PlastiCITIES

Kenyatta University is advertising a fully funded PhD scholarship under the PlastiCITIES research programme, in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and Busara.

The project focuses on plastics, waste work, and the circular economy in Busia, Kenya, with long-term qualitative fieldwork and a research stay in Denmark. The broader programme examines how waste workers respond to circular economy interventions in urban Kenya, with attention to informal and formal waste work, environmental governance, and the social implications of plastic recycling and waste management.

Eligible applicants should have a bachelor’s degree (minimum Second Class Honours) and a master’s degree (Excellent or Credit) in a relevant social science field such as anthropology, African Studies, development studies, environmental studies, urban studies, political science, sociology, or law. Applicants should be motivated for full-time doctoral study, have research experience in East Africa, preferably have fieldwork or qualitative methods experience, and be willing to travel and participate fully in project activities.

The scholarship is fully funded and includes a competitive stipend, educational fees, and a three-year PhD enrolment at Kenyatta University’s Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development. The student will also have the opportunity for a research stay at the University of Copenhagen’s Centre of African Studies and office space at Busara.

Deadline: 2026-07-05 at 12:00 PM East African Time. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF by email to Dr. Eric Kioko and Prof. Ben Jones.