Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Biotechnology

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Biotechnology is a four-year degree programme that applies biotechnology tools to improve agricultural productivity and food security. The programme combines molecular biology with agricultural science to develop innovative solutions for crop and livestock improvement.

The curriculum covers plant biotechnology, animal biotechnology, plant breeding, genetics, molecular biology, tissue culture, microbiology, biochemistry, plant pathology, crop science, animal science, soil science, biostatistics, biosafety regulations, and research methods.

Teaching combines lectures, laboratory practicals, greenhouse sessions, field trials, industrial attachment, and a research project. Students develop skills in genetic manipulation, tissue culture, molecular diagnostics, and plant transformation. The programme emphasises biosafety and regulatory compliance.

Graduates pursue careers as biotechnologists, plant breeders, research scientists, laboratory managers, biosafety officers, agricultural consultants, and quality control specialists. Opportunities exist in KALRO, research institutions, seed companies, agricultural biotechnology firms, universities, and government regulatory bodies.

The programme is offered at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, Masinde Muliro University, Kibabii University, University of Eldoret, and Moi University, all public institutions. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in Biology and Chemistry. The programme runs for eight semesters.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Annual tuition is approximately KES 244,800 at Kibabii University and KES 275,400 at other public universities based on KUCCPS data. HELB loans and government bursaries are available for eligible students.Key SubjectsProgramming FundamentalsData Structures and AlgorithmsDatabase SystemsComputer NetworksSoftware EngineeringWeb DevelopmentOperating SystemsComputer ArchitectureInformation SecurityArtificial IntelligenceSpecializationsGeneral 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 281,350
Private, up to: Ksh 105,000
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Programming Fundamentals
Data Structures and Algorithms
Database Systems
Computer Networks
Software Engineering
Web Development
Operating Systems
Computer Architecture
Information Security
Artificial Intelligence

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 programming lectures, working on coding assignments in computer labs, participating in hackathons, debugging code, and collaborating on software development projects.

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

Public245k to 281k

245k at Kenyatta University281k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 105k

105k at Mount Kenya University105k at Mount Kenya University

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

KU 245K (ku.ac.ke). UoN 281K (educationnewshub). MKU 105K. Others unverified.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. Safaricom Academy and Google Africa offer scholarships for outstanding computing 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). Computing programmes may also be aligned with IEEE and ACM curricular standards.

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 software developers, systems analysts, network administrators, data analysts, and IT consultants in Kenya's growing digital economy.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

BLAST
SoftwarePrimary
Bioinformatics tool for comparing biological sequences and genetic analysis.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for biotechnology research data.
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for experimental data analysis and reporting.
R
Software
Programming language for statistical computing in biotechnology research.
Geneious
Software
Bioinformatics software for molecular biology and sequence analysis.