Course: Political Science

Everyone has an opinion on Political Science. Few can tell you which universities offer it or what the jobs ask for.

At most public universities it comes as Political Science and Public Administration, including Bomet University College, Garissa, Karatina, Kisii, Maasai Mara, Rongo and the University of Nairobi. Maseno and Pwani offer it as Political Science.

What you need to get in (KUCCPS)

✓ C+ mean grade for any degree
✓ Cluster subject 1: English or Kiswahili
✓ Cluster subject 2: Maths, or one of Biology, Physics, Chemistry or General Science
✓ Cluster subject 3: Geography, History or a religious studies subject

Those are the Maseno and Pwani requirements. Check your programme’s exact subjects on the portal.

The points

• KCSE 2025: UoN 30.936, Maseno 23.661, Kisii 22.870
• KCSE 2024: Maasai Mara 23.465, Karatina 23.283, Bomet University College 23.009
• Most others sat between about 20 and 23.5 in 2024

What the jobs ask for

✓ The Public Service Commission advertised 2 Programme Officer II posts at the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, at CSG 11, with no experience required and Political Science among the accepted degrees
✓ Bungoma County Assembly advertised 4 intern Research Officer posts open to Political Science graduates aged 18 to 35 who finished within the last two years
✓ Busia County Assembly advertised a Research Officer post accepting Political Science, with relevant work experience
✗ Kenya National Commission on Human Rights adverts that list Political Science ask for 3 to 7 years of experience, or a Master’s

What gets you hired

Bungoma asks for computer literacy and proficiency in research tools and databases, and treats dissertations and field surveys as an advantage. The degree gets you in the room. Research skills get you the job.

We found no verified starting pay for graduate Political Science roles beyond the government grades above.

Pair it with something

• Economics and Statistics, for policy research
• Public Administration, which shares the same cluster and civil-service grades
• Law, if you want to work in legislation

It’s GOOD if:
✓ You want civil service, research or governance work
✓ You’ll build research and data skills while you study
✓ You’ll chase internships and a Master’s if you aim for senior roles

It’s BAD if:
✗ You think it leads straight to politics
✗ You plan to graduate with no research experience
✗ You expect a senior role without a Master’s or years of experience

Studoke has past papers, notes, and job and internship alerts for university students. Search “StudoKe” on Play Store.

Are you doing Political Science? Drop your university and year, and tell us what job you were told it leads to.