PREAMBLE
The establishment of the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at South Eastern Kenya University(SEKU) is part of the fulfillment of making the institution’s major focus on natural resources and environmental management. The Department is mandated to prepare programmes of study geared towards the rational management and exploitation of natural resources and the environment for sustainable development with emphasis on national, regional and global environmental issues like global warming, climate change, water & air pollution, waste management, deforestation, soil erosion, etc.
MISSION
To train and impart necessary knowledge and skills towards stewardship and sound natural resources management for sustainable development
OBJECTIVES
(i) To equip students with the necessary research and policy analysis competences so as to contribute to informed decision-making towards sustainable community livelihoods.
(ii) To generate the necessary knowledge on the impacts of development on the environment so as to encourage harmonious interactions between human and their environment.
(iii) To produce professionals and technocrats capable of spearheading sustainable development agenda by focusing on communities and the environment as critical national resources.
PROGRAMMES OFFERED
The department has started off by focusing on certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate diploma and degree programmes. Postgraduate diploma and certificate programmes lasting one year and 1-3 months, respectively, will be organized for people already engaged in environmental management activities. The undergraduate programme is designed to produce graduates who are both professionally competent and marketable and who should also be capable of conducting further in-depth studies and/or research work at the same time appreciating the exigencies of the interactive physical, chemical, and biological processes that regulate the total Earth System, the unique environment that it provides for life, the changes that are occurring in this system, and the manner in which the changes are influenced by human actions.
The following courses are offered at the Department:
CURRENTLY
1. BSc. Management of Agro-Ecosystems & Environment
2. BSc. Environmental Management
3. Short Course on Environmental Impact Assessment & Auditing
4. Post Graduate Diploma in Natural and Environmental Disaster Management
UNDER DEVELOPMENT
1. Diploma in Environmental Management
2. BSc. Land Resources Management
3. MSc. Land Resources Management
4. MSc. Environmental Management
5. Ph.D. Environmental Management
Short courses:
1. Geographic Information Systems
2. Certificate in Environmental Management.
PROGRAMMES DESCRIPTION
BSc. Management of Agro-Ecosystems & Environment
The degree programme offers a rigorous science-based curriculum that focuses on two major issues: (i) ecological management of agricultural land (ii) abatement of resources degradation or pollution of developed rural land. The focus of the programme is on principles and practices of agro-ecology, agricultural land degradation and understanding the fate and mitigation of pollution, including those processes that influence the impact of pollution in agro-ecosystems. It concentrates on sustainable management of resources in agriculture and focuses on water and soil quality management, such as monitoring transport and storage of agro-chemicals and other contaminants in soil, bioremediation and organic wastes recycling and bioconversion. The programme prepares graduates who would pursue postgraduate studies in a variety of disciplines or employment in training and research institutions, government, agro-industries, NGOs and consulting firms.
BSc. Environmental Management
The world is currently in a crisis in dealing with environmental problems like global warming and climate change, deforestation, soil degradation, ozone depletion, waste disposal, air and water pollution. Design and implementation of solutions to current issues of global, regional and local environmental concern requires both specialists and well trained managers capable of working within, between and across disciplines. This programme provides the necessary multidisciplinary training and is relevant to those concerned with the management of natural resources and the formulation and implementation of technologies and policies that create environmental improvements at local, national and international levels, and in community, corporate and government organisations. The programme is also designed to produce graduates who are both professionally competent and marketable and who should be capable of conducting further in-depth studies and/or research work at the same time appreciating the exigencies of the interactive physical, chemical, and biological processes in the environment.
Short Course on Environmental Impact Assessment & Auditing
Trainees are exposed to contents and methods of conducting EIA/ EA and also to the provisions of EMCA, 1999; Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations of 2003; Waste Management Regulations of 2006; Water Quality Regulations of 2006; Conservation of Biological Diversity and Resources, Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing Regulations of 2006; Controlled Substances Regulations of 2007; Wetlands, River Banks, Lake Shores and Sea Shore Management Regulations of 2008; and Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution Control Regulations of 2009. The training is suitable and recommended for persons in development projects and environmental management, for both private and public sectors. Improvements will be incorporated continually whenever necessary until such a time when there will be a standard training manual in Kenya.
DEPARTMENT STAFF
1. Prof. Jacob Kibwage, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Environment and Natural Resources Management
Tel: +254-0722-479061
Email:
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2. Dr. Matheaus K. Kauti, Ph.D.
Chairman, Department of Environmental Science and Technology
Tel: +254-0722-606398
Email:
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3. Mr. Charles Ndung’u
Ass. Lecturer
Tel: +254-0722-472706
Email:
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