Overview
Introduction
The Bachelor of Arts (Planning) programme aims to train professional planners in urban and regional planning who are competent to offer planning services to the government, including local authorities, regional development agencies, private sector, non -governmental organizations, and other agencies.
Philosophy
The Bachelor of Arts In Planning programme is founded on philosophical principles that underpin the discipline of planning. It explains what planning is, why plan, how planning is carried out and the importance of planning, thus building a knowledge database on the discipline. Planning is people-centred and takes place in space. Philosophy enables a fusion of society and space. The composite of space and society needs articulated by the contemporary issues of rapid urbanization such as sprawl; urban poverty well exhibited by slums; the need for sustainable utilization of natural resources and the effects and impacts of climate change and governance.
Rationale
- Needs assessment and market survey
- Justification of the need for programme
- Stakeholders involvement
Planning is the starting point of land development. It orders land uses and linkages between them and balances the demand for development with the need to protect the environment and achieve social and economic objectives. According to the UN, (2018), 68% of the total world’s population is anticipated to live in urban areas by 2030 and this underlines the importance of planning Kenya’s urban areas.
In Kenya specifically, the promulgation of the Constitution 2020, devolved the function of planning to the county government, thus the heightened need to upscale the training of planners. Kenya’s development blueprint, Vision 2030 is hinged on planning and so are the subsequent policy guidelines such as the Big Four Agenda.
Sustainable Development Goals cannot be realized without planning to allocate resources to the right uses and locations. It, therefore, becomes necessary to train planners to execute spatial planning mandates in this country and beyond.
The goal of the programme is to increase the number of trained and professionally qualified physical planners able to facilitate and guide society in spatial policy, plan formulation, plan preparation and implementation in the village, community, neighbourhood, rural/urban areas, urban metropolitan, regional/sub-national, and national levels.
The aim is to impart the requisite skills and knowledge needed to contribute effectively to the formulation, design and implementation of local, sub-national/regional and national planning in its various concerns at the undergraduate level; provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of the complex interactions between the natural and the built environment and the dynamic nature of urban and regional development; and develop appreciation and commitment to professional standards and ethics, recognizing the pluralistic nature of development, variety of stakeholders and the planner’s multiplicity of roles.
Objectives
The course also caters for those who wish to pursue policy and research oriented careers in planning. In the second category, the programme caters for those who wish to pursue higher degrees in planning at masters and doctorate levels. The programme is designed to balance planning theory, methodology and techniques courses, with those intended to meet planning application needs. The Bachelor of Arts in Planning is a development management oriented programme, tailored to enable the graduate to serve the various sectors of society including the economic sectors.
Schedule of Intakes
The Department admits new students at the beginning of every academic calendar year (which is usually September)
Application Information
You will be required to enter some basic information, including your email address and to choose a password. We will then send you an email to the address you entered, so that we can validate your account. When you have clicked on the validation link (sent to you in the email), you will be able to log in to the application system using the "Login" box below
For instructions on how to apply click here
To apply online here
Mode of Delivery
- Face-to-Face Mode
This is through lectures and tutorials using notes, electronic presentations, instruction manuals, group discussions, practical laboratory demonstrations and fieldwork.
- Open, Distance Learning and e-Learning
In case of delivery through ODeL, special arrangements shall be made for the practical laboratory, field work and computing sessions. Where not feasible alternative arrangements will be made to do them on campus.
- Blended Learning
This is a hybrid of face to face with Open, Distance Learning and e-learning.
Contact of Support Persons
Contact Details: Telephone: 020-2319187 ;
E-mail:durp@uonbi.ac.ke
Notable Alumni
- Dr.Ing. Elizabeth Wamuchiru - Lecturer Department of Urban and Regional Planning
- Augustine Masinde - Director,Physical Planning - Ministry of Lands,Housing and Urban Planning
- Prof. I.K Mwangi - Senior Lecturer - Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Structure
Course Structure and Duration
1. The course is covered in seventy (70) course units consisting of lecturers, studio, workshops, class presentations, fieldwork, demonstrations, supervisions/ consultation and professional attachment.
