Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in environmental health. 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 280,400 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 13 institutions.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 Health, Public Health, Sanitation, Disease Prevention, Pollution Control, Health Promotion. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Sanitation & Hygiene, Occupational Health & Safety, Disease Prevention, Environmental Legislation, Health Inspection. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Food Safety and Hygiene, Air Pollution and Health, Environmental Health Research Methods, Occupational Health, Vector Control. 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 Water and Sanitation, Food Safety, Vector Control. 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 Environmental Health pursue careers as Public Health Inspector, Environmental Health Officer, Sanitation Officer, Environmental Health Consultant. 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 Health
- Public Health
- Sanitation
- Disease Prevention
- Pollution Control
- Health Promotion
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Environmental Health
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of environmental health, health risks, and environmental determinants of health.
Environmental Epidemiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Epidemiological methods, disease patterns, and environmental health investigations.
Water and Sanitation
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Water quality, sanitation systems, and waste management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Air Pollution and Health
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Air Pollution and Health: Air pollution sources, health impacts, and pollution control strategies. Covers clinical principles, patient care protocols, and evidence-based practice.
Food Safety and Hygiene
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Food Safety and Hygiene: Food safety principles, hygiene practices, and foodborne disease prevention. Covers safety regulations, risk assessment, and workplace hazard management.
Vector Control
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Vector Control: Vector biology, vector-borne diseases, and vector control strategies. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Occupational Health
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Occupational Health: Workplace health, occupational hazards, and occupational safety. Covers clinical principles, patient care protocols, and evidence-based practice.
Environmental Toxicology
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental Toxicology: Toxic substances, health effects, and toxicological assessment. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.
Health Promotion
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Health Promotion: Health promotion principles, behaviour change, and community health education. Covers clinical principles, patient care protocols, and evidence-based practice.
Environmental Health Law
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Environmental Health Law: Environmental health legislation, regulations, and enforcement. Examines statutory frameworks, case law, and regulatory compliance in the Kenyan context.
Environmental Health Research Methods
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental Health Research Methods: Research design and methods for environmental health studies. Covers quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Environmental Health Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent project on environmental health topic. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, cour...
Specialisations
Water and Sanitation
Focus on water quality, sanitation systems, and waste management. 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.
Food Safety
Specialization in food safety, hygiene practices, and foodborne disease prevention. 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.
Vector Control
Focus on vector biology, vector-borne diseases, and vector control strategies. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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 field health assessments, participate in sanitation inspections, and engage in health promotion activities.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Critical role in protecting public health and preventing disease. | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
| Growing demand for environmental health professionals due to increasing health challenges. | Environmental health work can be challenging due to poor infrastructure and limited resources. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | — |
| Fieldwork provides direct experience with health assessments and community engagement. | — |
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 275K, UoN 324K/yr (KUCCPS/Schedule II). KeMU 152K, Daystar 280K/yr (KUCCPS).
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scholarships
4 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
Higher 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.
Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) Student Support
BursaryKenyan
Students pursuing counselling and psychology programmes
Scholarships you could apply for
11 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
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 50% tuition waiver
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Environmental Health, Public Health, Biology, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 13 institutionsIncluding Kisii University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Pwani University.
Including Kisii University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Pwani University.
Including Kisii University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Pwani University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and practical reports throughout the semester.
Field Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of field skills in health assessments, inspections, and health promotion.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on environmental health topic.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
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
8 rolesGraduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Public Health Inspector
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Conduct health inspections, enforce health regulations, and ensure compliance.
Environmental Health Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Implement environmental health programmes, conduct inspections, and protect public health.
Sanitation Officer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Implement sanitation programmes, manage waste systems, and ensure proper sanitation.
Environmental Health Consultant
Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Provide consulting services on environmental health and public health protection.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in environmental health, public health, and sanitation across Kenya's health sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist AssistantHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- PsychologyHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Dental ProsthetistHealth Sciences4Low exposure
- Dental Laboratory TechnicianHealth Sciences5Low exposure
Tools you will learn
OSH Assessment Tools
Equipment
Risk assessment tools and safety inspection checklists.
Environmental Sampling Kit
EquipmentPrimary
Equipment for environmental sampling and health inspections.
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for environmental health data analysis and surveillance reporting.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for public health research data.
ArcGIS
Software
GIS software for disease mapping and environmental health surveillance.
EpiInfo
Software
Public health surveillance software for outbreak investigation and data management.
Microsoft Word
Software
Word processing for health inspection reports and environmental assessments.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Environmental health is only about pollution
Environmental health encompasses all environmental factors affecting health, including sanitation, housing, food safety, occupational health, and climate change.
Sanitation is only about toilets
Sanitation includes comprehensive systems for waste management, wastewater treatment, hygiene promotion, and safe water access, not just toilets.
Environmental health problems are only in developing countries
Environmental health challenges exist globally. While types differ, all countries face air pollution, water quality, and other environmental health issues.
Natural is always safe
Natural substances can be harmful. Environmental health assesses all hazards, whether natural or synthetic, based on risk not origin.
Environmental health is solely the government's responsibility
Environmental health is a shared responsibility involving government, communities, businesses, and individuals. Everyone has a role.
Environmental regulations hurt businesses
Well-designed environmental regulations can protect health while supporting innovation and creating new business opportunities in green technologies.