Bachelor of Science in Environment Lands and Sustainable Infrastructure
The Bachelor of Science in Environment Lands and Sustainable Infrastructure is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in environment lands and sustainable infrastructure. The programme falls under the Agriculture & Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 324,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,296,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 221,400 a year at a private one.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 8 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Aquaculture Technologist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Environmental Management, Land Use Planning, Sustainable Infrastructure, Environmental Impact Assessment, Sustainability, Green Infrastructure. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advanced Econometrics, Advanced Statistics for Agricultural Research, Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, Agribusiness Finance and Accounting, Agribusiness Information Systems. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Sustainable Infrastructure, Introduction to Environmental Management, Environmental Policy and Governance, Energy and Environment, Water Resources Management. 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 Sustainable Infrastructure, Environmental Impact Assessment, Land Use Planning. 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 Environment Lands and Sustainable Infrastructure pursue careers as Sustainability Officer, Infrastructure Planner, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Planner. 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- Environmental Management
- Land Use Planning
- Sustainable Infrastructure
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Sustainability
- Green Infrastructure
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Environmental Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of environmental management, environmental systems, and sustainability principles.
Land Use Planning
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Land Use Planning: Land use planning principles, zoning, and sustainable land use strategies. Covers planning theory, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable development practices.
Sustainable Infrastructure
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Sustainable infrastructure design, green infrastructure, and infrastructure planning.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Environmental Impact Assessment: EIA principles, impact assessment methods, and environmental audit. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.
Environmental Science
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental Science: Environmental systems, ecology, and environmental processes. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.
Urban Planning
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Urban Planning: Urban planning principles, sustainable cities, and urban development. Covers planning theory, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable development practices.
Water Resources Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Water Resources Management: Water resources assessment, water management, and water infrastructure. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Waste Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Waste Management: Waste management systems, recycling, and sustainable waste disposal. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Energy and Environment
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Energy and Environment: Energy systems, renewable energy, and energy efficiency in infrastructure. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Environmental Policy and Governance
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Environmental Policy and Governance: Environmental policy frameworks, governance structures, and legal aspects. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management prac...
Sustainability Assessment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Sustainability Assessment: Sustainability assessment methods, indicators, and reporting. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Environmental Infrastructure Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent project on environmental management or sustainable infrastructure topic.
Specialisations
Land Use Planning
Focus on land use planning, zoning, and sustainable land development. 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.
Sustainable Infrastructure
Specialization in sustainable infrastructure design, green infrastructure, and infrastructure planning.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Focus on EIA principles, impact assessment methods, and environmental audit. 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 fieldwork on environmental sites, participate in planning projects, and engage in infrastructure assessment.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Critical role in planning sustainable infrastructure and protecting the environment. | Environmental planning can be complex due to competing interests and regulations. |
| Growing demand for environmental planners due to increasing development and environmental concerns. | Infrastructure projects require long planning horizons and significant coordination. |
| Combines environmental science with planning and infrastructure development. | — |
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 Env Sci 245K (ku.ac.ke). UoN 324K (Schedule II). MKU 109K, Daystar 221K/yr.
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scholarships
3 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
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
Diploma holders in Environmental Science, Geography, Planning, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding The Co-operative University of Kenya.
Including The Co-operative University of Kenya.
Including The Co-operative University of Kenya.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and project reports throughout the semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on environmental management or sustainable infrastructure topic.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Field Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of field skills in environmental assessment, land use planning, and infrastructure evaluation.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesSustainability Officer
Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 118,000
Implement sustainability programmes, assess environmental impacts, and support green development.
Infrastructure Planner
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Plan infrastructure projects, ensure sustainability, and coordinate development.
Environmental Consultant
Medium demandKsh 62,000 to Ksh 135,000
Provide consulting services on environmental management and sustainable infrastructure.
Environmental Planner
High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Develop environmental plans, implement sustainability strategies, and advise on development.
Land Use Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage land use, implement zoning, and support sustainable land development.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in environmental management, land use planning, and sustainable infrastructure across Kenya's environmental sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary OfficerAgriculture7Low exposure
- Climate Change AnalystEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Wildlife Corridors EcologistEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Farm Insurance AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
- Finance AnalystEnvironmental Science11Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Google Earth
Gis
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
R
Analytics
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Infrastructure is only concrete and steel
Natural systems like forests, wetlands, and soils can function as infrastructure. Green infrastructure can complement gray infrastructure effectively.
Green infrastructure only provides environmental benefits
Green infrastructure provides technical, social, and economic benefits beyond environmental ones. It can be cost-effective and create jobs.
Infrastructure projects always face NIMBY opposition
Well-designed green infrastructure can bring community benefits and ownership, reducing opposition. Community engagement is key.
Resilience is only about physical hardening
Operational and institutional factors are often more important than physical hardening. Redundancy and response protocols matter more.
Newer infrastructure is always more resilient
Age correlates weakly with resilience. Design philosophy and maintenance practices matter more than when infrastructure was built.
Environmental protection hinders development
Sustainable development integrates environmental protection. Well-planned projects can achieve both development and conservation goals.