Best Online MBA Programs in Kenya

Joe McGoldrick
December 5, 2024 · 7 min read

As a Kenyan working professional, pursuing an online MBA program can open up new opportunities for you without requiring you to take a break from your job or travel abroad.

The programs are quite flexible and allow you to set your own study hours and finish the coursework at your own pace.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best online MBA programs in Kenya.

The Top Online MBA programs in Kenya for 2024

These are some of the best online MBA programs in Kenya based on student satisfaction, career opportunities, tuition quality, and other factors.

1. Nexford University

Nexford University is a 100% online university that offers an online MBA program for professionals in Kenya. The program is an excellent opportunity to network with professionals from all over the world.

Its duration is 18 months, but you can enroll in an accelerated track if your current commitments aren’t affected.

In addition, Nexford’s Kenyan Online MBA program presents you with various specializations that can help you gain practical expertise in certain industries. The current specializations are AI Automation, Sustainability, and E-Commerce among others.

By the end of your program, you will be able to make better business decisions at work. You should also be more comfortable leading teams.

Currently, the tuition fees are $220/month (average total cost of $3,960), which is considerably below average compared to other online MBA programs.

Nexford is also accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Which means we are a US accredited university!

1. Nexford University

Nexford University’s online MBA program is tailored specifically for Kenyan professionals. The program’s duration is 18 months, but of course, you can finish it faster than that if your schedule allows.

The program offers various next-generation MBA specializations that help you niche down into very specific industries, ensuring that you get better job opportunities. These include sustainability, E-Commerce, and AI. You’ll be digitally fluent and more comfortable leading teams and making key business decisions.

The program costs just $200/month (average total cost $3,600), making it much more affordable than online MBA programs from other universities. At the same time, you get quality tuition and an accredited certificate.

What’s more, Nexford University’s online MBA program provides you with the opportunity to establish work relationships and network with professionals from more than 85 countries.

2. University of Illinois

The Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois offers an online “iMBA” program for Kenyan professionals.

The program has specializations, but unlike other MBA degrees, this one’s concentrations are in the form of curriculum sections. So you need to think about your interests and base your curriculum selections based on that.

The available specializations include Managerial Economics, Financial Management, Strategic Leadership, Value Chain Management, and others.

The program’s tuition fees are around $20,000 for the full program, and you don’t need to submit a GRE or GMAT score to be considered for the class.

3. Louisiana Tech University

The online MBA program from the College of Business at Louisiana Tech University offers insane value for money. Tuition costs just $15,000, so you won’t need to take out a huge loan for it.

Another core advantage of this program is that it’s tailored toward professionals that don’t have a background in business education. The curriculum starts with foundational courses and then gradually takes you to more advanced topics.

The curriculum touches on topics such as Information Resource Management, Accounting Analysis for Decision Making, Marketing Management, and Finance.

You don’t need to be present on campus, even for application. This means that you don’t have to go through the hassle of applying for a student or travel visa to enroll in this program.

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4. Missouri State University

The College of Business at Missouri State University provides international students from Kenya with a solid online MBA that can be bundled with a graduate certificate. You can earn an extra certificate in finance or financial analysis.

The program is pretty flexible, giving students the freedom to choose between a fully-online, on-campus, or hybrid learning model. However, Kenyan students often prefer taking the program fully online to reduce costs and continue working while studying.

Currently, the online MBA program from Missouri State University costs just $10,000. If you decide to apply, you can use the school’s GMAT waiver to complete your application.

5. Boston University

Boston University’s online MBA is a 45-credit-hour program that was initiated from the partnership between Questrom and edX.

The classes are engaging, and the faculty is always willing to help the students reach their career objectives.

The curriculum includes real-world projects and case studies from industry leaders, ensuring that it’s well-crafted for today’s job market.

By the end of this program, you’ll be able to make critical managerial decisions more confidentially, no matter which industry you work in.

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6. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado’s Montford of Business has a robust online MBA program for Kenyan students that lets them choose an optional concentration. The current specialization options are Healthcare Administration and Human Resources Management.

