1. Program Title:
BACHELOR OF PHARMACY:
2. Introduction
Kenyatta University became the second university in Kenya to mount the B. Pharm program in 2008. Upon completion, graduates are awarded the degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy and are eligible to register with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya (PPB) to practice as licensed pharmacists.
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) program is designed to produce a professional who has in-depth knowledge, skills and attitudes in various practice areas in Pharmacy. The program is designed to equip the grandaunts with the requisite skills and knowledge to eventually practice in diverse areas such as hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, research and academia, public health and policy, regulatory affairs among others.
The graduate of the programme will be responsive to societal needs pertaining to ensuring safe and effective use of medications; drug discovery; drug formulation and quality control; regulation of pharmaceutical products and public awareness on appropriate medication adherence.
3. Program Objectives
To train a professional pharmacist who:
- Is capable of stimulating and sustaining the country’s pharmaceutical industry and natural system of medicine.
- Is competent in communicating and making judgment in all manners pertaining to drugs.
- Will fully participate in treatment of diseases, alleviation and prevention of suffering.
- Will help to formulate and sustain national policies with respect to the production, preservation, quality control and safe use of drugs.
4. Justification/Rationale
Kenyatta University’s contribution to the health sector by helping to adress the national pharmacist needs especially because the country is yet to attain the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) pharmacist patient ratio of 1:1000.
The B.Pharm program adheres to rigorous academic and professional standards set by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya (PPB) ensuring that our graduates are globally competitive and capable of practicing in diverse healthcare settings
Our program is specifically designed to respond to Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the government policy of local manufacturing which is underexploited in Kenya.
Further the program responds to emerging trends in the health sector by preparing graduants to effectively adapt to technological applications in the healthcare setting.
5. Admission Requirements:
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) program is regulated by Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB). Below are PPB minimum entry criteria into the Pharmacy program in Kenya.
In addition to meeting the University entry requirements, candidates for admission into the B.Pharm degree course shall be required to have obtained;
8.4.4 System of Education (KCSE)
Applicants must have obtained a minimum of a mean grade of C+ and an average cluster weight of B- in the subjects shown below provided that no subject in this cluster shall have a grade below C+:
Alternative A Alternative B
Chemistry Biological Sciences
Biology Physical Sciences
Mathematics/Physics Mathematics
English/Kiswahili English/Kiswahili
G.C.E/A-Level
A minimum of two principal passes (in Biology and Chemistry) and a subsidiary pass or credit at O’level in Physics or Mathematics.
Subject Minimum Score
Biology Principal
Chemistry Principal
Physic/Mathematics Subsidiary pass
General paper Subsidiary pass
Diploma in:
1. Pharmaceutical Technology
2. Laboratory Technology
3. Clinical Medicine
4. Imaging and Radiography
5. Nursing
6. Public Health/Environmental Health
7. Dental Technology
Any other acceptable diploma in life sciences.
Holders of the above diplomas must have met the following entry requirements:
1. A mean grade of C plain in KCSE with a minimum score of C plain in each of the cluster subjects below and a credit in KNEC qualifying examinations of its equivalent.
Alternative A Alternative B
Chemistry Biological Sciences
Biology Physical Sciences
Mathematics/Physics Mathematics
English/Kiswahili English/Kiswahili
OR
A minimum of Division II in KCE (O-Level) with credit in the following:
Alternative A Alternative B
Chemistry Biological Sciences
Biology Physical Sciences
Mathematics/Physics Mathematics
English/Kiswahili English/Kiswahili
6. Mode and structure of Delivery:
Regular (Fulltime) Trimester
7. Program Duration
5 years
8. Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum offers advanced training in the following core areas; Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice.
The course is taught with an inter-disciplinary approach with Hands-on learning is a cornerstone. There is extensive experiential learning in laboratory, hospital, pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacy and research institutions.
In the final year, students are required to undertake research projects that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. In addition, in the senior years the students are trained in management and entrepreneurial skills as well as pharmacy law and regulation.
9. Career Opportunities
· Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Biotechnology Companies,
· Hospitals-Public and Private,
· Retail chains or independent pharmacies of various sizes,
· Pharmaceutical Wholesalers,
· Academic Institutions,
· Research Institutions,
· Regulatory Bodies,
· Complementary and Alternative Medicine Centers,
· Policy Development Entities and Government Programs,
· Forensic Science and Drug Analysis Establishments,
· Consultancies on drug matters.
10. Tuition and Fee Structure:
Full time: Fees; Ksh.428, 400.00 p.a
Non East Africans Ksh.535, 500.00 p.a.
11. Why choose this program at KU
- Positive reputation internationally in academic excellence and has experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Curriculum is comprehensive and up-to-date covering core subjects and emerging global trends in pharmacy
- B.Pharm program is accredited by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and recognized by the International Pharmacists Federation (IFP)
- B.Pharm program has a strong emphasis on research and innovation with opportunities for cutting-edge projects.
- Extensive experiential training through laboratory work, clinical rotations, industrial and community pharmacy placements.
- Entrepreneurial opportunities to establish and manage businesses in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Experienced faculty and personalized mentorship for student success.
- Diverse career opportunities and a strong alumni network for professional growth.
- Affordable tuition