Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management and Enterprise Development
The Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management and Enterprise Development is a degree programme that combines agricultural science with business management and entrepreneurship to prepare graduates for the agricultural enterprise sector. The programme is offered at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, preparing graduates for careers in agribusiness management, enterprise development, agricultural marketing and value chain management.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 275,400 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,101,600 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 188,700 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 11 institutions.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
The curriculum covers agricultural economics, agribusiness management, enterprise development, agricultural marketing, supply chain management, farm management, agricultural finance, agricultural policy, value addition, entrepreneurship, innovation, research methods and project management. Students develop competencies in business planning, financial analysis and enterprise development.
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.
What you study
10 subjects- Agricultural Economics
- Agribusiness Management
- Enterprise Development
- Agricultural Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- Farm Management
- Agricultural Finance
- Agricultural Policy
- Value Addition
- Entrepreneurship
Modules
12 in the programmeAgricultural Economics and Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Economic principles applied to agriculture, supply and demand, and agricultural market theory.
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.
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.
Value Addition and Entrepreneurship
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Value addition processes, entrepreneurship development and innovation in agribusiness.
Value Addition and Food Safety
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Value addition processes, food safety standards and quality management in agribusiness.
Research Methods and Enterprise Project
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design and a project applying agribusiness enterprise development principles.
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 design and a project applying agribusiness management and enterprise development principles.
Agricultural Policy and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Agricultural Policy and Innovation: Agricultural policy frameworks, innovation management and technology adoption. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business 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.
Agricultural Marketing and Trade
Specialisation in agricultural marketing, domestic and international trade, and value chain management.
Farm Management
Focus on commercial farm operations, production planning and agricultural resource management. 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 Finance and Investment
Specialisation in agricultural lending, investment appraisal and financial management of agribusiness.
Agricultural Marketing and Supply Chain
Specialisation in agricultural marketing, distribution systems and value chain management. 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.
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 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | 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 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
JKUAT ~225K/yr (jkuat.ac.ke), SEKU 275,400/yr (educationnewshub). Kabarak ~189K, MKU ~109K.
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 recordedHigher 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
Scholarships you could apply for
13 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
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.
When it next starts
Taught at 11 institutionsIncluding Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Murang'a University of Technology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Murang'a University of Technology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Murang'a University of Technology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
How you are assessed
2 componentsContinuous 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
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at JKUAT under the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesGraduate 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 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- 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
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.
Business Model Canvas
Planning
Strategic management tool for developing and documenting business models.
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.
Enterprise development is only about starting businesses.
Enterprise development covers business planning, investment analysis, innovation management and value chain development.