Sustainability on Campus: How universities in East Africa are faring

Many public universities in the region lag behind as budget constraints, aging infrastructure, and lack of incentives make it hard to prioritise sustainability when basic operations are under strain.

By Billy Kanyi | Ethical Business Magazine

In recent years, East Africa’s universities have been emerging not just as centers of learning but as crucial players in the continent’s sustainability journey. From pioneering green campuses to integrating climate education, these institutions are beginning to reflect—and shape—the region’s environmental future. But how far along are they, really?

From Policy to Practice: The Sustainability Gap

Across East Africa, many universities have signed declarations supporting sustainability—some aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), others with regional development plans. But translating lofty goals into practical impact is where the challenge lies.

Take Makerere University in Uganda. It boasts an ambitious sustainability policy that spans waste management, energy use, and green infrastructure. Yet on campus, diesel generators still hum during power outages, and plastic waste remains a recurring problem. The university is a microcosm of the region: vision-rich but implementation-constrained.

“Policy alone isn’t enough,” says Dr. Lydia Tumushabe, a climate policy researcher based in Kampala. “Without funding, training, and partnerships, the best sustainability plans remain on paper.”

Greening the Campus: Innovations and Obstacles

Still, signs of progress are visible.

In Kenya, Strathmore University stands out. It became the first carbon-neutral university in Africa, thanks to a 600kW solar rooftop project that powers most of the campus. Strathmore also offers a Master’s in Sustainable Energy, directly feeding the next generation of green energy leaders into Kenya’s economy.

Across the border in Rwanda, the University of Rwanda has taken a bold step by embedding sustainability into its infrastructure and curriculum. Its “Smart and Green Campus Initiative” includes tree-planting drives, energy-efficient buildings, and the promotion of electric transport on campus.

And in Tanzania, the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) has focused on eco-research—from water purification technologies to renewable energy systems aimed at rural communities.

Yet, many public universities lag behind. Budget constraints, aging infrastructure, and lack of incentives make it hard to prioritise sustainability when basic operations are under strain.

Educating for a Greener Future

Sustainability is no longer just about infrastructure—it’s about mindset. And here, universities are beginning to make headway by weaving sustainability into academic programs.

Environmental science courses have become increasingly popular. But more impressive is the trend of interdisciplinary sustainability education. In Kigali, for example, MBA students at the African Leadership University now explore sustainable business models. In Nairobi, engineering students are designing clean energy tech tailored for local communities.

“What we need is a shift in culture,” says Dr. Wanjiku Njoroge, an education innovation expert. “Sustainability must be infused across all disciplines, not just in environmental science.”

Partnerships and Pathways

Many East African universities are leaning on international partnerships to boost their green transition. Donor-funded solar installations, joint climate research centers, and exchange programs have helped bridge the resource gap.

However, this reliance also raises questions about sustainability of the sustainability efforts—what happens when the donor funding ends?

Some universities are addressing this by launching innovation hubs and green startups. For example, students from Uganda’s Mbarara University of Science and Technology recently created a biodegradable sanitary pad project that’s gaining national attention. It’s a small but powerful indicator of how campus innovation can align with community impact.

Looking Ahead

The picture is mixed, but hopeful. Universities in East Africa are testing models, confronting realities, and in many cases, leading with local relevance. What’s needed now is a region-wide commitment to scale what’s working:

• Government support for campus greening initiatives.
• Private sector partnerships to fund clean tech labs and student innovation.
• Curriculum reforms that make sustainability a core academic and civic pillar.

As Dr. Tumushabe puts it, “Universities have the intellectual capital, the energy, and the influence to shift East Africa’s sustainability narrative. But they need to walk the talk, louder and faster.”

Sidebar: University Sustainability Scorecard

Here’s how selected universities in East Africa are performing on sustainability metrics:

Key Takeaways:
East African universities are stepping up as sustainability champions, but uneven progress means the region must double down on support, innovation, and integration. The seeds have been planted – what’s needed now is the nurturing of an ecosystem where green thinking becomes second nature, both on and off campus.