Engineering

Master of Geothermal Technology

The Master of Geothermal Technology is a specialised postgraduate programme that equips professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in geothermal energy exploration, development, and utilisation. The programme prepares graduates to contribute to Kenya's geothermal energy sector, which is the largest in Africa, through expertise in exploration, reservoir engineering, drilling, and power plant management.

Core areas of study include geothermal geology, geothermal geophysics, geothermal geochemistry, geothermal reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, geothermal power plant technology, steam field management, geothermal energy policy, environmental aspects of geothermal development, research methods, and thesis writing. Students engage with all aspects of geothermal technology from exploration through development to power station operations.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University, with Dedan Kimathi University of Technology listed as a college. DeKUT hosts the Geothermal Energy Training and Research Institute (GeTRI), which provides organised academic training in geothermal energy technology within the context of growing geothermal energy use in the African region.

Students develop competencies in geothermal exploration, geological and geophysical methods, geochemical analysis, reservoir modelling, drilling technology, power plant operations, steam field management, environmental assessment, energy policy, and research methodology. The programme includes coursework, examinations, practical training, and a research thesis, covering the full geothermal development cycle.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time modes available. DeKUT offers the programme at its Nairobi Campus with part-time and weekend modes. The programme is designed for engineers, geoscientists, and energy professionals seeking geothermal technology expertise. AfDB-funded scholarships are available through the Ministry of Education for staff in public universities and technical institutions.

Graduates pursue careers as geothermal engineers, reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, geothermal geologists, geophysicists, energy consultants, and power plant managers at Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), Geothermal Development Company (GDC), independent power producers, and international geothermal companies.

Skills Required

Geothermal Exploration Techniques
Geothermal Reservoir Engineering
Drilling Engineering for Geothermal Wells
Geothermal Power Plant Operations
Geothermal Geology and Geochemistry
Geophysical Methods for Geothermal Exploration
Steam Field Management
Geothermal Energy Policy and Regulation
Environmental Impact Assessment for Geothermal Projects
Research Methods in Geothermal Technology

Key Subjects

Geothermal Geology
Geothermal Geophysics
Geothermal Geochemistry
Geothermal Reservoir Engineering
Drilling Engineering
Geothermal Power Plant Technology
Steam Field Management
Environmental Aspects of Geothermal Development
Research Methods in Geothermal Technology
Geothermal Energy Policy

Certifications

IGA Professional Membership
EPRA Energy Professional Certification

Specializations

Geothermal Exploration

Focuses on geothermal exploration methods including geological mapping, geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, and identifying potential geothermal resources.

Geothermal Reservoir Engineering

Examines geothermal reservoir characterisation, reservoir modelling, reservoir simulation, production forecasting, and managing geothermal reservoir performance.

Drilling Engineering

Covers geothermal drilling technology, well design, drilling operations, well completion, and managing geothermal drilling programmes.

Geothermal Power Plant Technology

Focuses on geothermal power plant design, steam turbine operations, binary cycle plants, power plant maintenance, and geothermal power generation systems.

Steam Field Management

Examines steam field operations, steam gathering systems, pipeline management, steam field maintenance, and optimising steam delivery to power plants.

Geothermal Geology

Covers geological aspects of geothermal systems, volcanic geology, structural geology for geothermal, hydrothermal alteration, and geothermal field geology.

Geothermal Geophysics

Focuses on geophysical methods for geothermal exploration including resistivity surveys, magnetics, gravity, seismic methods, and geophysical data interpretation.

Geothermal Geochemistry

Examines geochemical methods for geothermal exploration, fluid chemistry, geothermometry, gas geochemistry, and using geochemistry to characterise geothermal systems.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 266,500
Job market: Very high

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Weekend
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Geothermal Geology
Geothermal Geophysics
Geothermal Geochemistry
Geothermal Reservoir Engineering
Drilling Engineering
Geothermal Power Plant Technology
Steam Field Management
Environmental Aspects of Geothermal Development
Research Methods in Geothermal Technology
Geothermal Energy Policy

