Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

The Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management is a degree programme that combines agricultural science with business management principles to prepare graduates for the agricultural enterprise sector. The programme is offered at multiple institutions including the Co-operative University of Kenya, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, Kenyatta University, Pwani University, Meru University, Moi University, Maseno University, Tom Mboya University and Kabarak University, preparing graduates for careers in agribusiness management, agricultural trade and enterprise development.

The curriculum covers agricultural economics, agribusiness management, enterprise development, agricultural marketing, supply chain management, farm management, agricultural finance, agricultural policy, food safety, value addition, entrepreneurship, research methods and project management. Students develop competencies in agribusiness planning, financial analysis and enterprise management.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, case studies, field visits to agribusiness enterprises, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can develop business plans, manage agricultural enterprises, analyse market opportunities and implement value addition strategies.

The programme emphasises the commercial transformation of agriculture in Kenya, where agribusiness offers significant opportunities for enterprise development along the entire agricultural value chain. Students learn about market analysis, investment planning, risk management and the integration of technology in agribusiness operations.

Graduates are equipped to work in agricultural companies, agro-processing firms, financial institutions serving agriculture, county agricultural departments, non-governmental organisations and agricultural consulting firms. They play a critical role in developing commercially viable agricultural enterprises.

Career opportunities exist in agricultural companies, agro-processing firms, banks and microfinance institutions, county governments, NGOs and consulting firms. Graduates work as agribusiness managers, enterprise development officers, farm managers, agricultural marketing officers and value chain analysts across the agricultural and business sectors.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 372,000
Private, up to: Ksh 188,700
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

Agricultural Economics
Agribusiness Management
Enterprise Development
Agricultural Marketing
Supply Chain Management
Farm Management
Agricultural Finance
Agricultural Policy
Food Safety
Value Addition

Modules

12 in the programme

Agricultural Economics and Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Economic principles applied to agriculture, supply and demand, and agricultural market theory.
Introduction to Agribusiness Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of agribusiness management, the agricultural sector, and business principles.
Agribusiness Management and Enterprise Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Business management principles, enterprise development and agribusiness planning.
Agricultural Finance and Investment
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Agricultural finance, credit systems, investment appraisal and financial management.
Agricultural Marketing and Supply Chain
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Agricultural Marketing and Supply Chain: Agricultural marketing systems, supply chain management and market analysis. Covers market analysis, consumer behaviour, branding, and promotional strategies.
Farm Management and Production Economics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Farm Management and Production Economics: Farm management principles, production economics and resource allocation. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Agribusiness Entrepreneurship
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship principles, business plan development, and startup management in agribusiness.
Value Addition and Food Safety
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Value addition processes, food safety standards and quality management in agribusiness.
Farm Business Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Management principles for agricultural enterprises, including production planning and resource allocation.
Agricultural Policy and Entrepreneurship
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Agricultural policy frameworks, entrepreneurship development and innovation in agribusiness.
Research Methods and Agribusiness Project
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research Methods and Agribusiness Project: Research design and a project applying agribusiness management principles. Covers quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis, and ...
Agribusiness Finance
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Financial systems in agriculture, including credit, investment, and risk management.

Specialisations

Agribusiness Enterprise Development
Focus on starting and managing agricultural enterprises, business planning and investment analysis. 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.
Agribusiness Finance
Focus on financial management, investment analysis, and agribusiness finance. 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 Marketing
Specialization in marketing strategies, market research, and agricultural product marketing. 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.
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.
Agricultural Supply Chain
Specialization in Agricultural Supply Chain, preparing graduates for careers such as supply-chain-management.
Agricultural Finance
Specialization in Agricultural Finance, preparing graduates for careers such as agricultural-economist.
Agribusiness Management
Specialization in Agribusiness Management, preparing graduates for careers such as agribusiness-manager.
Agri-Entrepreneurship
Specialization in Agri-Entrepreneurship, preparing graduates for careers such as agribusiness-manager.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending agribusiness management lectures, analysing agricultural market data, developing enterprise business plans, visiting agribusiness companies for case studies, and studying agricultural economics and supply chain management principles.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for agribusiness professionals in Kenya's expanding agricultural sector.
Combines business with agriculture, offering unique skill set for agribusiness.
Diverse career opportunities in management, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
Diverse career paths in business, finance and agriculture
Relevant to food security and economic growth

Against it

Agribusiness can be affected by seasonal factors and market volatility.
Starting an agribusiness requires significant capital and carries financial risk.
Some roles may require field work in rural areas

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

Public204k to 372k

204k at Meru University of Science and Technology372k at University of Nairobi

Private109k to 189k

109k at Mount Kenya University189k at Kabarak 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

UoN ~372K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke), KU 275,400/yr (ku.ac.ke). Kabarak ~189K, MKU ~109K private.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. Equity Bank Wings to Fly supports academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Equity Bank Wings to Fly

Scholarships

4 recorded

TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship at Egerton University
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to agriculture, natural resources and food science programmes at Egerton University
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.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities

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

5 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.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and business case analyses throughout the semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on agribusiness management topic.
Business Project Assessments
Project100% of the mark
Evaluation of business plan development, market analysis, and business strategy implementation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at multiple public and private universities across Kenya.

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

8 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.
Agricultural Consultant
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Provide expert advice on agribusiness management, farm operations, and business development.
Agribusiness Manager
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage agribusiness operations, oversee business activities, and ensure profitability.
Financial Analyst
Medium demandKsh 57,000 to Ksh 120,000
Analyze financial performance, prepare budgets, and advise on financial decisions.
Marketing Manager
High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Develop and implement marketing strategies for agricultural products and services.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as agribusiness managers, enterprise development officers, farm managers and agricultural marketing officers in agricultural companies, agro-processing firms, financial institutions and consulting firms.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

R
AnalyticsPrimary
QGIS
Analytics
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for financial analysis, farm budgeting, cost-benefit analysis and enterprise planning.
QuickBooks
SoftwarePrimary
Accounting software for agribusiness financial management, invoicing and bookkeeping.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for market research and agricultural data analysis.
SAP
Software
Enterprise resource planning software for large agribusiness operations.
Power BI
Software
Business analytics tool for agribusiness data visualisation and performance dashboards.
SAP ERP
Software
Enterprise resource planning for agribusiness operations.
SAP Agricultural Contract Management
Erp
Agricultural contract and supply management.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Agribusiness management is just about farming.
The programme covers agricultural economics, enterprise development, marketing, supply chain management, finance and value addition.
Graduates only work on farms.
Graduates work in agro-processing firms, banks, marketing companies, consulting firms, NGOs and county governments.
Agribusiness has limited career prospects.
Agriculture is Kenya's largest economic sector, creating strong demand for agribusiness professionals across the value chain.
Agribusiness is only for students from farming backgrounds.
The programme is open to all students and covers business management skills applicable to any agricultural enterprise.