2. Students will undergo continuous assessment by written assignments and/or class presentations and/or studio.
3. Each candidate is required to take all the course units shown during the semester; 1st year - 16 units; 2nd year - 18 units; 3rd year - 18 units; 4th year - 18 units
4. Each academic year is divided into two teaching semesters and a third semester for practical attachment.
COURSE OUTLINE Hrs
FIRST YEAR
Semester I
BUR 101 Introduction to Planning 45
BUR 103 Elements of Physical and Biological Environment 45
BUR 105 Social Concepts for Planners 45
BUR 107 Quantitative Techniques for Planners 45
CCS 001 Communication Skills 45
BUR 109 Presentation Techniques I 135
Semester II Hrs
BUR 100 Economics for Planners 45
CCS 008 Element of Philosophy 45
CCS 010 HIV and AIDS 45
BUR 102 Rural Planning Principles and Techniques 45
BUR 104 Statistics for Planners 45
BUR 106 Presentation Techniques II 135
SECOND YEAR
Semester I
BUR 201 Planning Theory and Methodology I 45
BUR 203 Urban Planning Principles and Techniques I 45
BUR 205 Information Technology and Data Systems 45
BUR 207 Land Economics and Administration 45
BUR 209 Transportation Planning I 45
BUR 211 Population and Demography for Planners 45
BUR 213 Rural Planning Studio I 135
Semester II
BUR 200 Planning Theory and Methodology II 45
BUR 202 Urban Planning Principles & Techniques II 45
BUR 204 Elements of Land Surveying & Cartography 45
BUR 206 Infrastructure & Utilities Planning I 45
BUR 208 Housing & Community Services 45
BUR 210 Transportation Planning II 45
BUR 212 Rural Planning Studio II 135
THIRD YEAR
Semester I
BUR 301 Regional Planning Principles & Techniques I 45
BUR 303 Infrastructure & Utilities Planning II 45
BUR 305 Resource & Environmental Planning I 45
BUR 307 Planning Law I 45
BUR 309 Research Methodology 45
BUR 311 GIS & Remote Sensing 45
BUR 313 Urban Planning Studio I 135
Semester II
BUR 300 Regional Planning Principles & Techniques II 45
BUR 302 Elements of Building Design & Development 45
BUR 304 Resource & Environmental Planning II 45
BUR 306 Urban Design & Site Planning 45
BUR 308 Planning Law II 45
BUR 310 Organizational & Political Context of Planning 45
BUR 312 Urban Planning Studio II 135
FOURTH YEAR Hrs
Semester I
BUR 401 Management Techniques 45
BUR 403 Regional Development Theory 45
BUR 405 Planning Research Project 180
BUR 407 Regional Planning Studio I 135
Semester II
BUR 400 Planning Practice & Administration 45
BUR 402 Planning Development Project 225
BUR 404 Regional Planning Studio II 135
Admission Requirements
Minimum Admission Requirements
For KCSE holder or equivalent: Overall Grade C+ and a minimum of Grade C+ in the following subject clusters:
- Mathematics
- Physics, Chemistry Biology
- History, Government, Geography, Christian Religious Education; Islamic Religious Education; Hindu Religious Education;
- Home Science, Art and Design, Agriculture, Aviation Technology, Computer Studies
- French, German, Arabic, Music, Business Studies.
A holder of KACE (A-level) or equivalent;
- two principal passes in mathematics or economics
- geography, biology, physics, chemistry, history and a credit pass in English language at KCE or equivalent examination.
Diploma holders:
- KNEC/ordinary diploma/Higher diploma in land surveying, cartography, GIS/RS, photogrammetry, building construction, architecture, applied sciences or related fields with a credit pass or equivalent,
- Diploma certificates from science and technical colleges with credit pass in mathematics, geography, agriculture, forestry or agricultural engineering.
Degree holders
A holder of University degree or its equivalent from a recognized University in the following subjects: economics, mathematics, geography, land surveying, architecture, building economics, planning, agriculture or any other relevant degree.
Careers
Attachment Opportunities
Attachment opportunities in Private practicing Planners Firms to name a few:-
1. Metropolis Planning and Environment
3. CURI - Center for Urban and Research Innovation
4. REAL PLAN
Career Prospects
- Upon completion of this degree, the student is eligible to work in a variety of sectors including, public and private. Many students pursue careers in urban and regional planning within Counties and National Government.
- The Non-government organisations employ the students as Project Officers and Research Analyst. Those employed by private practicing planners are engaged in the preparation of local physical development plans and county spatial plans.
