One of my readers asked to know whether quantity survey is a marketable course in Kenya. He scored a B+ in KCSE and among the courses he was told to pursue was a degree in Quantity Surveying. Here is his question:
“Hey, I am Joash and in dilemma. I finished form four last years and scored a B+ in KCSE. I had in mind Bachelor of Education because my grade won’t allow me pursue Bachelor of Medicine, but my father advised me to pursue Bachelor of Quantity Surveying. Is it a good course?
Bachelor of Quantity Surveying is among the best and most marketable courses to pursue in Kenya. It’s almost impossible to be jobless with this degree course unless you aren’t aggressive enough. If you look around or conduct your own research, you will discover that no quantity surveyor is jobless in the country. The good thing about the course is that you can venture into private practice. Any course that allows you to be self-employed is a good course. Furthermore, you won’t get competition from other professionals because Quantity Survey is a unique course.
A diploma in Quantity Surveying is also marketable and it’s as good as a diploma in Pharmacy or Nursing. Surprisingly, Quantity Surveyors earn more money than Nurses in Kenya.
To pursue a degree in Quantity Survey, you need a grade of B+ and above. However, there is an option of self-sponsored where the minimum entry requirement is C+ and above.
In this course, you must be good in Geography and Mathematics. Make sure that you score at least B- in Geography and Mathematics.
Salaries of quantity surveyors in Kenya
A graduate with diploma in Quantity Surveying earns a starting monthly salary of Ksh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000. But with at least 3 years of experience, he earns over Ksh 70,000 monthly. With a degree course, one earns a starting salary of Ksh 70,000 to Ksh 100,000.
The salaries of Quantity Surveyors rise over time and it depends on the institution one works for.
Which companies employ Quantity Surveyors in Kenya?
A student may be wondering where he will get a job with quantity surveying degree or diploma. There are many companies which will employ you. One of the places to work for is Counties. Every County employs a Quantity Surveyor. The Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Housing and Ministry of Agriculture are some of the government institutions employing Surveyors. One can also get a job in architectural firms or real estate companies.
Apart from being employed, you can start your own firm and do private practice. The Private Practice is even better than being employed.
Best colleges and universities to study quantity Survey in Kenya
University of Nairobi
To be admitted for a degree course by the government, you have to score at least A- in KCSE. For self-sponsored students, admission requirement is C+ and above in KCSE.
As I told you earlier, you have to be so good in mathematics, Geography and Physics.
You can get more details here https://recmqs.uonbi.ac.ke/admission-content-type/bachelor-quantity-surveying
Nairobi Institute of Technology
Another good place to pursue a Diploma in Quantity Surveying is Nairobi Institute of Technology.
Entry Requirement is C- and above.
For more details, here is the link: https://nit.ac.ke/diploma-in-quantity-surveying-knec/
Technical University of Kenya
In case you don’t get admitted to the University of Nairobi, apply to Join Technical University. For those who want to be admitted under government sponsored program and didn’t score A- and above, TUK is the most ideal choice. Her even with a B plain, you can be admitted.
Requirements
- KCSE Mean Grade C+ (plus), with C+ in Mathematics, C+ in Physics and C+ in English/ Kiswahili OR • Diploma in Quantity Survey, with a credit pass and KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus)
For more details,visit the university here https://intake.tukenya.ac.ke/index.php?r=courseApplication/default/home&prog=401
JKUAT
JKUAT is among top 5 best universities to study in Kenya. It offers a degree in Quantity Surveying.
ntry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for joining this program are as follows:
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) with a minimum aggregate of B- (minus) and a C+ (plus) as the minimum grade in the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physics
AND
any subject from Group III (History and Government OR Geography OR Christian Religious Education OR Islamic Religious Education OR Hindu Religious Education);
OR 2nd Group II (Biology or Chemistry);
OR 2nd Group III
OR Group IV (Home Science, or Art and Design or Agriculture or Aviation Technology or Computer Studies);
OR Group V (French, German, Arabic, Music, Business Studies).
To be a government sponsored student,ensure that your KCSE grade is A-(Minus) and above. But with a C+ and above in KCSE,you will get admitted for self-sponsored program.
Check more details here: https://discover.jkuat.ac.ke/course-of-the-week-bachelor-of-quantity-surveying/
Which other related course to study?
Architecture or Structural Engineering are courses related to Quantity Survey. They are equally marketable. Architecture is the most marketable course among the three and it required a strong A-(Minus) or A plain in KCSE.