Modules

10 in the programme

Geothermal Geology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines geological aspects of geothermal systems, volcanic geology, structural geology for geothermal exploration, hydrothermal alteration, and geothermal field geology.
Geothermal Geophysics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers geophysical methods for geothermal exploration including resistivity surveys, magnetics, gravity, seismic methods, and geophysical data interpretation for geothermal resource assessment.
Geothermal Geochemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines geochemical methods for geothermal exploration, fluid chemistry, geothermometry, gas geochemistry, and using geochemistry to characterise geothermal systems.
Geothermal Reservoir Engineering
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers geothermal reservoir characterisation, reservoir modelling, reservoir simulation, production forecasting, and managing geothermal reservoir performance for sustainable energy production.
Drilling Engineering
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines geothermal drilling technology, well design, drilling operations, well completion, casing and cementing, and managing geothermal drilling programmes.
Geothermal Power Plant Technology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers geothermal power plant design, steam turbine operations, binary cycle plants, flash steam plants, power plant maintenance, and geothermal power generation systems.
Steam Field Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines steam field operations, steam gathering systems, pipeline management, steam field maintenance, and optimising steam delivery from wells to power plants.
Environmental Aspects of Geothermal Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers environmental impact assessment for geothermal projects, environmental monitoring, waste management, and sustainable geothermal development practices.
Research Methods in Geothermal Technology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for conducting original research in geothermal technology, including research design, data analysis, and field research methods.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 28 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a geothermal technology topic, often conducted in collaboration with KenGen or GDC, demonstrating mastery of research methods and geothermal technology, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Geothermal Exploration
Focuses on geothermal exploration methods including geological mapping, geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, and identifying potential geothermal resources.
Geothermal Reservoir Engineering
Examines geothermal reservoir characterisation, reservoir modelling, reservoir simulation, production forecasting, and managing geothermal reservoir performance.
Drilling Engineering
Covers geothermal drilling technology, well design, drilling operations, well completion, and managing geothermal drilling programmes.
Geothermal Power Plant Technology
Focuses on geothermal power plant design, steam turbine operations, binary cycle plants, power plant maintenance, and geothermal power generation systems.
Steam Field Management
Examines steam field operations, steam gathering systems, pipeline management, steam field maintenance, and optimising steam delivery to power plants.
Geothermal Geology
Covers geological aspects of geothermal systems, volcanic geology, structural geology for geothermal, hydrothermal alteration, and geothermal field geology.
Geothermal Geophysics
Focuses on geophysical methods for geothermal exploration including resistivity surveys, magnetics, gravity, seismic methods, and geophysical data interpretation.
Geothermal Geochemistry
Examines geochemical methods for geothermal exploration, fluid chemistry, geothermometry, gas geochemistry, and using geochemistry to characterise geothermal systems.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on geothermal geology, reservoir engineering, or drilling technology. Students engage in practical sessions analysing geophysical data, interpreting geochemical results, or modelling geothermal reservoirs. Group projects involve designing geothermal exploration programmes, planning drilling operations, or optimising power plant performance. The programme covers the full geothermal development cycle from exploration through drilling to power generation. Laboratory sessions include rock and fluid analysis, geophysical data processing, and reservoir simulation exercises. Field visits to Olkaria geothermal complex and Menengai geothermal field provide direct exposure to geothermal operations. Guest lectures from KenGen engineers, GDC geologists, and international geothermal experts provide industry insights. The programme is particularly strong in practical application, with DeKUT's GeTRI providing specialised geothermal training facilities. Those in the thesis phase conduct independent geothermal research, often in collaboration with KenGen or GDC, working under faculty and industry supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya is Africa's geothermal energy leader with the Olkaria complex, creating exceptional career opportunities for geothermal technology graduates.
Programme covers the full geothermal development cycle from exploration through drilling to power generation, providing comprehensive expertise.
AfDB-funded scholarships are available covering full tuition and research support for staff in public institutions.
Programme includes practical training and field visits to operational geothermal sites at Olkaria and Menengai.

Against it

Programme is highly specialised, limiting career flexibility outside the geothermal energy sector.
Programme is offered at only three public universities with DeKUT as the primary training institution, limiting geographic access.
Requires strong science or engineering background, potentially excluding graduates from other disciplines.
Geothermal work often involves fieldwork in remote and challenging environments near volcanic areas.

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

Public267k to 267k

267k at University of Nairobi267k at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology

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

DeKUT, UoN fees unverified. Private unverified.

AfDB-funded scholarships are available through the Ministry of Education for staff in public universities and technical institutions, covering full tuition and research support. HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. ARGeo may sponsor geothermal training for African professionals. The programme's strategic importance to Kenya's energy goals attracts significant funding support.

