Bachelor of Arts (Disaster Management and Peace Studies)
The Bachelor of Arts (Disaster Management and Peace Studies) is a four-year degree that equips students with knowledge and skills to manage disasters, build peace, and resolve conflicts in communities and organisations. Students study disaster risk reduction, emergency response management, conflict analysis, peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, international humanitarian law, security studies, post-conflict recovery, climate change adaptation, and research methods.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 189,004 a year at a public institution, Ksh 756,016 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 225,800 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Climate Change Analyst, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Graduates find opportunities in disaster management agencies, humanitarian organisations, peace-building NGOs, government emergency response departments, international relief agencies, county government disaster units, and security sector organisations. The programme is delivered over eight semesters at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), a CUE-accredited public university.
Graduates work as disaster risk reduction officers, humanitarian programme officers, peacebuilding officers, conflict resolution officers, emergency response coordinators, and project officers in disaster management. This programme suits students with interest in humanitarian work, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, ability to work under pressure, and commitment to community service.
Disaster management and peacebuilding require resilience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work in challenging and rapidly changing environments. Skills RequiredDisaster Risk Reduction and AssessmentEmergency Response CoordinationConflict Analysis and ResolutionPeacebuilding and ReconciliationHumanitarian Assistance Programme ManagementInternational Humanitarian LawPost-Conflict Recovery and ReconstructionClimate Change Adaptation PlanningCrisis Communication ManagementResearch Methods in Disaster and Peace StudiesKey SubjectsDisaster Risk ReductionEmergency Response ManagementConflict An
alysis and PeacebuildingHumanitarian AssistanceInternational Humanitarian LawSecurity StudiesPost-Conflict RecoveryClimate Change and Disaster RiskProject Management for Humanitarian ProgrammesResearch Methods in Disaster and Peace StudiesCertificationsCertified Emergency Manager (CEM) — IAEMHumanitarian Logistics Certification — CILTPeace and Conflict Studies Certification — USIPSpecializationsDisaster Risk ReductionFocus on hazard assessment, vulnerability analysis, early warning systems, community-based disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation planning for government and NGO roles.
Emergency Response ManagementFocus on emergency operations planning, incident command systems, mass casualty management, evacuation planning, and coordination of emergency response operations.
What you study
10 subjects- Disaster Risk Reduction
- Emergency Response Management
- Conflict Analysis and Peacebuilding
- Humanitarian Assistance
- International Humanitarian Law
- Security Studies
- Post-Conflict Recovery
- Climate Change and Disaster Risk
- Project Management for Humanitarian Programmes
- Research Methods in Disaster and Peace Studies
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Disaster Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts of disaster management including disaster types, disaster cycle, risk assessment, and the role of disaster management professionals in society.
Conflict Analysis and Peace Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theories of conflict, causes and dynamics of conflict, conflict analysis frameworks, and approaches to peacebuilding and conflict transformation.
Disaster Risk Reduction
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles and practices of disaster risk reduction including hazard assessment, vulnerability analysis, capacity assessment, and community-based risk reduction strategies.
Emergency Response Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Emergency operations planning, incident command systems, evacuation procedures, mass casualty management, and coordination of multi-agency emergency response.
International Humanitarian Law
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Legal framework governing humanitarian response including Geneva Conventions, humanitarian principles, protection of civilians, and the rights of displaced persons.
Humanitarian Assistance and Relief
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Humanitarian programme design, needs assessment, relief distribution, humanitarian standards (Sphere), and coordination of humanitarian response operations.
Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Peacebuilding theories and practice, mediation and negotiation, reconciliation processes, transitional justice, and post-conflict community healing strategies.
Climate Change and Disaster Risk
Year 3Semester 13 creditsElective
Climate change science, climate-related disaster risks, adaptation strategies, and the integration of climate change considerations into disaster risk management.
Post-Conflict Recovery and Reconstruction
Year 3Semester 23 creditsElective
Post-conflict recovery processes including institutional rebuilding, livelihoods recovery, infrastructure reconstruction, and development programming in fragile states.
Research Methods in Disaster and Peace Studies
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research methodologies for disaster and peace studies including qualitative and quantitative methods, field research in conflict and disaster settings, and data analysis.
Security Studies
Year 4Semester 13 creditsElective
Security analysis, threat assessment, security sector governance, and the relationship between security, peace, and development in conflict-affected regions.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final-year research project applying disaster management or peace studies theory and research methods to a real-world issue, with fieldwork and written dissertation.
Specialisations
Disaster Risk Reduction
Focus on hazard assessment, vulnerability analysis, early warning systems, community-based disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation planning for government and NGO roles.
Emergency Response Management
Focus on emergency operations planning, incident command systems, mass casualty management, evacuation planning, and coordination of emergency response operations.
Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
Focus on conflict analysis, mediation, negotiation, reconciliation processes, post-conflict peacebuilding, and transitional justice for peace-building organisations.
Humanitarian Assistance
Focus on humanitarian programme design, needs assessment, relief distribution, humanitarian standards, and coordination of humanitarian response in crisis settings.
Security Studies
Focus on security analysis, threat assessment, security sector governance, and the intersection of security, peace, and development in conflict-affected regions.
