, including practical internships.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+.
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15. Kisii University – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
- Fees: KES 90,000 per year
- Program Overview: Focuses on criminal psychology, forensic science, and public policy.
- Admission Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C+.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical tuition fees for criminology courses in Kenya?
Tuition costs range from KSh 40,000 to KSh 100,000 annually, depending on the institution and level of study.
Can I pursue a master’s degree in criminology after completing a bachelor’s program?
Yes, many universities offer master’s programs, provided you have a related bachelor’s degree.
What career options are available after studying criminology?
Career paths include law enforcement, forensic science, social work, security consulting, and more.
Conclusion
We’ve covered the top 15 criminology programs in Kenya, detailing the universities, fees, and admission requirements. Whether you’re passionate about law enforcement, forensic science, or security studies, Kenya offers plenty of opportunities to launch your criminology career.
We hope this guide helps you find the right program to meet your academic and career goals!
