Dr. Johnson U KithekaThe Department of Hydrology and Water Resources Management is one of the three Departments in the School of Water Resources Science and Technology of the South Eastern Kenya University(SEKU). The Department was created with an objective of spearheading training and research in the field of hydrology and water resources, with emphasis on the development and management of water resources in arid and semi arid lands of Kenya. This is vital in the realisation of the Kenya’s Vision 2030 including the Millenium Development Goals.
The Department is currently offering three courses, namely;
(1) Diploma in Hydrology,
(2) Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Hydrology and Water Resources Management and
(3) Master of Science (MSc) in Water Resources and Waste Water Planning and Management.
The three courses provides an integrated coverage of both the scientific, technical, social-economic and political aspects of water resources planning and management. The main goal is to provide our students with skills and knowledge that will enable them, either pursue a career in water resources management or undertake postgraduate studies in specialized areas in hydrology and water resources and wastewater management. The courses, in addition to providing a strong theoretical background, also incorporates practical training where our students are exposed to real working conditions and use of various specialised equipment through field attachments in relevant institutions in the country.
The courses also expose our students to advanced scientific tools such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS), including various hydrological and water resources planning models.
The creation of the Department of Hydrology and Water Resources Management followed the realisation of need to increase the capacity of water resources specialists, not only in Kenya but also in other parts of Africa. In particular, the demand for water resources specialists has risen in the recent past due to increasing complexities of managing the dwindling water resources in the country. The water resources experts specialising in hydrology, hydrogeology, hydrometeorology, water quality and integrated water resources management, are still limited in most countries of Africa including Kenya. Also, most of the institutions in the water sector still lack adequate capacity for effective implementation of projects focussed on planning and management of the surface and groundwater resources. In addition, recent reforms in the water sector have generated the need for enhanced building of human capacity in water resources management and planning to aid in the implementation of fundamental reforms in the sector. Lastly, the increasing challenges of addressing water related issues such as water pollution, degradation of aquatic ecosystems, over-exploitation of water resources, water resource use conflicts, climate change, etc. require water resources specialists who can provide practical solutions to these challenges.
VISION:
To be a recognised Centre of Excellence for the provision of high quality training in hydrology and water resources management.
MISSION:
To provide undergraduate and postgraduate training to students aspiring to become high calibre professionals in the field of hydrology and water resources managements, and also carry out innovative hydrological and water resources research and consultancy.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT
The following are the objectives of the Department:
1. To train students aspiring to pursue career in the water resources sector by offering educational programmes in hydrology and water resources management at certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
2. To conduct innovative research in the fields of hydrology and water resources management and, disseminate information to stakeholders in the water sector through publication of research findings in local and international journals.
3. To offer extension services to local communities on issues related to water resources development, conservation and management.
4. To provide consultancy services to both public and private sector players in the water and wastewater management sectors.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES:
Graduates trained in hydrology and water resources planning and management normally find employment and consultancy opportunities in a wide range of institutions. As such the graduates usually find opportunities in the following institutions in Kenya;
• Research Institutions: Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), etc.
• Government: the main agencies requiring the services of hydrologists and water resources specialists include the ministry responsible for water resources. Other relevant public sector institutions include the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), Kenya Water Institute (KEWI), National Irrigation Board (NIB), National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation (NWCPC), Regional Water Service Boards, and Water and Sewerage Companies.
• Regional Development Organisations: Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA), Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), Coast Development Authority (CDA), Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority (ENNDA), and Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA).
• Non-Governmental Organisations: There are numerous NGOs that are active in the water and sanitation sector. Examples include Action Aid, German Agro Action (GAA), WWF and IUCN.
• International Organisations: UN agencies such as UNDP, UNEP, UN-Habitat, WMO, FAO, WFP, World Bank; Regional Development Banks (e.g. African Development Bank).
• Consultancy Firms: numerous consultancy firms require services of trained hydrologists and water resources specialists. In addition graduates can also establish their own firms and offer consultancy services to private and public sector institutions.
PROGRAMMES OFFERED IN THE DEPARTMENT:
The Department is currently offering a BSc degree course in Hydrology and Water Resources Management. The following are the upcoming courses:
1. Diploma in Hydrology
2. Diploma in Integrated Water Resources Management
3. MSc in Water Resources and Wastewater Planning and Management
ACADEMIC STAFF
Head of Department:
Dr. Johnson U. Kitheka, BSc. (UoN), MSc. (UoN), MSc (Gothenburg, Sweden), PhD (UoN).
Associate Professor:
Associate Professor - Dorothy Mutisya, BEd. Arts (UoN), MA (KU), PhD (KU).
Senior Lecturers:
Dr. Johnson U. Kitheka, BSc. (UoN), MSc. (UoN), MSc (Gothenburg, Sweden), PhD (UoN).
Lecturers:
1. Dr. Kennedy Mwetu, BSc. (Egerton), MSc. (Egerton), PhD (Austria).
2. Dr. Moses Mwangi, MPhil (Loughborough, UK), PhD (Loughborough, UK).
Assistant Lecturers:
1. Ms. Jokastah W. Kalungu, BSc. (JKUAT), MSc. (USP, Brazil).
2. Mr. Hezbon Otieno, BSc. (Egerton), MSc.(Egerton).
CONTACTS:
The Chairman
Department of Hydrology and Water Resources Management
School of Water Resources Science and Technology
South Eastern Kenya University(SEKU)
P.O Box 170-90200
KITUI, Kenya
Tel: +254 241 3859, + 254 020 2531395, + 254 0714 645 694
Email:
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Web site: www.seuco.ac.ke
