Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics and Resource Management

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics and Resource Management is a four-year degree programme that applies economic principles to agricultural production and natural resource management. The programme prepares graduates to analyse agricultural markets, manage farm resources, and develop policies for sustainable agricultural development.

The curriculum covers agricultural economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, farm management, agricultural marketing, production economics, natural resource economics, agricultural finance, agricultural policy, econometrics, supply chain management, cooperatives management, environmental economics, and research methods.

Teaching combines lectures, case studies, field surveys, industrial attachment, and a research project. Students develop skills in economic analysis, farm budgeting, resource valuation, market analysis, and policy evaluation. The programme emphasises quantitative methods and sustainable resource management.

Graduates pursue careers as agricultural economists, policy analysts, farm managers, agricultural finance officers, marketing analysts, resource managers, and consultants. Opportunities exist in government ministries, county governments, banks, agricultural companies, research institutions, NGOs, and international organisations.

The programme is offered at Masinde Muliro University, Kibabii University, Maasai Mara University, Rongo University, and University of Kabianga, all public institutions. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in Mathematics and two science subjects. The programme runs for eight semesters.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Annual tuition is approximately KES 275,400 at public universities based on KUCCPS data. HELB loans and government bursaries are available for eligible students.Key SubjectsPrinciples of ManagementFinancial AccountingMicroeconomicsMacroeconomicsBusiness StatisticsMarketing ManagementHuman Resource ManagementBusiness LawOperations ManagementStrategic 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: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Principles of Management
Financial Accounting
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Business Statistics
Marketing Management
Human Resource Management
Business Law
Operations Management
Strategic 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.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
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 business principles, working on case studies, participating in group projects, analysing financial data, and preparing for class presentations.

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

Public307k to 371k

307k 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 307K, 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. Equity Bank Wings to Fly and KCB Foundation offer scholarships for disadvantaged 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
Equity Bank Wings to Fly
Scholarship
Academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds

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). Business programmes may also be accredited by professional bodies like KASNEB or KIM.

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 business analysts, accountants, marketing executives, human resource officers, and entrepreneurs in Kenya's business sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for economic analysis, farm budgeting, and data management.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for agricultural economics research.
EViews
Software
Econometric analysis software for time series and forecasting.
R
Software
Programming language for statistical computing in economic research.
ArcGIS
Software
GIS software for natural resource mapping and analysis.