Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management and Trade
This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in agribusiness management and trade. It develops expertise in business management, international trade, export marketing, trade policy, and supply chain management while building business and trade skills for the agricultural sector.
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.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. 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 9 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
Students analyse agricultural trade patterns, design trade strategies, manage export operations, evaluate trade policies, implement supply chain solutions, develop market access plans, assess trade opportunities, and conduct trade research. They also strengthen analytical thinking, business skills, communication, teamwork, and international trade knowledge.
Kenya's agricultural sector requires effective trade management to access international markets, creating demand for professionals who can manage agricultural trade, develop export strategies, ensure market access, and support the internationalization of Kenyan agriculture.
The programme combines coursework, case studies, trade research, industrial attachment, and trade projects. Students gain hands-on experience through trade internships, export market analysis, and international trade initiatives.
Graduates pursue careers as trade managers, export managers, trade analysts, supply chain managers, international trade specialists, and trade policy advisors across agricultural enterprises, export companies, government agencies, and international organizations.
The programme is ideal for students interested in international trade, business management, agriculture, export marketing, and improving market access for agricultural products.
What you study
6 subjects- Agribusiness Management
- International Trade
- Export Marketing
- Trade Policy
- Supply Chain Management
- Market Access
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Agribusiness Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of agribusiness management, the agricultural sector, and business principles.
International Agricultural Trade
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of international trade, including trade theories and trade patterns in agriculture.
Export Marketing
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Marketing strategies for export markets, including market entry and export promotion.
Trade Policy and Regulations
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Trade Policy and Regulations: Trade policies, regulations, and agreements affecting agricultural trade. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Supply Chain Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Supply chain management for agricultural trade, including logistics and distribution.
Market Access and Development
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Strategies for accessing international markets and developing export opportunities.
Agricultural Trade Finance
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Financial instruments and mechanisms for agricultural trade, including trade finance and risk management.
Export Documentation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Documentation requirements for agricultural exports, including customs and certification.
Trade Analysis
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Trade Analysis: Methods for analyzing trade data, market trends, and trade opportunities. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Regional and Global Trade
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Regional trade agreements, global trade organizations, and their impact on agriculture.
Quality Standards for Trade
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
International quality standards, certification requirements, and compliance for agricultural exports.
Agribusiness Trade Research Methods
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Research methods for agricultural trade, including market research and trade analysis.
Specialisations
Export Management
Focus on export operations, market entry strategies, and export promotion. 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.
Supply Chain Management
Focus on logistics, distribution, and supply chain optimization for agricultural trade. 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.
Trade Policy
Specialization in trade policy analysis, regulations, and international trade agreements. 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 trade research, participate in export projects, and engage in international trade activities.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Growing demand for trade professionals as Kenya expands agricultural exports. | International trade involves complex regulations and compliance requirements. |
| Combines business with international trade, offering unique skill set for global markets. | Trade can be affected by global economic conditions and political factors. |
| Diverse career opportunities in export companies, government, and international organizations. | — |
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
KU 275,400/yr, Pwani 275,400/yr (ku.ac.ke, educationnewshub). 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 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
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
Scholarships you could apply for
8 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
- 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
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moi University Merit Scholarship
Before semester startsPartialMoi University
50% tuition waiver
- 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 Agribusiness, International Trade, Business Management, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 9 institutionsIncluding Machakos University, Maseno University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
Including Machakos University, Maseno University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
Including Machakos University, Maseno University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and trade case analyses throughout the semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on agricultural trade topic.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Trade Project Assessments
Project100% of the mark
Evaluation of trade plan development, market analysis, and export strategy implementation.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
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 rolesTrade Manager
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 140,000
Manage agricultural trade operations, oversee export activities, and ensure trade compliance.
Export Manager
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manage export operations, develop export strategies, and facilitate market access.
Trade Analyst
Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Analyze trade patterns, conduct market research, and provide trade insights.
Supply Chain Manager
High demandKsh 62,000 to Ksh 135,000
Manage supply chains for agricultural trade, including logistics and distribution.
International Trade Specialist
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Specialize in international trade regulations, negotiations, and trade policy.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in agribusiness trade, export management, and international trade across Kenya's agricultural 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
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Google Earth
Gis
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
R
Analytics
QGIS
GisPrimary
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Agricultural trade liberalization always benefits developing countries
Trade liberalization effects vary significantly across countries and sectors. While it can create opportunities, it also poses challenges including competition for domestic producers and adjustment costs. The impact depends on specific country conditions, competitiveness, and policy frameworks.
Exporting is only for large agricultural enterprises
Small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises can successfully export through cooperatives, aggregators, and value addition. Market access strategies can be tailored to different scales of production.
Trade agreements automatically guarantee market access
Trade agreements reduce barriers but don't guarantee access. Meeting quality standards, certification requirements, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and building buyer relationships are essential for actual market entry.
Agricultural trade is only about commodities
Modern agricultural trade increasingly involves processed and high-value products. Trade in processed agricultural products has been expanding faster than basic primary products like cereals.
Protectionism helps domestic agriculture
While protectionism may shield domestic producers in the short term, it often leads to inefficiencies, higher consumer prices, and reduced competitiveness. Open trade with appropriate policies can drive innovation and productivity.
Trade is the primary cause of food insecurity
Trade plays a fundamental role in global food security by helping meet temporary food deficits from world markets. Food insecurity is more often caused by poverty, distribution issues, and domestic production challenges rather than trade itself.