Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Human Ecology Extension

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Human Ecology Extension is a four-year degree programme that combines agricultural science with human ecology and extension services. The programme trains professionals to deliver agricultural and household ecology advisory services to rural communities.

The curriculum covers agricultural extension, human ecology, agronomy, soil science, animal science, crop production, livestock husbandry, food science, family resource management, rural development, community development, nutrition education, communication skills, agricultural economics, and research methods.

Teaching combines lectures, laboratory practicals, field demonstrations, community engagement, industrial attachment, and a research project. Students develop skills in extension delivery, community mobilisation, household resource management, and agricultural advisory services. The programme emphasises sustainable agriculture and improved rural livelihoods.

Graduates pursue careers as extension officers, community development workers, agricultural consultants, rural development officers, and home economics advisors. Opportunities exist in county governments, Ministry of Agriculture, NGOs, agricultural companies, cooperatives, and international development organisations.

The programme is offered at Egerton University, a public university in Nakuru County. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in Biology and any two of Chemistry, Agriculture, Geography, or Physics. The programme runs for eight semesters with September and January intakes.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Annual tuition is approximately KES 276,740 at Egerton University based on KUCCPS data. HELB loans and government bursaries are available for eligible students.Key SubjectsPrinciples of Crop ProductionAnimal HusbandrySoil ScienceAgricultural EconomicsPlant PathologyAgricultural ExtensionAgricultural BiotechnologyFood ScienceAgricultural EngineeringFarm ManagementSpecializationsGeneral PracticeBroad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field.Research and AnalysisFocus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.General PracticeBroad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field.Research and AnalysisFocus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 371,000
Private, up to: Ksh 178,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Principles of Crop Production
Animal Husbandry
Soil Science
Agricultural Economics
Plant Pathology
Agricultural Extension
Agricultural Biotechnology
Food Science
Agricultural Engineering
Farm Management

Modules

8 in the programme

Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.

Specialisations

General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on agricultural science, conducting field experiments, working in agricultural laboratories, participating in farm practicals, and visiting agricultural research stations.

The trade offs

In its favour

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 303 agriculture courses

Public277k to 371k

277k at Egerton University371k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 179k

105k at Mount Kenya University179k at University of Eastern Africa, Baraton

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Egerton 277K, UoN 371K (educationnewshub/uonbi.ac.ke). UEAB 179K, MKU 105K.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. AGRA and FAO offer scholarships for agriculture students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
AGRA Scholarship
Scholarship
Agriculture students in African universities

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship at Egerton University
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to agriculture, natural resources and food science programmes at Egerton University

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.

How you are assessed

2 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Veterinary programmes are also regulated by the Kenya Veterinary Board.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as agricultural officers, farm managers, extension officers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, and research assistants in Kenya's agricultural sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for nutrition and agricultural data analysis.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for human ecology research data.
Microsoft PowerPoint
SoftwarePrimary
Presentation software for extension education and community training.
ArcGIS
Software
GIS software for community resource mapping and analysis.
Google Classroom
Software
Online learning platform for extension education delivery.