Engineering

Master of Science in Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering

The Master of Science in Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in renewable energy systems, environmental engineering, energy management, and sustainable energy technologies. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in renewable energy, environmental management, energy consulting, and green technology development.

Core areas include renewable energy, solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, biomass energy, environmental engineering, energy management, energy policy, climate change, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical renewable energy and environmental engineering applications.

The programme is offered by Turkana University College, Kabarak University, and Technical University of Kenya, with Mount Kenya University as a college. MKU offers MSc Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering with full-time and part-time modes. Turkana University College offers BSc Renewable Energy Technology at KES 244,800. UoN offers related MSc Environmental and Biosystems Engineering at KES 480,000 total.

Students develop competencies in renewable energy system design, environmental impact assessment, energy auditing, solar and wind system design, biomass technology, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, design projects, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. MKU offers MSc Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering. UoN MSc Environmental and Biosystems Engineering total fees are KES 480,000 (~KES 240,000/year). Entry requires Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, environmental science, or related fields with Upper Second or Lower with experience.

Graduates pursue careers as renewable energy engineers, environmental engineers, energy consultants, energy managers, and lecturers in energy companies, environmental organisations, government, consultancy, and universities.

Skills Required

Solar Energy System Design and Analysis
Wind Energy System Design and Analysis
Biomass and Bioenergy Technology
Environmental Impact Assessment
Energy Auditing and Management
Hydropower and Small Hydro Systems
Energy Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
Climate Change and Carbon Management
Environmental Engineering and Pollution Control
Renewable Energy Research Methods

Key Subjects

Renewable Energy Systems
Solar Energy Engineering
Wind Energy Engineering
Biomass and Bioenergy
Environmental Engineering
Energy Management and Auditing
Hydropower Systems
Energy Policy and Climate Change
Pollution Control and Waste Management
Renewable Energy Research Methods

Certifications

EPRA Renewable Energy Certification
IRENA Renewable Energy Certification

Specializations

Solar Energy

Focuses on solar energy, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, solar resource assessment, PV design, solar water heating, and designing and analysing solar energy systems.

Wind Energy

Examines wind energy, wind turbines, wind resource assessment, wind farm design, wind energy conversion, and designing and analysing wind energy systems.

Biomass and Bioenergy

Covers biomass energy, biofuels, biogas, gasification, combustion, bioenergy conversion, and designing and analysing biomass and bioenergy systems.

Environmental Engineering

Focuses on environmental engineering, pollution control, water treatment, waste management, environmental impact assessment, and applying engineering to environmental problems.

Energy Management

Examines energy management, energy auditing, energy efficiency, demand-side management, energy conservation, and managing and optimising energy use.

Energy Policy and Climate Change

Covers energy policy, renewable energy policy, climate change, carbon management, NDC, Paris Agreement, and developing and implementing energy and climate policy.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 260,000
Private, up to: Ksh 130,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

