Bachelor of Science in Agri-Technology and Food Systems
This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in agricultural technology and food systems. It develops expertise in modern farming technologies, food processing, sustainable agriculture, and agribusiness while building technical skills for the evolving agricultural sector.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 86,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 344,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 8 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Aquaculture Technologist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students analyse agricultural systems, design sustainable farming solutions, implement precision agriculture technologies, manage food processing operations, evaluate food safety standards, develop biotechnology applications, apply data analytics in agriculture, and conduct food systems research. They also strengthen analytical thinking, technical innovation, communication, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills.
Kenya's agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy, creating demand for professionals who can integrate technology with farming, improve food security, reduce post-harvest losses, and support sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change.
The programme combines coursework, laboratory sessions, field practice, industrial attachment, and research projects. Students gain hands-on experience with modern agricultural technologies, food processing equipment, and sustainable farming systems.
Graduates pursue careers as agri-technology specialists, food systems analysts, agricultural consultants, food safety officers, precision agriculture experts, and agribusiness managers across technology companies, food processing firms, research institutions, and agricultural enterprises.
The programme is ideal for students interested in agricultural technology, food systems, sustainability, innovation, and improving food security through technological solutions.
What you study
6 subjects- Agri-Technology
- Food Systems
- Precision Agriculture
- Food Processing
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Biotechnology
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Agriculture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of agricultural systems, their role in development, and employment prospects in the agricultural sector.
Introduction to Agro-climatology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Climate patterns affecting agriculture, weather forecasting, and climate adaptation strategies for farming systems.
Introduction to ICT in Agriculture
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Information and communication technologies applied to agriculture, including digital tools, mobile applications, and data management.
Principles of Animal Production
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamentals of livestock production, including breeding, nutrition, health management, and production systems.
Principles of Soil Science
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Soil properties, fertility management, soil conservation, and sustainable soil management practices.
Principles of Agribusiness
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Business principles applied to agricultural enterprises, including financial management, marketing, and value chain analysis.
Food Processing and Preservation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Technologies for processing and preserving agricultural products, including canning, drying, fermentation, and packaging.
Climate Smart Agriculture
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Climate adaptation and mitigation strategies for agricultural systems, including resilient farming practices and technologies.
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Principles of plant breeding, genetic improvement, and biotechnology applications in crop development.
Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
AI applications in agriculture, including machine learning for crop monitoring, disease detection, and yield prediction.
Food Safety and Standards
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Food safety regulations, quality standards, HACCP systems, and certification requirements for food products.
Renewable Energy in Agriculture
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Renewable energy systems for agricultural applications, including solar-powered irrigation, biogas, and energy efficiency.
Specialisations
Precision Agriculture
Focus on GPS-guided equipment, drones, sensors, and data analytics for optimized farming. 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.
Agricultural Biotechnology
Focus on genetic improvement, molecular breeding, and biotechnology applications in agriculture. 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.
Food Technology
Specialization in food processing, preservation, and safety technologies. 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.
A day as a student
Students attend lectures, conduct laboratory experiments, participate in field practice, and engage with agricultural technologies.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Growing demand for agri-technology professionals as Kenya modernizes its agricultural sector. | Rapid technological change requires continuous learning and skill updating. |
| Combines technology with agriculture, offering diverse career opportunities in multiple sectors. | Fieldwork in agricultural settings can be physically demanding and weather-dependent. |
| Hands-on experience with cutting-edge agricultural technologies and food processing equipment. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 303 agriculture coursesAnnual 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
OUK 86K/yr (ouk.ac.ke). Egerton/UoN don't offer this exact course. Private: unverified.
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scholarships
4 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship at Egerton University
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to agriculture, natural resources and food science programmes at Egerton University
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.
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Agriculture, Food Technology, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding The Open University of Kenya.
Including The Open University of Kenya.
Including The Open University of Kenya.
How you are assessed
4 componentsEnd of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and practical reports throughout the semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on agri-technology or food systems, including fieldwork and written report.
Practical Laboratory Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of laboratory skills in food processing and agricultural technology applications.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesAgri-Technology Specialist
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Implement and manage agricultural technologies, including precision farming systems, IoT devices, and digital agriculture solutions.
Agricultural Consultant
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 140,000
Provide expert advice on agricultural technologies, farming practices, and food systems to farmers and organizations.
Food Systems Analyst
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 110,000
Analyze food supply chains, identify inefficiencies, and develop solutions for sustainable food systems.
Food Safety Officer
Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 95,000
Ensure food safety standards, conduct inspections, and implement quality control systems in food processing.
Precision Agriculture Expert
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Specialize in precision farming technologies, including GPS-guided equipment, drones, and sensor-based agriculture.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in agricultural technology, food processing, and sustainable food systems across Kenya's growing agri-tech sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary OfficerAgriculture7Low exposure
- Farm Insurance AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
- Value Chain AnalystAgriculture12Low exposure
- Agricultural EconomistAgriculture13Low exposure
- Agroecological Farming SpecialistAgriculture13Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
Agricultural data management and analysis
SPSS
Statistical analysisPrimary
Statistical analysis for agricultural research
GIS Software
Spatial analysis
Geographic information systems for precision agriculture
R
Statistical computing
Statistical computing for agricultural data
Farm Management Software
Farm operations
Digital farm management and crop monitoring tools
Python
Programming
Data analysis for agri-tech applications
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Precision agriculture is only for large farms
Precision agriculture tools and technologies can be scaled down for smaller operations, offering substantial benefits through efficient resource management regardless of farm size.
Agricultural technology is too expensive with slow return on investment
While initial costs exist, precision agriculture reduces input waste (fertilizers, pesticides, water) and increases yields, often offsetting investment within 2-3 years through operational savings.
Agri-technology systems are too complex for average farmers
Modern agricultural technology increasingly features user-friendly interfaces, intuitive software, and comprehensive support, making adoption accessible even with limited technical background.
Precision agriculture automatically solves environmental problems
Precision agriculture is a tool for efficiency, not a standalone solution. It must be combined with regenerative practices and soil health management for genuine environmental benefits.
Food technology and processing is only about industrial manufacturing
Food technology spans from small-scale processing units to large industries, with applications in local value addition, preservation, and safety across all scales of operation.