Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Geomatics Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Geomatics Engineering is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in surveying and geomatics engineering. The programme falls under the Engineering & Construction category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Surveying and Geodetic Science, GPS, GNSS and Positioning Systems, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis, Cadastral Surveying and Land Administration, Engineering and Topographic Surveying. 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, GNSS and Positioning Systems, Cadastral Surveying and Land Administration, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Final Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Research Project or Dissertation, Engineering and Topographic Surveying. 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 Cadastral Surveying and Land Administration, GIS and Spatial Data Management, Engineering and Construction Surveying. 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 Surveying and Geomatics Engineering pursue careers as Surveying Engineer / Land Surveyor, GIS Specialist / Spatial Data Analyst, Cadastral Surveyor / Land Administration Officer, Engineering Surveyor / Construction Surveyor. 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 396,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Surveying and Geodetic Science
GPS, GNSS and Positioning Systems
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis
Cadastral Surveying and Land Administration
Engineering and Topographic Surveying
Digital Mapping and Cartography
Hydrographic and Mining Surveying
Land Law and the Survey Act
Surveying and Geomatics Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Surveying and Geodetic Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Surveying, land surveying, geodetic surveying, geodesy, coordinate systems, map projections, datums, and supporting surveying fundamentals.
GPS, GNSS and Positioning Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
GPS, GNSS, total stations, theodolites, levels, satellite positioning, GNSS processing, adjustment computation, and supporting positioning engineering.
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Photogrammetry, aerial photogrammetry, remote sensing, satellite remote sensing, image processing, understanding photogrammetry, and supporting remote sensing engineering.
Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
GIS, spatial analysis, spatial data management, QGIS, ArcGIS, spatial databases, web mapping, understanding GIS, and supporting GIS engineering.
Cadastral Surveying and Land Administration
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Cadastral surveying, land administration, land registration, land tenure, boundary surveying, understanding cadastral, and supporting land administration.
Engineering and Topographic Surveying
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Engineering surveying, topographic surveying, route surveying, construction surveying, deformation monitoring, and supporting engineering surveying.
Digital Mapping and Cartography
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital mapping, cartography, computer-aided mapping, map design, understanding mapping, and supporting digital mapping and cartography.
Hydrographic and Mining Surveying
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Hydrographic surveying, mining surveying, bathymetric surveying, underground surveying, understanding hydrographic, and supporting specialised surveying.
Land Law and the Survey Act
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Land law, land registration law, the Survey Act, land tenure systems, understanding law, and supporting legal and regulatory surveying practice.
Programming, Databases and Spatial Data Management
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Programming, database management, spatial databases, SQL, Python, GIS programming, web mapping, and supporting spatial data management.
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised industrial attachment at a surveying firm, county government, Ministry of Lands, or infrastructure project, applying surveying and geomatics engineering skills.
Final Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year surveying and geomatics engineering research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.

Specialisations

Cadastral Surveying and Land Administration
Focuses on cadastral surveying, land registration, boundary surveying, land tenure, and supporting land administration.
GIS and Spatial Data Management
Specialises in GIS, spatial analysis, spatial databases, web mapping, and supporting GIS engineering and spatial data management.
Engineering and Construction Surveying
Concentrates on engineering surveying, construction surveying, deformation monitoring, route surveying, and supporting infrastructure projects.
Hydrographic Surveying
Concentrates on hydrographic surveying, bathymetric surveying, water body mapping, and supporting maritime and water resource projects.
Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Focuses on remote sensing, satellite imagery, photogrammetry, image processing, and supporting earth observation and mapping.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with a morning lecture on surveying, GIS, or remote sensing, followed by field surveys, laboratory work, or GIS exercises. Students work on surveying field exercises, GPS data collection, GNSS processing, photogrammetry projects, remote sensing image processing, GIS analysis, digital mapping, cadastral surveys, and geomatics research. Field surveys for surveying and positioning, laboratory work for image processing and GIS, and industrial attachment at a surveying firm, county government, or infrastructure project provide practical experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand — land reforms, infrastructure development, county GIS systems, and mining create demand for surveying and geomatics professionals.
Technology-driven — GIS, GPS, remote sensing, and digital mapping are modern, technology-focused fields.
Entrepreneurship potential — graduates can establish their own surveying firms and consultancy practices.