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

What you study

10 subjects

Renewable Energy Systems
Solar Energy Engineering
Wind Energy Engineering
Biomass and Bioenergy
Environmental Engineering
Energy Management and Auditing
Hydropower Systems
Energy Policy and Climate Change
Pollution Control and Waste Management
Renewable Energy Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Solar Energy Engineering and PV Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, solar resource assessment, PV design, solar water heating, concentrating solar power, and designing and analysing solar energy systems.
Wind Energy Engineering and Turbine Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers wind turbines, wind resource assessment, wind farm design, aerodynamics, wind energy conversion, grid integration, and designing and analysing wind energy systems.
Biomass and Bioenergy Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines biomass energy, biofuels, biogas, gasification, combustion, pyrolysis, bioenergy conversion, feedstock, and designing and analysing biomass and bioenergy systems.
Hydropower and Small Hydro Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers hydropower, small hydro, micro hydro, turbines, hydropower design, hydropower potential, run-of-river, and designing and analysing hydropower systems.
Environmental Engineering and Pollution Control
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines pollution control, water treatment, wastewater treatment, air pollution, solid waste, environmental engineering, and applying engineering to environmental problems.
Energy Management and Auditing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers energy auditing, energy efficiency, demand-side management, energy conservation, building energy, industrial energy, ISO 50001, and managing and optimising energy use.
Energy Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines energy policy, renewable energy policy, feed-in tariffs, PPAs, energy regulation, EPRA, Energy Act, and developing and implementing energy policy.
Climate Change and Carbon Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers climate change, greenhouse gases, carbon management, NDC, Paris Agreement, mitigation, adaptation, carbon trading, and addressing climate change through renewable energy.
Environmental Impact Assessment for Energy Projects
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines EIA process, scoping, impact prediction, mitigation, EMP, NEMA, environmental compliance, and conducting environmental impact assessments for energy projects.
Renewable Energy Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for renewable energy, experimental design, field measurements, data analysis, simulation, modelling, and conducting renewable energy research, preparing students for their thesis.
Geothermal Energy and Other Renewable Technologies
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines geothermal energy, geothermal resources, geothermal power plants, ocean energy, fuel cells, hydrogen energy, and emerging renewable energy technologies.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a renewable energy and environmental engineering topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and renewable energy knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Solar Energy
Focuses on solar energy, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, solar resource assessment, PV design, solar water heating, and designing and analysing solar energy systems.
Wind Energy
Examines wind energy, wind turbines, wind resource assessment, wind farm design, wind energy conversion, and designing and analysing wind energy systems.
Biomass and Bioenergy
Covers biomass energy, biofuels, biogas, gasification, combustion, bioenergy conversion, and designing and analysing biomass and bioenergy systems.
Environmental Engineering
Focuses on environmental engineering, pollution control, water treatment, waste management, environmental impact assessment, and applying engineering to environmental problems.
Energy Management
Examines energy management, energy auditing, energy efficiency, demand-side management, energy conservation, and managing and optimising energy use.
Energy Policy and Climate Change
Covers energy policy, renewable energy policy, climate change, carbon management, NDC, Paris Agreement, and developing and implementing energy and climate policy.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering programme begins with morning lectures on solar energy, wind energy, or environmental engineering. Students engage in theoretical discussions on renewable energy principles, environmental systems, and sustainable energy. Solar energy sessions cover photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, solar resource assessment, PV design, solar water heating, concentrating solar power, and designing and analysing solar energy systems. Wind energy sessions examine wind turbines, wind resource assessment, wind farm design, aerodynamics, wind energy conversion, and designing and analysing wind energy systems. Biomass sessions cover biomass energy, biofuels, biogas, gasification, combustion, pyrolysis, bioenergy conversion, and designing and analysing biomass and bioenergy systems. Hydropower sessions examine hydropower, small hydro, micro hydro, turbines, hydropower design, and designing and analysing hydropower systems. Environmental engineering sessions cover pollution control, water treatment, wastewater treatment, air pollution, solid waste, EIA, and applying engineering to environmental problems. Energy management sessions examine energy auditing, energy efficiency, demand-side management, energy conservation, building energy, industrial energy, and managing and optimising energy use. Energy policy sessions cover energy policy, renewable energy policy, feed-in tariffs, PPAs, energy regulation, EPRA, and developing and implementing energy policy. Climate change sessions examine climate change, greenhouse gases, carbon management, NDC, Paris Agreement, mitigation, adaptation, and addressing climate change through renewable energy. Environmental impact assessment sessions cover EIA process, scoping, impact prediction, mitigation, EMP, NEMA, and conducting environmental impact assessments. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with solar panels, wind turbines, biogas digesters, energy monitoring, and environmental testing. Design projects provide hands-on experience with renewable energy system design, energy audits, EIA reports, and feasibility studies. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering renewable energy research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from MKU faculty, EPRA officials, KenGen engineers, REREC experts, NEMA officers, and international renewable energy experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's renewable energy targets, geothermal expansion, wind projects, solar adoption, rural electrification, and climate commitments create high demand for qualified renewable energy professionals.
MKU offers MSc Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering, and UoN offers related MSc Environmental and Biosystems Engineering at KES 480,000, providing established training.
Career opportunities with KenGen, REREC, EPRA, NEMA, renewable energy companies, environmental consultancies, and international organisations like IRENA and IEA.
Programme addresses Kenya's energy access, renewable energy targets, climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable development needs.

Against it

Programme requires engineering, physics, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Laboratory work requires access to solar panels, wind turbines, energy monitoring equipment, and environmental testing facilities, which may be limited.
MKU and Kabarak (private) fees at KES 250,000-280,000/year are relatively expensive compared to public universities.
Programme involves advanced thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and electrical engineering concepts, which may be challenging for some students.

