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Environmental Science

Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management

The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management is a programme that provides comprehensive training in the sustainable management of natural resources including forests, water, wildlife and land. Offered at Egerton University, Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Maseno University, Karatina University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in natural resource management, conservation and environmental stewardship.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 311,950
Ksh 1,247,800 total
Private tuition
Ksh 188,700
Ksh 754,800 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 311,950 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,247,800 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 188,700 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 3 subject grades. 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 6 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

The curriculum covers natural resource management, forestry, wildlife management, water resource management, land resource management, environmental conservation, GIS, environmental economics, natural resource policy, community conservation, climate change, biodiversity, watershed management, environmental impact assessment, research methods and a research project. Students develop management and analytical skills for sustainable resource use.

Kenya's environmental challenges, conservation needs and sustainable development goals create demand for natural resource management graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, fieldwork, laboratory sessions, industrial attachment and research projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as natural resource managers, conservation officers, forestry officers, wildlife managers, environmental consultants, GIS specialists, community conservation officers, environmental planners and research scientists. They work in Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service, NEMA, county governments, NGOs, consulting firms, research institutions and international organisations.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology or Geography, Chemistry or Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Forestry
  • Wildlife Management
  • Water Resource Management
  • Environmental Conservation
  • GIS
  • Environmental Economics
  • Natural Resource Policy
  • Community Conservation
  • Biodiversity

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Foundations of the Discipline

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Communication Skills

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.

  • Research Methods

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.

  • Information Technology Fundamentals

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.

  • Forestry

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Forest management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...

  • Statistics and Data Analysis

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.

  • Professional Ethics

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.

  • GIS

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Geographic information systems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...

  • Project Management

    Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore

    Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.

  • Natural Resource Policy

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Resource policy. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...

  • Community Conservation

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Community-based conservation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-sem...

Specialisations

  • Water Resources

    Water 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.

  • Wildlife Management

    Wildlife conservation. 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.

  • Forestry

    Forest 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.

  • Community Conservation

    Community-based conservation. 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.

  • 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.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending natural resource management lectures, conducting field surveys, studying forestry and wildlife, using GIS for resource mapping, researching conservation, studying environmental economics, learning resource policy, and working on natural resource research projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Addresses critical environmental and conservation challengesLimited programme specialisation options may be available.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).Some roles require working in remote areas
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
Socially impactful and meaningful workPublic sector salaries may be modest

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 courses
Public307k to 312k
307k at Egerton University312k at University of Nairobi
Private189k to 189k
189k at Kabarak University189k at Kabarak University

Annual 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

Egerton 307K/yr, UoN 312K/yr (educationnewshub). Kabarak Env Science ~189K/yr (kabarak.ac.ke).

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Conservation NGOs may offer fieldwork support.

Funding options

  • HELB Loan

  • County Bursaries

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students from participating counties

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan

    KUCCPS-placed students

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.

Scholarships you could apply for

9 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
Alternative entry

KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology or Geography, Chemistry or Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili. Diploma in environmental science, forestry, wildlife or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Subject requirements
Biology or GeographyC+
Chemistry or MathematicsC+
English or KiswahiliC+

When it next starts

Taught at 6 institutions
January 20276 institutions

Including Laikipia University, Tom Mboya University, University of Eldoret.

May 20276 institutions

Including Laikipia University, Tom Mboya University, University of Eldoret.

September 20276 institutions

Including Laikipia University, Tom Mboya University, University of Eldoret.

How you are assessed

5 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.

  • Field and Laboratory Practicals

    Practicum10% of the mark

    Field surveys and lab sessions

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests and assignments

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Written examination50% of the mark

    End of semester written exams

  • Research Project

    Project10% of the mark

    Final year research project

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at Egerton, KU, UoN, Maseno, Karatina and other institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology or Geography, Chemistry or Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

  • Natural Resource Manager

    Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000

    Resource management

  • Forestry Officer

    Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 230,000

    Forest management

  • Environmental Consultant

    Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000

    Environmental consulting

  • Conservation Officer

    Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 250,000

    Conservation management

  • GIS Specialist

    High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 320,000

    GIS for resource management

  • Graduate 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.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as natural resource managers, conservation officers and environmental consultants in KWS, KFS, NEMA and NGOs.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • ArcGIS/QGIS

    SoftwarePrimary

    GIS software for mapping and spatial analysis of natural resources.

  • Soil Testing Kit

    Field equipment

    Portable kit for testing soil pH, nutrients, and composition in the field.

  • GPS Receiver

    Field equipmentPrimary

    Handheld GPS for field mapping and ecological survey data collection.

  • ArcGIS

    SoftwarePrimary

    Geographic information system for natural resource mapping and spatial analysis.

  • R

    SoftwarePrimary

    Programming language for ecological data analysis and environmental statistics.

  • Python

    Software

    Programming language for geospatial data processing and environmental modelling.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Software

    Spreadsheet for resource inventory data management and analysis.

  • QGIS

    Software

    Open-source GIS software for resource mapping and spatial data visualisation.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Natural resource management is just about conservation.

    The programme covers economics, policy, GIS, community conservation and sustainable development.

  • There are no jobs in natural resource management.

    Environmental regulations and conservation needs create demand across sectors.

  • This is only for government jobs.

    Graduates work in NGOs, consulting, research, international organisations and private sector.

  • Natural resource management is not a science.

    The programme integrates biology, chemistry, economics, GIS and policy.

Further reading

Read next