Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Philosophy in Technology - Geo Informatics Engineering Technology

The Bachelor Of Science In Philosophy In Technology - Geo Informatics Engineering Technology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in philosophy in technology - geo informatics engineering technology. The programme falls under the ICT & Computing category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis, Remote Sensing and Satellite Imagery, GPS Surveying and Engineering Surveying, Cartography and Digital Mapping, Geospatial Database Management, Web Mapping and Web GIS. 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 GPS Surveying and Engineering Surveying, Drone Mapping and Aerial Photography, Geospatial Programming and Automation, Engineering Geoinformatics and Infrastructure Planning, Cartography and Digital Mapping. 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 Infrastructure Planning and Urban Planning, Remote Sensing and Image Analysis, Engineering Surveying and Land Administration. 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 Philosophy In Technology - Geo Informatics Engineering Technology pursue careers as Remote Sensing Engineer / Image Analyst, Geoinformatics Engineer / GIS Engineer, Geospatial Database Engineer / Spatial Data Engineer, Infrastructure Planning Engineer / Urban Planning 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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 199,500
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 50 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis
Remote Sensing and Satellite Imagery
GPS Surveying and Engineering Surveying
Cartography and Digital Mapping
Geospatial Database Management
Web Mapping and Web GIS
Geospatial Programming and Automation
Photogrammetry and LiDAR
Drone Mapping and Aerial Photography
Engineering Geoinformatics and Infrastructure Planning

Modules

10 in the programme

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis: GIS principles, spatial analysis, spatial statistics, and supporting GIS. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and indu...
Remote Sensing and Satellite Imagery
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Remote sensing, satellite imagery, aerial photography, image processing, and supporting remote sensing.
GPS Surveying and Engineering Surveying
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
GPS surveying, engineering surveying, surveying techniques, and supporting GPS surveying.
Cartography and Digital Mapping
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Cartography and Digital Mapping: Cartography, digital mapping, map design, and supporting cartography. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Geospatial Database Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Geospatial database management, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, and supporting geospatial database management.
Web Mapping and Web GIS
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Web Mapping and Web GIS: Web mapping, web GIS, online mapping, and supporting web mapping. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Geospatial Programming and Automation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Geospatial programming, Python, R, GIS automation, and supporting geospatial programming.
Photogrammetry and LiDAR
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Photogrammetry and LiDAR: Photogrammetry, LiDAR, 3D modelling, and supporting photogrammetry. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Drone Mapping and Aerial Photography
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Drone mapping, aerial photography, UAV operations, and supporting drone mapping.
Engineering Geoinformatics and Infrastructure Planning
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Engineering geoinformatics, infrastructure planning, spatial engineering, and supporting engineering geoinformatics.

Specialisations

Infrastructure Planning and Urban Planning
Focuses on infrastructure planning, urban planning GIS, transportation GIS, and infrastructure development.
GIS and Spatial Analysis
Focuses on GIS, spatial analysis, spatial statistics, and spatial modelling. 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.
Remote Sensing and Image Analysis
Specialises in remote sensing, satellite imagery, image processing, and environmental monitoring. 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.
Engineering Surveying and Land Administration
Focuses on engineering surveying, land surveying, cadastral surveying, and land administration. 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.
Geospatial Database Management
Concentrates on geospatial database management, spatial data, PostgreSQL, and PostGIS. 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 starts with morning lectures on GIS, remote sensing, or engineering geoinformatics, followed by geoinformatics engineering laboratory practicals, fieldwork, or industry visits. Students work with GIS software, analyze satellite imagery, conduct GPS surveying, produce engineering maps, and work on their research project. Fieldwork and attachments at surveying firms, engineering firms, and government agencies provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — geospatial technology growth, infrastructure development, and Kenya Spatial Data Infrastructure development create strong demand for geoinformatics engineers.
Diverse applications — graduates work in land administration, infrastructure planning, urban planning, environmental management, and disaster management.
Technology-driven — geoinformatics engineering involves cutting-edge technology including GIS, remote sensing, drones, and spatial data analysis.

