POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN OPERATIONAL HYDROLOGY

Background of the Programme

The Department of Meteorology was started in the early 1970’s with the core mandate of developing human capacity in meteorology as well as applications of meteorology in the water, agriculture, energy and transportation sectors. In the thematic area of water, the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Operational Hydrology program was developed.

This programme is within the Earth Sciences field (No. 0532), of the Physical Sciences category, of the natural sciences, mathematics and statistics broad category of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) Fields of Education and Training of 2013 (ISCED-F 2013) categorization.

1.2 Philosophy of the Programme

Water is one of the most important resources on Earth that we cannot live without. It is also a finite resource that needs to be managed sustainably since there is convincing evidence that the current patterns of water use cannot be sustained in many parts of the world. Increasing population, industrial development, and agricultural extension services are gradually stressing the quality and quantity of the available water resources. Given the significance of water and sanitation in the socio-economic development, the need for skilled personnel in rational management of water resources based on a thorough understanding of the hydrologic processes cannot be overemphasized.

The achievement of better access to clean water, sanitation services, water utilization and management services create good opportunities for the people and enhance economic growth of a nation. Prudent management of water resources brings more certainty and efficiency in productivity across various sectors of the economy and contributes to the general health of a nation. The programme is designed to be conducted over a period of one calendar year and aims at improving the understanding of hydrologic processes and the influence of human activities in the exploitation of water resources.

The running of the programme will be guided by the need to connect and inspire the Kenyan citizenry and international community to provide leadership and stewardship and to give hope and faith to the Kenyan and international society that it can excel in the field of water resources with passion, moral responsibility and a strong sense of patriotism in line with the University of Nairobi Philosophy.

1.3 Rationale of the Programme

The level of availability of water in a nation drives the socio-economic development. Clear understanding and expert knowledge of the hydrologic processes and therefore availability of water is critical in the operational management of a nation’s water resources. Besides, natural disasters such as floods and droughts are functions of the hydrologic processes. 

This programme has been developed on a competency-based approach so that the student should be able to acquire knowledge and skills in Operational Hydrology. The science of hydrology is a highly specialized field that requires a unique training approach. The PGD in operational hydrology programme is intended to train experts that can monitor and analyse current water information as well as provide expected water information for economic planning and development, and for safeguarding life and property through flood and drought early warning.

The PGD in operational hydrology programme has been revised to conform to the WMO guidelines embracing new developments and emerging knowledge in the science of hydrology. This programme is particularly relevant and applicable in view of the Kenya Vision 2030 development blueprint, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN framework for Climate Change Convention.

In the course of reviewing this program, the following stakeholders, among others were actively involved; Kenya Meteorological Services (KMS), IGAD-Climate Prediction Application Centre (ICPAC), Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA), National Irrigation Board (NIB). All the stakeholders were in agreement that the reviewed program is in line with the market demand.

1.4 Goal of the Programme

The Postgraduate Diploma in Operational Hydrology programme aims to equip students with skills, knowledge and competencies in the science of hydrology and its various applications. It targets first degree holders interested in pursuing hydrology as a profession.

1.5 Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of the Programme, the learner should be able to:

1. Record and use hydrological data appropriately;
2. Explain the processes of the hydrological cycle in a watershed and communicate hydrological information to end users in water services and conservation; 
3. Model hydrological systems and predict hydrological information in a watershed that meets the needs of specialized users and for decision support;
4. Explain the principles of planning, design and responsible use of surface water resource systems and the environment;
5. Design policies targetting the responsible use of hydrological information.