Executive MBA Kenya Fees 2026: Strathmore, USIU and UoN Compared in 5 Smart Checks

Updated 7 November 2026

An executive MBA in Kenya is a part-time master’s degree for working managers, usually taught in evenings or weekend blocks over about two years. Fees vary widely, and several schools do not publish a full price online. Below is what the main schools publish, what they leave out, and how to compare offers before you commit.

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Checked on 7 November 2026 against the Strathmore MBA for Executives page, the USIU-Africa tuition fees page and the University of Nairobi MBA admission page. Fees change every intake, so confirm with admissions before paying.

Contents: Fees compared · Hidden costs · Entry requirements · Five checks · Employer sponsorship · FAQ

Executive MBA Kenya fees: what schools publish

The table shows why comparing an executive MBA in Kenya is hard. One school publishes only a deposit, another publishes per-unit prices for some programmes but not its executive one, and the cheapest published total is for a standard MBA rather than an executive track. Do not compare a deposit with a full fee.

Costs that are often left out

When you request a fee schedule, check whether these are included:

• Application and registration fees, usually paid once at the start.
• Examination and graduation fees, sometimes billed separately.
• International study trips or residencies, which may cover tuition abroad but not flights, visas and hotels.
• Books, case studies and software licences.
• Project or thesis supervision if you take longer than the standard period.
• Price increases between your first and second year, if the fee is not locked at admission.

Ask for the total in writing, the payment schedule and the refund policy if you defer or withdraw.

Entry requirements

Executive programmes look for managers with several years of work experience, not fresh graduates. Strathmore’s page lists the documents it needs, including academic certificates, and an entrance exam. Typical requirements across schools include:

• a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university;
• a minimum number of years in management or professional roles, set by each school;
• a CV, recommendation letters and copies of certificates and ID;
• an entrance test or interview.

Requirements differ, so read each school’s admission page rather than assuming one school’s rules apply to another.

Five checks before you choose an executive MBA in Kenya

1. Accreditation. Confirm the university and programme are recognised by the Commission for University Education. Some schools also hold international business school accreditation; ask for evidence.
2. Total cost, not deposit. Compare full fees, including the extras listed above.
3. Schedule fit. Evening classes suit people in Nairobi with regular hours. Block or modular formats suit people who travel or live outside the city.
4. Class profile. An executive MBA is partly about the peer network. Ask about the typical experience and sectors of the current class.
5. Outcome you want. If your goal is a board seat, combine the degree with governance training; our guide on how to become a board member in Kenya covers the other steps.

Getting your employer to pay

Many executive MBA students in Kenya are partly or fully sponsored. Before you apply:

• read your employer’s training or study leave policy;
• prepare a short business case linking the programme to your role and the organisation’s plans;
• ask whether sponsorship comes with a bond requiring you to stay for a set period after graduating, and read the repayment terms if you leave early;
• agree in writing how time off for classes, exams and study trips will be handled.

If you pay yourself, ask the school whether it offers instalments, and plan the cash flow across the full programme. Public sector officers aiming at state corporation roles can also read our explainer on state corporation boards.

Is an executive MBA worth it?

The value of an executive MBA in Kenya depends on what you need. It suits mid-career managers who want broad training in finance, strategy and leadership, and a network of peers. It is less useful if you need a narrow technical skill, where a shorter professional course may cost far less. Work out your total cost and expected career move before you sign up.

Frequently asked questions

How much is an executive MBA in Kenya?

It depends on the school. Strathmore publishes a KSh 300,000 commitment fee that forms part of its total, USIU-Africa does not publish its Global Executive MBA fee, and the University of Nairobi’s standard MBA totals KSh 602,250. Ask each school for a full fee schedule.

How long does an executive MBA take in Kenya?

Strathmore’s MBA for Executives runs for about two years in the evenings. Other schools set their own duration.

Can I do an executive MBA without work experience?

Usually not. Executive programmes are designed for people with management experience, and schools assess this at admission.

Is the executive MBA fee tax deductible?

Ask a tax adviser about your situation. If your employer pays, check with HR how the sponsorship is treated in payroll.