- Graduates of Urban and Regional Planning can find employment in NGO's, County Governments, Central Governments UN Bodies- UNCRD, UNEP, UN-Habitat, Parastatals – Nairobi County Council (NCC), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), ENNDA, Ministry of Housing, Physical Planning Departments, National Lands Commission (NLC), Regional Development Authority and Water and Sewerage Companies under the Water Act.
Fees and Funding
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly TOTAL | |
| TUITION | 180,000 | 180,000 | 360,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | - | 6,500 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | - | 7,000 |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000 | - | 5,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | - | 4,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 8,000 | 8,000 | 16,000 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | - | 2,000 |
| TOTAL | 216,750 | 190,250 | 407,000 |
| BA Planning-Year 2 (TOTAL of 18 units) | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly TOTAL | |
| TUITION | 180,000 | 180,000 | 360,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | - | 6,500 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | - | 7,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | - | 4,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 9,000 | 9,000 | 18,000 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | - | 2,000 |
| TOTAL | 212,750 | 191,250 | 404,000 |
| BA Planning-Year 3 (TOTAL of 18 units) | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly TOTAL | |
| TUITION | 180,000 | 180,000 | 360,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | - | 6,500 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | - | 7,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | - | 4,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 9,000 | 9,000 | 18,000 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | - | 2,000 |
| TOTAL | 212,750 | 191,250 | 404,000 |
| BA Planning-Year 4 (TOTAL of 18 units) | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly TOTAL | |
| TUITION | 180,000 | 180,000 | 360,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | - | 6,500 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | - | 7,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | - | 4,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 9,000 | 9,000 | 18,000 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | - | 2,000 |
| TOTAL | 212,750 | 191,250 | 404,000 |
| Grand TOTAL: BA Planning (TOTAL of 72 Units) | 1,619,000 |
Exam Regulations
Examinations shall be conducted as follows:-
1. A candidate shall be allowed to sit for examinations only when he/she has satisfactorily attended a minimum of Two Thirds (2/3) of the prescribed course contact hours.
2. Examinations shall consist of written papers, projects, studios and portfolios.
3. All course units except projects, studios/portfolios shall be examined during the semester in which they are taken. Such examinations shall consist of continuous assessment, course test and end of semester examinations. The end of semester examinations shall account for 70% of the total marks, while continuous assessment shall account for 30%.
4. All studio and portfolio examination shall be conducted at the end of the academic year in which they are taken.
5. In each case, all studio and presentation technique portfolios will be equivalent to three course units; planning research Project, and Portfolio Four course units, and Planning Development Project Portfolio Five course units.
6. The Pass Mark for each Course Unit shall be 40%.
7. In order to proceed to the next year of study, a candidate shall have:-
-
Passed all the course units taken for the year of study or,
-
Failed in not more than four (4) course units and obtained an aggregate mark of 40%.
8. A candidate shall be allowed to carry forward up to an equivalent four (4) failed course units in a year of study. Examinations for all courses carried forward shall be taken at the next ordinary University examinations.
9. A candidate who fails Studio/Portfolio examinations only as defined in regulation above may on recommendation of the Faculty Board of Examiners and approval by Senate be allowed to re-submit a failed studio/portfolio project within three months from the date results of ordinary University examinations are released.
10. Any candidate who:
- Obtains less than aggregate mark of 40% and fails in more than four (40 course units and obtains more than nine (9) course units,
or
- Fails in the re-submitted studio/portfolio examinations shall be on recommendation of the Faculty Board of Examiners and approved by the Senate be Not Allowed to proceed to the next year of study until he/she has satisfied the regulation above.
11. A candidate who:
-
re-sits a course unit will not be subjected to rule above.
-
Re-submits a studio/portfolio project under regulation will be expected to attend studios and be available to critics as appropriate.
12. Any candidate who:
-
Has failed more than 9 course units, or
-
Has failed in any course unit after four (4) attempts or
-
Has attended the course for more than twice the prescribed period of study for degree programme shall on the recommendation of the Faculty Board of Examiners and approval by the Senate, be DISCONTINUED.
13. A pass obtained in a re-sit examination shall be 40% in the students academic record.
14. Compensation may be allowed in a maximum of two failed course units only in any year of study, provided the mark for the failed subject is between 35% and 39% inclusive and the average mark for the candidate is 50%or above. The compensation shall not apply to Studio/Portfolio, and Planning Research Project and Planning Deve