Against it

Field work intensive — surveying requires working outdoors in various weather and terrain conditions.
Equipment costs — total stations, GPS receivers, and surveying equipment are expensive.
Land disputes — cadastral surveying can involve land conflicts and boundary disputes requiring careful handling.

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 396k

200k at Technical University of Kenya396k at University of Nairobi

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 ~199.5K/yr (tukenya.ac.ke), UoN Eng ~396K/yr (topnews.ke). Private unverified.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some land administration projects, mining companies, and infrastructure initiatives offer scholarships for surveying and geomatics students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities
ScholarshipKenyan
Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering
Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) Training Scholarship
ScholarshipKenyan
Students in geospatial sciences, GIS and remote sensing
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
SponsorshipKsh 500,000
Academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students at partner universities.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.

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 with credit pass in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or related fields from recognised institutions may join.

Mathematics
C+ (plus)
Physics
C+ (plus)
Geography or Chemistry
C (plain)
English or Kiswahili
C (plain)

How you are assessed

5 components

Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of surveying field exercises, GPS data collection, GNSS processing, photogrammetry projects, GIS analysis, and digital mapping.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, surveying exercises, and GIS exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering surveying, geodesy, GPS, photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS, and land law.
Final Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year surveying and geomatics engineering research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of industrial attachment at a surveying firm, county government, or infrastructure project. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). ISK registration is required for professional surveying practice. The Survey Act regulates surveying in Kenya. EBK registration may be required for engineering surveying.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. ISK registration is required for professional surveying practice. The Survey Act regulates surveying in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Surveying Engineer / Land Surveyor
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 250,000
Conducts surveys, manages spatial data, supports land administration, and ensures accurate positioning and mapping.
GIS Specialist / Spatial Data Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manages GIS systems, conducts spatial analysis, develops web mapping applications, and supports spatial data management.
Cadastral Surveyor / Land Administration Officer
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 250,000
Conducts cadastral surveys, supports land registration, manages land boundaries, and supports land administration.
Engineering Surveyor / Construction Surveyor
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 280,000
Conducts engineering surveys for infrastructure, sets out construction works, monitors deformation, and supports construction projects.
Remote Sensing Specialist / Photogrammetrist
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 280,000
Processes satellite imagery, conducts photogrammetric mapping, analyses remote sensing data, and supports earth observation.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as surveying engineers, land surveyors, and GIS specialists. Surveying and geomatics engineering is in medium to high demand driven by land reforms and infrastructure. Starting salaries range from KES 60,000 to 100,000 per month, with experienced professionals earning KES 120,000 to 350,000. The Ministry of Lands, the Survey of Kenya, county governments, the NLC, KeNHA, KURA, KeRRA, mining companies, and engineering consulting firms offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

AutoCAD
SoftwarePrimary
Industry-standard 2D and 3D CAD software for architectural drawing, drafting, and technical documentation.
Autodesk Revit
SoftwarePrimary
Building Information Modelling (BIM) software for architectural design, structural engineering, and construction documentation.
SketchUp
Software
3D modelling software widely used for conceptual design, massing studies, and architectural visualisation.
Adobe Photoshop
Software
Image editing software used for architectural presentation boards, rendering post-production, and portfolio production.
V-Ray
Software
Photorealistic rendering plugin for 3D modelling software, used to produce high-quality architectural visualisations.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Surveying and geomatics engineering is just about measuring land.
This programme covers surveying, GPS, photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS, spatial analysis, cadastral surveying, hydrographic surveying, and digital mapping. It's a comprehensive spatial data engineering discipline.
Surveyors only work for the government.
Surveyors work in private practice, engineering consulting firms, mining companies, county governments, NGOs, and as independent consultants. Many run their own surveying firms.
Surveying has limited career prospects.
Land reforms, infrastructure development, county GIS systems, mining, and oil and gas exploration create strong demand for qualified surveying and geomatics engineers in Kenya.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.