Is Landscaping Marketable in Kenya? It is a popular question among KCSE graduates. Landscaping may sound like a creative and fulfilling career, but in Kenya’s current economy, it’s far from the list of hotcake courses. While it plays a vital role in urban beautification and environmental conservation, job opportunities for landscaping graduates remain limited, making it a tough sell for students hoping for immediate employment after graduation. In cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret, there are some prospects for those in the landscaping business.

The Data Doesn’t Lie: Landscaping Is Not in High Demand

According to the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) 2023 Skills Demand Survey, the most sought-after skills in Kenya today are in logistics, building and construction, electrical installation, plumbing, and ICT. Landscaping didn’t even appear in the top ten. This tells us that employers aren’t actively looking for landscaping graduates, which immediately places the course in a low-demand category.

While some institutions offer certificates and diplomas in landscaping, the job market for these graduates is limited and often informal. Many municipalities and private developers prefer to outsource landscaping work to established contractors, reducing the number of formal, salaried positions.

Few Jobs, Inconsistent Pay, and Slow Career Growth

Salaries for landscapers range from Kes 20,000 while landscape architects range between Ksh 50,000 to 317,000 per month depending on experience (Salary Explorer, 2023). However, these figures are not representative of the typical graduate’s experience. Most entry-level professionals struggle to secure consistent work, often relying on freelance gigs or small contracts that may not be sustainable.

Even worse, the field lacks clear structures for career progression. Without additional qualifications or connections, many professionals plateau early or divert into unrelated careers.

Which colleges offer landscaping in Kenya

The following colleges and universities offer landscaping related courses in Kenya.

1. Kenya college of interior design
2. University of Nairobi (UoN)
3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
4. Technical University of Kenya (TuK)
5. Dedan Kimanthi University of Science and Technology

Is Landscaping Marketable in Kenya? Verdict: Low Marketability

Based on employer demand, job availability, and career growth potential, landscaping in Kenya has low marketability. It may be a fulfilling path for someone with deep passion, entrepreneurial grit, and access to clients—but for the average student, it’s a risky move.

Should You Take This Course?

Unless you have a clear plan to start a landscaping business or you’re combining it with a broader field like urban planning, architecture, or interior design, this is not a course we’d recommend for someone relying on post-graduation employment. In short, if you want marketable courses and employability in Kenya, consider more in-demand courses or pursue landscaping as a side specialty rather than your primary focus.