Overview
Message from the Chairman
Thank you for finding interest in the Department of Environmental Studies & Resource Development (DERD). The department was started in 2009 with the aim of training, conducting research and building capacity in sustainable resource use and environmental conservation. It currently supports the Chuka University niche interest of excelling in environmental studies and renewable energy science. As the drive for industrialization heightens, with the uncontrolled land uses and human development patterns there are increased dangers posed to future ecological balance. This justifies the need for training experts in environmental sciences. We are in the forefront in grooming industrial consultants who can integrate the changing human development patterns with environmental and economic targets. Our department competes to provide the best industrial skills and enterprise capacity in all natural resource specializations.
Vision: To be a Centre of excellence in training, research and extension on environmental conservation and renewable energy for sustainable development.
Mission: To provide relevant training and undertake research on environmental conservation with a key focus on renewable energy.
Departmental Sections
Environmental Science and Renewable Energy
Natural Resources and Wildlife Management
Tourism and Hotel Management
DERD is leading in enabling Chuka University develop a market niche on environmental studies and renewable energy. In order to achieve this mission we are encouraging research, capacity development and technology transfer in conservation and energy issues.
Undergraduate Courses
Bsc. Environmental Science
Bsc. Natural Resource Management
Bsc. Wildlife and Enterprise Management
Bsc. Ecotourism
Bachelor of Tourism Management
Bachelor of Hotel Management
Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management
Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Postgraduate Courses
Ph.D. Environmental Science
Ph.D. Tourism Management
Msc. in Environmental Science
Msc. in Natural Resources Management
Msc. in Wildlife Management
Masters in Tourism Management
Masters in Hotel Management
Academic Staff
The department boasts of 16 highly trained, experienced and well-coordinated staff members
Our Students
Last year (2015) we graduated the best overall student in Chuka University (Ouma Evans Abok) who was awarded masters scholarship under the full-bright scholarships. He is currently undertaking Msc. in Environmental Science in USA. His research focuses on utility of air pollutant remediation techniques in Kenya.
Field Opportunities
We take the advantage of the University’s proximity to Mt Kenya and Kairini conservancy which provides an expansive area for field training and research. The department has also built linkages with relevant environmental organizations which creates industrial relevance and department’s national visibility.
Research
Our department is on the forefront in pursuing collaborative research on environmental hazards, pollution management, Human Wildlife Conflict mitigation, alternative tourism development and strategic hotel business propagation. Our department is currently undertaking the following field research.
Field research based in Kairini Conservancy
Herbivory estimation
Vegetation characterization
Invasive species and medicinal plants research. Currently we are undertaking a study on pharmaceutical value of Field Dodder (Cuscuta campestiris) in upper Eastern, Kenya region.
Research based in Mt. Kenya
Climate change monitoring and adaptation mechanism.
Nithi watershed research
Biodiversity inventory and monitoring [species richness, abundance, biomass estimation, characterization among others.
Waste and Pollution related Research.
Waste water research
Solid waste management research.
Collaborative Projects
Currently, the Department is undertaking a research titled “Biochemical Effects of Municipal Solid Waste, Quantification, Utilization and Energy Generation Prospects in Mt. Kenya Region”. This is a collaborative research between Chuka University, Tharaka Nithi County, Chuka Hospital, Embu-Mbeere Water & Sanitation Company, Laikipia County, Nanyuki Water & Sanitation Company and University of Brighton, UK. It is expected that the study will provide policy options for MSW management, bi product optimization and steer the development of Integrated Waste Management System in the region.
Recent Publications
Muriuki, L., Bururia, D., Mutegi, J. (2016). Determinants of Religious Tourism Branding Tactics in Kenya: A Cross Sectional Study. SAGE- Tourism and Hospitality Research. DOI: 10.1177/1467358416670937.
Kiharason, J. Isutsa, D. And Ngoda, P. (2015). Contribution of Multi-Purpose Pumpkin (Cucurbita mochata Duch.) to the Economy of Selected Kenyan Small-Scale Households. Journal of Environment Sustainability and Advancement Research, 1 8-14.
Student Clubs
Chuka University Students’ Environment Association (CUSEA)
Chuka University Wildlife Club
Chuka University Catering Association
Chuka University Tourism Students Association (CUTSA)
Community Outreach
We are the leading department which has initiated numerous urban forestry programmes in various towns in Tharaka Nithi County. Recently have been involved in guiding community development projects in the region for example, offering technical support for cultural centres development in Tigania area, through our partnership with the Uringu Community group. We are currently partnering with key tourism stakeholders in establishing competitive travel circuits, routes and tourism packages in upper Eastern and Northern Kenya.
Partner/related Organisations
University of Brighton, UK
University of Northampton, UK
National Environmental Management Association (NEMA)
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
National Museums of Kenya (NMK)
Kenya Meteorological Department
Tourism Fund (TF)