Environmental Science

Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Management

This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in renewable energy management. It develops expertise in renewable energy systems, energy management, solar energy, wind energy, and sustainable energy while building comprehensive skills for managing renewable energy projects and systems.

Students analyse renewable energy resources, design energy management strategies, implement renewable energy techniques, evaluate energy efficiency, conduct energy research, apply environmental principles, manage energy projects, and develop sustainable energy practices. They also strengthen analytical thinking, energy management skills, communication, teamwork, and environmental abilities.

Kenya requires renewable energy management to support sustainable development, enhance energy access, and promote clean energy adoption, creating demand for professionals who can work in renewable energy, energy management, solar energy, and support the energy and environmental sectors.

The programme combines coursework, laboratory work, fieldwork, research projects, and energy training. Students gain hands-on experience through renewable energy practice, solar system installation, and energy management.

Graduates pursue careers as renewable energy managers, energy consultants, solar energy specialists, wind energy technicians, and energy auditors across energy companies, government agencies, environmental organizations, and renewable energy firms.

The programme is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, energy management, solar energy, wind energy, and sustainable energy systems.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 324,000
Private, up to: Ksh 221,400
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Renewable Energy Management
Renewable Energy Systems
Energy Management
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Sustainable Energy

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Renewable Energy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive introduction to renewable energy, covering renewable energy sources, energy concepts, and the role of renewable energy in sustainable development.
Solar Energy Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of solar energy systems, covering photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, solar panel installation, and solar energy applications.
Wind Energy Systems
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of wind energy systems, covering wind turbines, wind resource assessment, wind farm design, and wind energy applications.
Energy Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of energy management, covering energy efficiency, energy auditing, energy conservation, and energy management systems.
Biomass Energy
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of biomass energy, covering biofuels, biomass conversion, biogas systems, and biomass energy applications.
Hydropower Systems
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of hydropower skills, covering small hydro systems, hydroelectric power, water resource management, and hydropower applications.
Energy Storage
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Examination of energy storage technologies, covering battery systems, energy storage solutions, and grid integration of renewable energy.
Energy Policy and Regulation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of energy policy, covering energy regulations, energy planning, policy frameworks for renewable energy, and energy governance.
Energy Economics
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Analysis of energy economics, covering energy markets, energy pricing, energy project finance, and economic analysis of renewable energy.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of environmental impact assessment for energy projects, covering EIA processes, environmental monitoring, and sustainable energy development.
Renewable Energy Laboratory
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical laboratory work where students apply learned skills in renewable energy practice, system installation, and energy management.
Renewable Energy Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project on renewable energy topic, demonstrating mastery of renewable energy theory and practice.

Specialisations

Wind Energy
Specialization in wind turbines, wind resource assessment, and wind energy applications. 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.
Solar Energy
Focus on photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, and solar energy applications. 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.
Energy Management
Focus on energy efficiency, energy auditing, and energy 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.

A day as a student

Students attend lectures, conduct laboratory work, participate in fieldwork, and engage in renewable energy practice.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing renewable energy sector in Kenya with government support for clean energy and sustainability.
Opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation through renewable energy work.
Laboratory work and fieldwork provide hands-on experience with renewable energy systems and installation.

Against it

Renewable energy work often involves outdoor installations and fieldwork in various weather conditions.
Renewable energy requires continuous learning of new technologies and changing energy policies.

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

Public245k to 324k

245k at Kenyatta University324k at University of Nairobi

Private109k to 221k

109k at Mount Kenya University221k at Daystar 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

UoN env 324K/yr (fee schedule). KU env 244.8K/yr (hivileo). MKU 109.1K, Daystar 221.4K/yr.

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

3 recorded

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.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders in Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, Physics, Engineering, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

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

How you are assessed

4 components

Laboratory Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of energy skills, system installation work, and practical applications through renewable energy practice and laboratory work.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and renewable energy exercises throughout the semester evaluating energy knowledge and practical skills.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of renewable energy systems, energy management, and energy policy.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on renewable energy topic, demonstrating mastery of renewable energy theory and practice.

Accreditation

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Wind Energy Technician
Medium demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Install and maintain wind energy systems, work with wind turbines, and support wind energy projects.
Energy Consultant
Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Provide energy expertise, consult on energy efficiency, and support organizations in energy management and renewable energy adoption.
Energy Auditor
Medium demandKsh 48,000 to Ksh 105,000
Conduct energy audits, assess energy efficiency, and recommend energy conservation measures.
Renewable Energy Manager
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage renewable energy projects, coordinate energy systems, and support renewable energy implementation and operations.
Solar Energy Specialist
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Design and install solar energy systems, manage solar projects, and support solar energy implementation.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in renewable energy management across Kenya's energy and environmental sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet software for financial modelling, data analysis, accounting worksheets, and business reporting — essential for business graduates.
QuickBooks
SoftwarePrimary
Accounting software widely used by SMEs in Kenya for bookkeeping, invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
SAP ERP
Software
Enterprise resource planning software used by large organisations for integrated business management including finance, procurement, and HR modules.
Power BI
Software
Business analytics tool for data visualisation, dashboard creation, and business intelligence reporting.
Microsoft Office Suite
Software
Word processing, presentations, and communication tools essential for business documentation and reporting.