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

Public260k to 260k

260k at Technical University of Kenya260k at Technical University of Kenya

Private130k to 130k

130k at Mount Kenya University130k at Mount Kenya 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

TUK 260K/yr (eafinder). MKU 65K/sem=130K/yr (kenyaeducationguide). Private verified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. REREC supports renewable energy research and development. IRENA supports renewable energy globally. IEA supports energy policy and analysis. The programme's renewable energy and environmental engineering focus attracts energy, climate, and international funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
REREC Renewable Energy Funding
IRENA Renewable Energy Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate renewable energy and environmental engineering studies at recognised universities.
REREC Renewable Energy Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
REREC promotes renewable energy and rural electrification in Kenya, providing funding for postgraduate research in renewable energy.
IRENA Renewable Energy Funding
GrantKsh 300,000
IRENA supports renewable energy globally, providing funding for postgraduate study and research in renewable energy and environmental engineering.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from engineering, physics, environmental science, energy studies, and related fields. MKU offers MSc Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering with full-time and part-time modes. UoN requires Bachelor's degree in relevant field with Upper Second. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, design exercises, simulation projects, energy audit reports, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering solar, wind, biomass, environmental engineering, energy management, and policy, conducted at end of each semester.
Design Project and Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of design projects, renewable energy system design, EIA reports, laboratory work, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a renewable energy and environmental engineering topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and renewable energy knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). MKU offers MSc Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering. UoN offers related MSc Environmental and Biosystems Engineering at KES 480,000. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate renewable energy and environmental engineering training. EPRA regulates energy in Kenya, REREC promotes renewable energy, and NEMA regulates environmental management.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. MKU offers MSc Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering. UoN offers related MSc Environmental and Biosystems Engineering at KES 480,000. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate renewable energy and environmental engineering training.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)
Professional accreditation
EPRA regulates energy and petroleum in Kenya. Graduates working in renewable energy may benefit from EPRA licensing and knowledge of energy regulations.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Renewable Energy Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Designs and implements renewable energy systems, overseeing solar, wind, biomass projects, system design, and supporting renewable energy development.
Environmental Engineer
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Designs environmental solutions, overseeing pollution control, waste management, EIA, and supporting environmental protection and management.
Energy Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Provides energy consultancy, overseeing energy audits, feasibility studies, renewable energy assessments, and supporting energy projects and investments.
Energy Manager
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages energy programmes, overseeing energy efficiency, energy conservation, demand-side management, and supporting energy management in organisations.
Environmental Impact Assessor
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts environmental impact assessments, overseeing EIA studies, impact prediction, mitigation, compliance, and supporting environmental compliance.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches renewable energy and environmental engineering in universities, conducting research and training future energy and environmental professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as renewable energy engineers, environmental engineers, and energy consultants in energy companies, environmental organisations, and government.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

HOMER Energy
SoftwarePrimary
Software for renewable energy system design, hybrid system optimisation, microgrid design, solar-wind-battery sizing, and renewable energy feasibility analysis.
PVsyst
SoftwarePrimary
Software for photovoltaic system design, PV simulation, solar resource analysis, shading analysis, and designing and analysing solar PV systems.
RETScreen
Software
Clean energy management software for renewable energy project analysis, feasibility studies, energy modelling, and renewable energy project evaluation.
MATLAB
Software
Numerical computing software for renewable energy modelling, power system simulation, data analysis, and mathematical modelling in energy engineering.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Renewable energy engineering is just about solar panels.
The programme involves solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, environmental engineering, energy management, policy, climate change, and research, covering comprehensive renewable energy and environmental engineering.
This programme is only for electrical engineering graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from engineering, physics, environmental science, energy studies, and related fields.
There is limited demand for renewable energy engineers in Kenya.
Kenya's renewable energy targets, geothermal expansion, wind projects, solar adoption, rural electrification, and climate commitments create high demand for qualified renewable energy professionals.
Renewable energy cannot power industrial development.
Kenya generates over 80% of its electricity from renewable sources including geothermal, hydro, and wind, demonstrating renewable energy's capacity for industrial development.
Environmental engineering is separate from renewable energy.
Environmental engineering and renewable energy are closely linked, as renewable energy reduces environmental impact and environmental engineering ensures sustainable energy development.
A master's in renewable energy is redundant after an engineering degree.
The master's provides specialised renewable energy skills, system design expertise, research capability, and career progression to senior energy and environmental positions.