TITLE:
Co-Benefits of University Green Infrastructure and Student Well-Being: Case Study of Kisii University, Kenya
AUTHORS:
Lydiah L. Mbula Kitonga
KEYWORDS:
Green Infrastructure, Green Spaces, Kisii University, Student Well-Being, Mental Wellness
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
10,
2026
ABSTRACT: Green infrastructure (GI) is the combined structure and types of green spaces (GS) which deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits. “Green campuses” have gained prominence as a vital part of sustainability efforts in higher education and well-being. Studies suggest that the prevalence and severity of mental health issues among university students has been increasing over the past decade in most countries. Although university services have tried to address this growing problem, individual-based interventions have limited effects on well-being of a large population. Over the years since, its charter in 2013, Kisii University has developed and expanded the construction of administration, tuition blocks, amphitheaters, library and laboratories and cabro paved paths. This came along with GI improvements around most of these building. With the completion of the administration blocks and amphitheaters, significant GI improvements have been carried out. The objective of the study was to evaluate the opinion of students on these GI improvements with regard to their social and mental well-being. The assessment was carried out in the second semester January to May 2025. A proportionate random survey of 567 students from each of the eight schools of the university, was conducted using questionnaires. The student ages were such that 57.4% were less than 20 years old and 41.3% were between 21 - 25 years old. Responses showed that 52.7% were moderately familiar and 42.9% were very familiar with the concept of green spaces. 75% of the students noted that it was a better environment, 65% felt happier, and 66% used the environment to clear their minds. The students frequently (42.3%) and occasionally (51.1%) noted that they use the landscape to alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety and sadness. With regard to spending time in the greenspaces 47.3% students noted that they always felt mentally refreshed and rejuvenated and 50.4% believe that increased access to these spaces impacts the overall mental health of the student community. In response to the importance of prioritization of preservation and creation of green spaces by institutional planners, 56.9% and 33.6% of the students felt that it was very important and extremely important respectively giving a combined response of 90.5%. The functionality of the landscape would be enhanced by including sitting areas and tables, waste disposal bins, tables, good lighting at night, and be accessibility for those differently enabled students. Therefore, improvement of the green spaces enriches the student experience and support which is in line with Kisii University’s mission of creating a transformative environment that enriches the student experience, for sustainable development.