Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Building Civil Engineering
The Bachelor Of Science In Engineering - Building Civil Engineering is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in engineering - building civil engineering. The programme falls under the Architecture & Built Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 396,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,584,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 12 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 12 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Construction Engineering. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Engineering Design, Civil Engineering Project, Introduction to Civil Engineering, Structural Analysis, Engineering Mathematics. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.
The programme offers specialisations in Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.
Graduates of the Bachelor Of Science In Engineering - Building Civil Engineering pursue careers as Transportation Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.
What you study
6 subjects- Civil Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Construction Engineering
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Civil Engineering
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Civil Engineering: Overview of civil engineering, engineering principles, and engineering ethics. Covers theoretical foundations, design principles, and practical engineering applic...
Engineering Mathematics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Engineering Mathematics: Calculus, differential equations, and engineering mathematics applications. Covers theoretical foundations, problem-solving techniques, and practical applications.
Engineering Mechanics
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursewo...
Structural Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Structural Analysis: Structural mechanics, structural analysis, and structural design. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Geotechnical Engineering
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Geotechnical Engineering: Soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and geotechnical design. Covers theoretical foundations, design principles, and practical engineering applications.
Transportation Engineering
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Transportation Engineering: Highway engineering, traffic engineering, and transportation systems. Covers theoretical foundations, design principles, and practical engineering applications.
Water Resources Engineering
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Hydraulics, hydrology, and water resources management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, ...
Construction Materials
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Construction Materials: Building materials, material testing, and material properties. Covers construction technology, materials science, and project execution.
Surveying
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Surveying: Land surveying, surveying techniques, and surveying equipment. Covers measurement techniques, data analysis, and land information systems.
Engineering Design
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering Design: Engineering design principles, design projects, and design applications. Covers theoretical foundations, design principles, and practical engineering applications.
Fluid Mechanics
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Fluid dynamics, fluid mechanics, and hydraulic systems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests,...
Civil Engineering Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent project on civil engineering topic. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursew...
Specialisations
Geotechnical Engineering
Specialization in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and geotechnical design. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Structural Engineering
Focus on structural mechanics, structural analysis, and structural design. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Transportation Engineering
Focus on highway engineering, traffic engineering, and transportation systems. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
Students attend lectures, conduct laboratory work, participate in fieldwork on sites, and engage in engineering design projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Critical role in infrastructure development and national development. | Engineering work can be demanding and requires long hours and site visits. |
| Growing demand for civil engineers due to infrastructure development needs. | Engineering projects face challenges from budget constraints and technical complexity. |
| Engineering work provides opportunities to design and build tangible infrastructure. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering 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
TUK Eng 200K (eafinder). UoN Eng 396K/yr (uonbi Schedule II). Private unverified.
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scholarships
5 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes
KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities
ScholarshipKenyan
Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering
Scholarships you could apply for
13 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
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Civil Engineering, Building Technology, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 12 institutionsIncluding Murang'a University of Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya, Kenyatta University.
Including Murang'a University of Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya, Kenyatta University.
Including Murang'a University of Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya, Kenyatta University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and laboratory reports throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Laboratory Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of laboratory skills, engineering experiments, and practical applications.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on civil engineering topic.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Engineers Board of Kenya
ProfessionalRequired
Professional accreditation for engineering programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE) and Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesTransportation Engineer
High demandKsh 72,000 to Ksh 155,000
Design transportation systems, manage traffic, and ensure mobility.
Geotechnical Engineer
Medium demandKsh 68,000 to Ksh 145,000
Design foundations, analyze soil properties, and ensure geotechnical safety.
Structural Engineer
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 160,000
Design structures, analyze structural performance, and ensure structural integrity.
Civil Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Design infrastructure, manage construction projects, and ensure structural safety.
Water Resources Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Design water systems, manage water resources, and ensure water security.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in civil engineering, infrastructure development, and construction across Kenya's engineering sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
QGIS
Design
Google Earth Engine
Analytics
AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
ETABS
Structural analysis
MS Project
Project management
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Civil engineering is only about building roads and bridges
Civil engineering encompasses diverse fields including structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, environmental, and construction engineering working on various infrastructure projects.
Civil engineers only work on construction sites
Civil engineers work in diverse environments including offices, laboratories, field sites, government agencies, consulting firms, and research institutions.
Civil engineering is purely technical with no creativity
Civil engineering requires significant creativity in design, problem-solving, and developing innovative solutions to complex infrastructure challenges.
All civil engineering projects are huge infrastructure
Civil engineers work on projects of all scales from small local developments to massive national infrastructure like dams and airports.
Civil engineering is a male-only profession
Civil engineering welcomes all genders. While historically male-dominated, the field actively encourages diversity and women are increasingly successful in civil engineering careers.
Civil engineering jobs are declining due to automation
While technology changes how engineers work, demand for civil engineers remains strong due to infrastructure needs, urbanization, and climate adaptation requirements.