Against it

Fieldwork — geoinformatics engineering involves extensive fieldwork, GPS surveying, and outdoor data collection.
Technical complexity — geoinformatics engineering requires strong technical skills in GIS software, programming, and engineering.
Data access challenges — geoinformatics engineering involves challenges with data access, data quality, and data standards.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 332 engineering courses

Public200k to 200k

200k at Technical University of Kenya200k at Technical University of Kenya

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

TUK 199,500/yr (tukenya.ac.ke). Private unverified.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, geospatial industry sponsorships, and international engineering scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
Geospatial Industry Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Surveying firms, engineering companies, and geospatial organisations may sponsor geoinformatics engineering students in exchange for service commitment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Surveying, GIS, Geomatics, Engineering, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant surveying or engineering experience is advantageous.

Mathematics
C+
Physics or Geography
C+
English or Kiswahili
C
Chemistry or Biology
C

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and geoinformatics engineering reports throughout each semester.
Fieldwork and Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of fieldwork and attachments including surveying work, GIS work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent geoinformatics engineering research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Geoinformatics Engineering Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of geoinformatics engineering competencies including GIS analysis, remote sensing, GPS surveying, and engineering design.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, engineering design, and geoinformatics engineering research.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Certified by Kenya Institute of Surveying (KIS) for professional practice. Certified by Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) for professional engineer registration. The Land Act governs land administration. The Physical and Land Use Planning Act guides spatial planning. Kenya Spatial Data Infrastructure (KSDI) is being developed.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.
Engineering Board of Kenya
NationalRequired
EBK regulates engineering practice and provides professional engineer registration.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Remote Sensing Engineer / Image Analyst
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 190,000
Analyzes satellite imagery, aerial photography, remote sensing data, and supports environmental monitoring at environmental agencies, engineering firms, or research institutions.
Geoinformatics Engineer / GIS Engineer
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 190,000
Designs GIS systems, spatial data solutions, geospatial engineering applications, and supports geospatial engineering at engineering firms, surveying firms, or government agencies.
Geospatial Database Engineer / Spatial Data Engineer
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 170,000
Manages geospatial databases, spatial data, GIS databases, and supports data management at government agencies, engineering firms, or geospatial companies.
Infrastructure Planning Engineer / Urban Planning Engineer
High demandKsh 85,000 to Ksh 200,000
Designs infrastructure planning, urban planning GIS, transportation GIS, and supports infrastructure development at engineering firms, government agencies, or planning authorities.
Land Surveyor / Engineering Surveyor
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 190,000
Conducts land surveying, engineering surveying, cadastral surveying, and supports land administration at the Ministry of Lands, NLC, or surveying firms certified by KIS and EBK.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as geoinformatics engineers and GIS engineers. Geoinformatics engineering is in high demand driven by geospatial technology and infrastructure growth. Salaries range from KES 75,000 to 190,000 per month. Ministry of Lands, NLC, KIS, and engineering firms offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Figma
DesignPrimary
Adobe Creative Suite
DesignPrimary
Unity
Game engine
Visual Studio Code
Ide
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for analytical data management, quality control charts and statistical analysis.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geoinformatics engineering is just about making maps.
Geoinformatics engineering includes GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, geospatial database management, engineering design, and spatial modelling — mapping is one component.
Geoinformatics engineering is only for surveyors.
Geoinformatics engineering applies to infrastructure planning, urban planning, environmental management, disaster management, natural resource management, and many other engineering fields beyond surveying.
There are limited career opportunities for geoinformatics engineering graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's geospatial technology growth, infrastructure development, land administration needs, and Kenya Spatial Data Infrastructure development create demand for geoinformatics engineers at engineering firms, surveying firms, and government agencies.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.