Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science)

Introduction
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science (ESS) at Kenyatta University is purpose-built for the next frontier of Kenyan sport and health. Kenya’s sporting legacy is world-renowned, yet tomorrow’s breakthroughs will be forged not only on the track or pitch, but also in the laboratory, the performance-analysis suite and the community wellness centre. This degree fuses rigorous human-biology scholarship with hands-on coaching, modern technology and entrepreneurial thinking, producing professionals who can optimise elite athletes, engineer evidence-based fitness programmes and lead public-health initiatives that curb the nation’s growing burden of lifestyle disease.
Graduates therefore leave not just as specialists in one niche, but as adaptable practitioners who understand athlete development, injury prevention, group fitness leadership and health-promotion strategies. Whether they choose to staff a high-performance centre, manage a community fitness hub or pursue postgraduate research, their training equips them to meet Kenya’s twin goals: broader sporting success across multiple disciplines and a healthier, more active population.

Objectives
Upon graduation learners will be able to:

1. Apply in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology and data science to sport and exercise settings.
2. Identify and nurture athletic talent through structured long-term athlete-development pathways.
3. Design and deliver evidence-based training, testing and conditioning programmes for diverse populations.
4. Promote healthy, active living as preventive and curative “exercise-is-medicine” practitioners.
5. Lead community outreach that increases safe participation in structured physical activity. 

Rationale
Kenya is preparing for an unprecedented sports boom: the State Department’s Sports Strategic Plan 2023-2027 flags talent monetisation, sport-tourism and infrastructure upgrades as national priorities, while the CAF award of AFCON 2027 to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda accelerates demand for sophisticated high-performance and event-support staff. Yet, outside our famed endurance running, most disciplines still rely on anecdotal coaching, with limited access to biomechanics labs, performance-analysis expertise and injury-recovery specialists. Industry and federation stakeholders from Sports Kenya to the Kenya Academy of Sports have therefore called for graduates trained to translate sport science into medal-winning practice, diversify Kenya’s competitive profile and service new professional clubs, academies and venues.
At the same time, Kenya now loses nearly four in every ten lives (38 %) to non-communicable diseases driven by sedentary lifestyles. National health policy and WHO’s 2024-2030 Country Cooperation Strategy mandate large-scale physical-activity promotion, but there is a critical shortage of exercise scientists who can craft safe, evidence-based programmes for schools, workplaces and clinics. The ESS degree fills that gap: graduates gain the biomedical depth to work alongside doctors and physiotherapists, the coaching insight to engage communities, and the data skills to evaluate impact—creating a workforce able to lift both Kenya’s podium potential and its public-health outcomes.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

In addition to attaining the basic university admission requirements (C+ in KCSE or its equivalent), a candidate must have a minimum grade of C+ (in KCSE or its equivalent) in at least one of the following subjects: biology, mathematics, physical sciences, chemistry or physics.

OR

A Mean grade C plus a recognised diploma in Sports Science, Administration/ management, Physical Education, Sports Science, Hospitality, Nutrition, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Public Health and Coaching or in other related fields from a recognized institution. Credit transfer capped at 49 % of the programme and limited to Year 1–2 units.   

Mode and Structure of Delivery
•    Full-time, face-to-face & blended learning.
•    Each 3-credit course: 39 contact hours (24 in-person + 15 online interactive).
•    Assessment: CAT 30 %, Final exam 70 % (practice-based units are competency-assessed). 

Programme Duration
Four academic years (nine semesters). Students complete 66 course units totaling 249 credit hours / 2,964 contact hours to graduate.

