Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Enterprise and Management
The Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Enterprise and Management is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in wildlife enterprise and management. 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 372,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,488,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 191,700 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 3 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 Wildlife Enterprise Management, Wildlife Management, Ecotourism, Enterprise Development, Wildlife Economics, Sustainable Wildlife Use. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advanced Econometrics, Advanced Statistics for Agricultural Research, Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, Agribusiness Finance and Accounting, Agribusiness Information Systems. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Wildlife Business Management, Wildlife Ecology, Sustainable Wildlife Use, Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Monitoring and Assessment. 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 Wildlife Conservation, Ecotourism Management, Wildlife Business Management. 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 Wildlife Enterprise and Management pursue careers as Conservation Officer, Park Manager, Wildlife Manager, Wildlife Enterprise 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- Wildlife Enterprise Management
- Wildlife Management
- Ecotourism
- Enterprise Development
- Wildlife Economics
- Sustainable Wildlife Use
Modules
12 in the programmeWildlife Ecology and Population Dynamics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Wildlife ecology principles, population dynamics and species interactions in ecosystems.
Habitat Management and Conservation Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Habitat Management and Conservation Biology: Habitat assessment, management techniques and conservation biology principles. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational co...
Wildlife Ecology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Wildlife Ecology: Wildlife ecology, wildlife biology, and ecosystem management. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.
GIS and Biodiversity Conservation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
GIS applications for wildlife management and biodiversity conservation strategies.
Ecotourism and Enterprise Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Ecotourism and Enterprise Development: Ecotourism principles, enterprise development and nature-based business models. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant ...
Wildlife Policy, Law and Environmental Economics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Wildlife legislation, policy frameworks and economic valuation of wildlife resources.
Wildlife Conservation
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Conservation strategies, biodiversity conservation, and protected area management.
Wildlife Health and Disease Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Wildlife Health and Disease Management: Wildlife health, disease ecology and management of wildlife health risks. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Research Methods and Wildlife Enterprise Project
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design and a project applying wildlife enterprise and management principles.
Wildlife Business Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Wildlife Business Management: Business management, financial planning, and wildlife enterprise economics. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Sustainable Wildlife Use
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Sustainable Wildlife Use: Sustainable use principles, wildlife utilization, and sustainable management. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Wildlife Monitoring and Assessment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Wildlife Monitoring and Assessment: Wildlife monitoring techniques, population assessment, and data collection. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Specialisations
Ecotourism Management
Focus on ecotourism principles, tourism management, and wildlife tourism. 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 Conservation
Specialization in conservation strategies, biodiversity conservation, and protected area management.
Wildlife Business Management
Focus on business management, financial planning, and wildlife enterprise economics. 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.
Wildlife Management
Focus on wildlife population dynamics, habitat management and species conservation 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.
Ecotourism and Hospitality
Specialisation in ecotourism enterprise development, hospitality management and nature-based tourism.
Conservation Enterprise
Focus on developing sustainable business models around wildlife resources and community conservation.
Community Wildlife Management
Specialisation in community-based conservation, human-wildlife conflict management and participatory wildlife governance.
A day as a student
Students attend lectures, conduct fieldwork in wildlife areas, participate in wildlife monitoring, and engage in enterprise development.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Critical role in conserving wildlife and supporting ecotourism development. | 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 wildlife professionals due to conservation and tourism needs. | Wildlife work can be physically demanding and requires working in remote areas. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | — |
| Fieldwork provides direct experience with wildlife and conservation activities. | — |
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 131K/yr (victormatara), UoN 372K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). MKU 109K, Kabarak 192K (kabarak.ac.ke).
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher 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
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
Scholarships you could apply for
8 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
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / 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
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, Biology, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Tharaka University, Egerton University, Chuka University.
Including Tharaka University, Egerton University, Chuka University.
Including Tharaka University, Egerton University, Chuka 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 field reports throughout the semester.
Field Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of field skills in wildlife monitoring, enterprise management, and conservation.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on wildlife enterprise or management topic.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
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 rolesConservation Officer
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Implement conservation strategies, protect wildlife, and manage protected areas.
Park Manager
Medium demandKsh 57,000 to Ksh 123,000
Manage protected areas, oversee wildlife operations, and ensure park management.
Wildlife Manager
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage wildlife resources, implement conservation strategies, and ensure sustainable wildlife use.
Wildlife Enterprise Consultant
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Provide consulting services on wildlife enterprise management and conservation.
Ecotourism Manager
High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Manage ecotourism operations, develop wildlife tourism, and ensure sustainable tourism.
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 work in wildlife enterprise management, conservation, and ecotourism across Kenya's wildlife sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary OfficerAgriculture7Low exposure
- Climate Change AnalystEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Wildlife Corridors EcologistEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Farm Insurance AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
- Finance AnalystEnvironmental Science11Low exposure
Tools you will learn
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Google Earth
Gis
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for wildlife research data and population analysis.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Ecotourism is always non-consumptive
Labeling ecotourism as non-consumptive is misleading. Ecotourism involves consumption of resources, habitat use, and can have direct and indirect impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.
Ecotourism requires traveling to remote destinations
You don't need to travel far to enjoy ecotourism. There are ecotourism destinations worldwide, including local options that reduce carbon footprint while supporting conservation.
Ecotourism is only for wealthy people
Ecotourism doesn't require a large budget. Volunteering, homestays, and local engagement provide affordable options. The key is supporting local economies and conservation.
Ecotourism automatically benefits local communities
Without proper management, ecotourism revenue often flows to corporate coffers rather than local communities. Equitable benefit sharing requires deliberate planning and local participation.
Ecotourism can decarbonize the tourism industry
Ecotourism cannot decarbonize aviation and hotels at industry scale. It can contribute to other environmental benefits but requires systemic changes, not just individual choices.
More tourism always means more conservation funding
Over-tourism can harm wildlife through overcrowding, habitat degradation, and stress. Quality and carrying capacity matter more than visitor numbers for sustainable outcomes.