Moreover, the program is accredited by AACSB, ensuring that the coursework and teaching methodologies are compliant with international standards.

The program’s tuition fees don’t exceed $25,000. It’s not the most affordable program for Kenyan students, but remember that it’s accredited. You don’t need to submit GRE or GMAT scores to enroll in this program.

Campus visits aren’t mandatory, but of course, you can sign up for a student visa if you want to visit the campus throughout the program.

7. California State University

San Bernardino’s Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration at California State University has a full-fledged online MBA program for international students from Kenya.

It provides the right balance between working and studying. The courses are self-paced, but some classes are taught live. The program’s duration is 18 months, and it’s accredited by AACSB.

In addition, students get to communicate with the faculty and ask for academic and professional support. So, while this program’s format is 100% online, students don’t miss out on private discussions with their professors and colleagues.

8. Georgia Southwestern State University

This online MBA from the School of Business Administration at Georgia Southwestern State University consists of 30 credit hours in a 100% online format.

Tuition fees are pretty low, or as low as $5,000 to be specific, but can reach up to $10,000 depending on your pace.

The program is accredited by AACSB, ensuring quality tuition. You also get to expand your network by working with your colleagues on group projects.

The faculty is excellent, and they’re well-acquainted with online teaching. They’re able to link theory with practice, ensuring that students get the most out of the program in their professional careers.

How to Choose the Right MBA Program for Your Goals and Needs

Here are some of the factors that you need to take into consideration when comparing different online MBA programs in Kenya:

Flexibility

Basically, online MBA programs can be classified into full-time, part-time, hybrid, and self-paced programs.

Full-time online MBA programs require a high level of commitment, meaning that you might have to take a career break, as opposed to part-time online MBA programs that you can enroll in while working.

Hybrid online MBA programs combine online tuition with occasional face-to-face on-campus meetings and seminars, while self-paced ones don’t have fixed class times.

Affordability

Online MBA programs are often more affordable than full-time on-campus programs. However, not all of them are affordable. Some online MBA programs can be pretty expensive, especially for junior-level professionals.

When deciding on an online MBA program, make sure that you can afford it. Even if you’re taking a loan for it, remember that you’ll just have to pay it back later.

The goal of an online MBA program is to help you advance your career and make more money, not to get yourself in endless debt.

Accreditation

Just like on-campus MBA programs, online MBA programs can be accredited by known accreditation bodies.

These include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Before choosing an online MBA program, make sure that it’s accredited. Accredited programs often hold more value and can help you land better jobs.

Community

When you consider an online MBA program, it’s recommended that you reach out to alumni and current students. Ask as many questions as you can to develop a better idea of what you should expect out of the program.

Some questions to ask include:

  • What are the career prospects?

  • Are the courses engaging?

  • Do I need to have a background in particular subjects before applying?

  • How many hours do I need to dedicate to the program every week?

Conclusion

That was a quick look at some of the best online MBA programs in Kenya.

Of course, the choice primarily depends on what you intend to do after earning your degree. Other variables include your budget, current commitments, and whether you’re willing to accept a restricted timeline.

You might want to consider checking out Nexford University’s online MBA program if you want a good balance between tuition quality, cost, and flexibility. The program also offers some pretty attractive concentrations, so that’s a big plus. If you’d like to speak to current Nexford learners and Alumni from Kenya and other markets, join Nexford Network!

Getting an international online masters degree in Kenya is definitely a solid investment that can help you advance your career with a valuable education that complies with current business needs and trends.

And the best part is that you don’t need to restrict yourself to certain schedules. You also get to choose an online MBA program from any university in the world, not just in Kenya.

Ready to take the next step and discover how a Nexford MBA could increase your salary as a working professional in Kenya? Download our brochure or book a call with our Nexford Advisors!

About the author
Joe McGoldrick
Joe McGoldrick

Known for strategy and attention to detail

Joe has more than 10 years of marketing experience, working within the public sector, client-side, and agency side.

He is passionate about using data and customer insights to improve marketing performance.

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