Funding options

AfDB Postgraduate Scholarship
HELB Postgraduate Loan
ARGeo Training Sponsorship

Scholarships

3 recorded

AfDB Postgraduate Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 533,000Kenyan
AfDB-funded scholarships available through the Ministry of Education for staff in public universities and technical institutions, covering full tuition and research support. Upper age limit 35-40 years.
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
ARGeo Training Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 300,000
ARGeo may sponsor geothermal training for African professionals working in geothermal energy development across the African Rift Valley.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is available in full-time, part-time, and weekend modes. DeKUT offers the programme at its Nairobi Campus. AfDB-funded scholarships are available for staff in public universities and technical institutions. Designed for engineers, geoscientists, and energy professionals seeking geothermal technology expertise.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
CATs, geological analysis exercises, geophysical data interpretation assignments, reservoir modelling problems, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Practical and Laboratory Work
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment involving laboratory analysis of rock and fluid samples, geophysical data processing, reservoir simulation exercises, and drilling programme design.
Final Examination
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering geothermal geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering, drilling, and power plant technology, including essay and numerical problems.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a geothermal technology topic, often conducted in collaboration with KenGen or GDC, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University are all CUE-accredited public universities. DeKUT's Geothermal Energy Training and Research Institute is a CUE-accredited institution. Energy practice is regulated by EPRA.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University are all CUE-accredited public universities. DeKUT's GeTRI is a CUE-accredited institution.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)
Professional regulation
EPRA regulates Kenya's energy sector including geothermal energy. Graduates may pursue EPRA professional certification for energy sector practice.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Geothermal Engineer
Very high demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Works at KenGen, GDC, or independent power producers, managing geothermal operations including exploration, drilling, reservoir management, and power generation.
Reservoir Engineer
Very high demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Characterises and models geothermal reservoirs, forecasts production, optimises well placement, and manages reservoir performance for sustainable energy production.
Drilling Engineer
Very high demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Plans and manages geothermal drilling operations, designing wells, overseeing drilling programmes, and ensuring safe and efficient well construction.
Geothermal Geologist
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts geological studies for geothermal exploration, mapping geothermal fields, analysing hydrothermal alteration, and identifying potential geothermal resources.
Energy Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Provides consulting services on geothermal energy development, feasibility studies, and project planning for government, developers, or international organisations.
Power Plant Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages geothermal power plant operations, overseeing steam turbine performance, maintenance schedules, and power generation efficiency at KenGen or IPP facilities.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as geothermal engineers, reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, and power plant managers at KenGen, GDC, and international geothermal companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Petrel
SoftwarePrimary
Reservoir modelling and simulation software used for geothermal reservoir characterisation, 3D modelling, and production forecasting.
ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
GIS software for mapping geothermal fields, spatial analysis of geothermal data, and creating geological and geophysical maps.
MATLAB
Software
Numerical computing software for geothermal data analysis, reservoir simulation, and processing geophysical and geochemical data.
Surfer
Software
Gridding and contouring software for creating geological maps, geophysical data visualisation, and surface modelling for geothermal exploration.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geothermal technology is just about drilling holes in the ground.
The programme covers comprehensive geothermal technology including geological exploration, geophysical surveys, geochemical analysis, reservoir engineering, drilling technology, power plant design, and steam field management.
This programme has limited career prospects outside Kenya.
Geothermal energy is growing globally, and Kenya's leadership in geothermal technology creates opportunities across the African Rift Valley and internationally through organisations like IGA and ARGeo.
You need to be an engineer to study geothermal technology.
The programme accepts graduates from diverse backgrounds including geosciences, physics, chemistry, environmental sciences, and engineering, developing geothermal expertise from foundational levels.
Geothermal energy is a niche field with limited growth potential.
Kenya aims to expand geothermal capacity to 5,000MW, and the African Rift Valley has vast untapped geothermal resources, creating strong long-term demand for geothermal professionals.
Geothermal technology is environmentally harmful.
Geothermal energy is one of the cleanest renewable energy sources with low emissions, and the programme includes environmental impact assessment and sustainable geothermal development practices.
This programme is only for people already working in the energy sector.
While designed for energy professionals, the programme develops geothermal expertise from foundational levels and accepts recent graduates with relevant science or engineering backgrounds.