Curriculum Highlights
University-wide Common Units (7) 
• UCU 110 Communication & Collaboration Skills
• UCU 111 Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• UCU 112 Creativity & Innovation
• UCU 201 Information Media & Technology
• UCU 301 Community Service Learning
• UCU 401 Ethics, Diversity, Life & Career Skills
• UCU 402 Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Core ESS Units (by level)
Level 100 
• HES 100 First Aid & Safety Education
• HES 101 Foundations of ESS
• HES 107 Kinanthropometry
• HES 109 Anatomy & Physiology I
• HES 110 Motor Development & Learning
• HES 111 Professional Practice in ESS
• HES 112 Computer Technology in Sport
• HES 113 Psychology of Sport Performance
• HES 114 Aquatics Practical I
• HES 115 Ethics in Sport
• HES 116 Sports Practical I (Hockey, Rugby, Soccer, Volleyball)
• HES 117 Nutrition for Sport Performance
Level 200 
• HES 204 Biomechanics I
• HES 207 Anatomy & Physiology II
• HES 208 Exercise Biochemistry I
• HES 209 Anatomy & Physiology III
• HES 210 Human Performance Lab Methods
• HES 211 Exercise Physiology I
• HES 212 Sports Injuries
• HES 213 Exercise & Wellness
• HES 214 Sports Practical II (Basketball, Netball, Handball, Rollball)
• HES 215 Exercise & Sport for Special Populations
• HES 216 Principles of Training & Conditioning
• HES 217 Practical Fitness Training I
Level 300 (Core) 
• HES 314 Research Technology in Sport Science
• HES 315 Statistics in Sport Science
• HES 316 Practicum (12-week industry attachment)
• HES 317 Sports Practical III (Athletics & Gymnastics)
• HES 318 Exercise Physiology II
• HES 319 Therapeutic Modalities
• HES 320 Doping in Sport
• HES 321 Test, Measurement & Evaluation
Level 400 (Core) 
• HES 401 Research Project in Human Performance
• HES 402 Ergogenic Aids
• HES 409 Ageing & Human Performance
• HES 410 Applied Computer Applications in Sport
• HES 411 Injury Management
• HES 412 Sports Practical V (Badminton, Squash, Tennis)
• HES 413 Outdoor Education & Environmental Exercise Physiology
• HES 414 Exercise Biochemistry II
Elective Units (choose minimum 11 across Levels 300–400) 
• HES 322 Aquatics Practical II (Survival & Lifesaving)
• HES 323 Biomechanics II
• HES 324 Sports Practical IV (Baseball, Cricket, Golf, Softball, Woodball)
• HES 325 Martial Arts & Combat Sports
• HES 326 Design of Sports Facilities & Equipment
• HES 327 Practical Fitness Training II (Personal Training & Exercise Prescription)
• HES 415 Exercise & Sports Ergonomics
• HES 416 Sports Performance Development
• HES 417 Sociology of Exercise & Sport
• HES 418 Applied Exercise Physiology
• HES 419 Servicing & Calibration of Sport Equipment
(All electives are offered subject to demand; students select in consultation with the department.)

Career Opportunities
Graduates can serve as:
•    Sports data analytics & technology – collecting, analysing and presenting performance data
•    Injury prevention & management – designing protocols to reduce risk and guide recovery
•    Sports psychology support – helping athletes develop mental skills for performance and well-being
•    Sports coaching – planning and leading training for individual athletes and teams
•    Sports nutrition support – creating evidence-based meal and supplement plans
•    Exercise physiology for chronic disease – prescribing activity programmes in hospital settings
•    Cardiac rehabilitation – supervising exercise for patients after heart events or surgery
•    Sports biomechanics – analysing movement to improve technique and reduce injury risk
•    Fitness industry – managing gyms, health clubs and community wellness programmes
•    Sports policy in federations & ministries – shaping guidelines, funding and development plans
•    Strength & conditioning for athletes – building sport-specific strength, power and endurance
•    Academia & research – teaching, running laboratories and conducting sport-science studies
•    Sports equipment & technology – testing, calibrating and marketing performance gear

Tuition & Fee Structure
                                                                       

 Why Study Exercise & Sports Science at Kenyatta University?
•    Comprehensive laboratory network (biomechanics, physiology, performance testing) under the School of Health Sciences.
•    Industry partnerships with Kenya Academy of Sports, national federations, sports teams and leading health providers ensure relevant practicum sites and research projects.
•    International exposure through exchange agreements and visiting professors in high-performance sport.
•    Research-led teaching — all core staff are active scholars, ensuring content reflects emerging global trends.
•    Holistic development — the programme blends coaching practicums, community service and entrepreneurship training to foster versatile graduates.

Requirements for Award of a Degree

In addition to the university common units, candidates shall take 12 units at levels 100, 200,300 and 400 (i.e. 48 units including HES 404: Practicum, but excluding University Common Units) in order to graduate.

The candidates will undertake a practicum at the end of either their third or fourth academic year.

EXAMINATIONS

The common regulations for the University/School examinations shall apply.

7.2 The course grading will be based primarily on continuous assessments (30%) and a final examination (70%) for both theory and practical units.

Credit waivers will be given as per university policy after approval.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE, DURATION AND PATTERN