Post-Conflict Recovery and Development
Focus on post-conflict reconstruction, livelihoods recovery, institutional rebuilding, and development programming in post-conflict and fragile states.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures in disaster theory, conflict analysis, or humanitarian law with afternoon practical sessions including simulation exercises, case study discussions, and fieldwork planning. Students participate in disaster response drills, conflict mediation role-plays, and humanitarian programme design workshops. Evenings involve researching case studies, writing policy briefs, and preparing fieldwork reports.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's vulnerability to droughts, floods, and conflict creates strong and growing demand for disaster management and peacebuilding professionals across government and NGO sectors. | Fieldwork and emergency response work can involve deployment to disaster-affected and conflict-affected areas, posing personal safety risks. |
| Programme combines disaster management and peace studies, providing graduates with unique dual expertise that is highly valued in humanitarian and peace-building organisations. | Offered at only one university, limiting access and programme choice for prospective students. |
| Practical training includes simulation exercises, fieldwork, and industrial attachment, providing hands-on experience in disaster response and conflict resolution. | Many humanitarian roles are project-funded with fixed-term contracts, leading to job insecurity between project cycles. |
| Graduates can work internationally with UN agencies, international NGOs, and regional bodies, as disaster management and peacebuilding skills are globally relevant. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 181 environmental science coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KU BA 153,000/yr; UoN BA 189,004/yr; MKU Peace Studies 105,000/yr; Daystar ~225,800/yr. Src: educationnewshub
Students can access HELB loans, county government bursaries, and university-specific scholarships and bursaries.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
County Government Bursaries
University Scholarships and Bursaries
Scholarships
4 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students placed through KUCCPS in public universities.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Students from the respective county, applied through county education offices.
University Internal Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Needy students enrolled at the respective university, applied through the financial aid office.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Scholarships you could apply for
6 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C plain with a Diploma in Disaster Management, Peace Studies, Security Studies, or a related field from a recognised institution. KACE with two principal passes and one subsidiary. A degree from a recognised university.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Maseno University.
Including Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Maseno University.
Including Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Maseno University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework20% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering disaster management theory, conflict analysis, and humanitarian law.
Practical Exercises and Simulations
Coursework30% of the mark
Disaster response simulation exercises, conflict mediation role-plays, and humanitarian programme design assignments assessed through practical demonstrations.
Fieldwork and Attachment Reports
Coursework15% of the mark
Fieldwork reports, community assessment assignments, and industrial attachment evaluations assessed through written reports and presentations.
Final Examinations and Research Project
Examination35% of the mark
End-of-semester written examinations and a final-year research project dissertation based on fieldwork in a disaster or conflict-affected setting.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, a CUE-accredited public university. The School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance provides specialised training.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesDisaster Risk Reduction Officer
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 65,000
Designs and implements disaster risk reduction programmes, conducts vulnerability assessments, and develops early warning systems for government agencies and NGOs.
Humanitarian Programme Officer
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 75,000
Manages humanitarian assistance programmes including needs assessment, relief distribution, and programme monitoring for international NGOs and UN agencies.
Peacebuilding Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 65,000
Implements peacebuilding programmes, facilitates community reconciliation, and supports conflict transformation initiatives for peace-building organisations.
Emergency Response Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 70,000
Coordinates emergency response operations during disasters, manages multi-agency response, and oversees evacuation and relief operations for government and NGO organisations.
Conflict Resolution Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 60,000
Facilitates conflict resolution processes, conducts mediation, and supports community dialogue and reconciliation in conflict-affected communities for NGOs and government agencies.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as disaster risk reduction officers, humanitarian programme officers, peacebuilding officers, and emergency response coordinators in NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Climate Change AnalystEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Wildlife Corridors EcologistEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Finance AnalystEnvironmental Science11Low exposure
- Mangrove Restoration SpecialistEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
- Mine Reclamation SpecialistEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
- Riparian Restoration EcologistEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
- Urban Forestry SpecialistEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
- Water Treatment OperatorEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
Tools you will learn
KoBoToolbox
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source data collection tool for rapid needs assessments, damage assessments, and field surveys in disaster and conflict settings with offline capability.
QGIS
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source GIS software for hazard mapping, vulnerability analysis, spatial risk assessment, and disaster risk mapping in disaster management planning.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for programme budgets, beneficiary data management, indicator tracking, and humanitarian programme reporting.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for research data analysis, vulnerability assessment data processing, and research project findings.
Google Workspace
Software
Collaboration tools for humanitarian programme coordination, document sharing, and team communication in field operations and office settings.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Disaster Management is only about responding to emergencies.
The programme covers the full disaster cycle — prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery — plus peacebuilding and conflict resolution. It is a comprehensive discipline addressing both natural and human-made crises.
Peace Studies is not a practical field.
Peace studies involves conflict analysis, negotiation, mediation, reconciliation, and post-conflict recovery — all practical skills applied in conflict-affected communities, NGOs, and international organisations.
Disaster Management graduates only work during crises.
Most work involves preparedness, risk reduction, policy development, training, and programme management between disasters. Humanitarian organisations employ professionals year-round for ongoing programmes.
There are no jobs in disaster management in Kenya.
Kenya faces recurrent droughts, floods, and conflict. Government agencies, county governments, NGOs, and international organisations actively employ disaster management and peacebuilding professionals.
This programme is only for people who want to work in conflict zones.
Graduates work in diverse settings including government offices, NGO headquarters, research institutions, policy bodies, and community organisations — not only in field operations.
Further reading
- National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) Kenya
- Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS)
- National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC)
- African Union Commission — Department of Political Affairs
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)