With high population growth and increased urbanization, the demand for buildings and infrastructure in Kenya continues to grow, albeit currently sluggishly. As construction work increases, there is a need to manage costs, ensure value for money, and keep developments within budget. That is where quantity surveyors come in handy, playing key roles in construction cost planning, contract administration, and financial management.
To meet this demand for quantity surveyors, institutions of higher learning offer courses that lead to specialization in quantity surveying.
In this article, we highlight universities and colleges where you can pursue a quantity surveying course in Kenya, whether at diploma or bachelor’s degree level.
Universities Offering a Bachelor of Quantity Surveying Degree
1. University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi is Kenya’s oldest and most established institution offering a quantity surveying course.
The course is offered at the Department of Real Estate, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying (RECMQS), in the School of Built Environment.
The department is known for producing well-qualified professionals with strong linkages to the industry and other institutions.
2. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
JKUAT offers a four-year Bachelor of Quantity Surveying program with equal emphasis on theory and practice.
This course is hosted at the Department of Construction Management in their School of Architecture and Building Sciences (SABS).
The department encourages interdisciplinarity and is well-ranked for its blend of construction technology, cost consultancy, and project management in teaching the course.
3. Technical University of Kenya
Here, the Bachelor of Quantity Surveying course is taught at the Department of Construction and Property Studies (DCPS), in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
The Technical University of Kenya is well known for its practice-based, hands-on education and training.
The department emphasizes industry-readiness and exposes students to projects at an early stage of their careers.
4. Technical University of Mombasa
Recently, the Technical University of Mombasa got approved by the Commission for University Education (CUE) to start offering a bachelor’s programme in quantity surveying.
The first intake starts in September 2025. The course will be offered in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment, at the School of Engineering and Technology – Tudor, Mombasa.
Institutions Offering Diploma in Quantity Surveying
The following universities, colleges, and technical and vocational education and training institutions offer a diploma course in quantity surveying:
- Technical University of Kenya: offered at the Department of Construction and Property Studies, located in Nairobi.
- Technical University of Mombasa TVET Institute: offered at the Department of Architecture and Built Environment, located at Tudor, Mombasa.
- Kirinyaga University (KYU)
- Baringo National Polytechnic
- Chuka Technical and Vocational College
- Jeremiah Nyaga Technical Institute
- Kabete National Polytechnic
- Karumo Technical Training Institute
- Kieni Technical and Vocational College
- Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT)
- Kipkabus Technical and Vocational College
- Kitale National Polytechnic
- Kongoni Technical and Vocational College
- Masai Technical Training Institute
- Meru National Polytechnic
- Mukurweini Technical Training Instititute
- North Eastern National Polytechnic
- Nyandarua National Polytechnic
- Ol’lessos Technical Training Institute
- Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology
- Railway Training Institute
- Sigalagala National Polytechnic
- Turbo Technical and Vocational College
- Kajiado West Technical and Vocational College
- Kamukunji Technical and Vocational College
- Kiambu National Polytechnic
- Mukiria Technical Training Institute
- Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology
Conclusion
With Kenya’s construction industry growing rapidly, the demand for skilled quantity surveyors has been increasing. Whether you’re aspiring to start with a diploma or pursue a degree course, there are several reputable institutions across the country offering training in Quantity Surveying at diploma and degree levels. Aspiring quantity surveyors have plenty of options best aligned with their aspirations.
Choosing the most appropriate institution is the stepping stone to a successful and meaningful career in managing construction costs and improving Kenya’s built environment. Wherever you are, the future of the construction industry hinges on experts like you.