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Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Marketing

The Bachelor Of Science In Agricultural Economics And Marketing is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in agricultural economics and marketing. The programme falls under the Agriculture & Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 372,000
Ksh 1,488,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 372,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,488,000 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 8 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, Agricultural Marketing, Market Research, Price Analysis, Agribusiness, Economic Policy. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advanced Econometrics, Advanced Statistics for Agricultural Research, Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, Agribusiness Finance and Accounting, Agribusiness Information Systems. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Agribusiness Marketing, Agricultural Trade, Consumer Behaviour in Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Strategy, Principles of Agricultural Economics. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Agricultural Marketing, Market Research, Agricultural Economics. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor Of Science In Agricultural Economics And Marketing pursue careers as Agricultural Economist, Market Analyst, Agribusiness Manager, Price Analyst. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

What you study

6 subjects
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agricultural Marketing
  • Market Research
  • Price Analysis
  • Agribusiness
  • Economic Policy

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Principles of Agricultural Economics

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Fundamental economic principles applied to agriculture, including supply, demand, and market analysis.

  • Agricultural Marketing

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Principles of agricultural marketing, including marketing functions and market structures.

  • Market Research Methods

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Methods for conducting market research, including surveys, data collection, and analysis.

  • Agricultural Price Analysis

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Price determination in agricultural markets, price analysis, and pricing strategies.

  • Agricultural Marketing Strategy

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Agricultural Marketing Strategy: Development of marketing strategies for agricultural products and services. Covers market analysis, consumer behaviour, branding, and promotional strategies.

  • Agribusiness Marketing

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Agribusiness Marketing: Marketing principles applied to agribusiness, including value chain marketing. Covers market analysis, consumer behaviour, branding, and promotional strategies.

  • Consumer Behaviour in Agriculture

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Understanding consumer behaviour in agricultural markets and food purchasing decisions.

  • Agricultural Trade

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Agricultural Trade: International agricultural trade, trade policies, and market access. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Digital Marketing for Agriculture

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Digital marketing strategies for agricultural products, including social media and e-commerce.

  • Agricultural Market Development

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Agricultural Market Development: Strategies for developing agricultural markets and improving market access. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Agricultural Policy and Marketing

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Agricultural Policy and Marketing: Analysis of agricultural policies and their impact on marketing and trade. Covers market analysis, consumer behaviour, branding, and promotional strategies.

  • Marketing Research Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Marketing Research Project: Applied marketing research project on agricultural marketing topic. Covers market analysis, consumer behaviour, branding, and promotional strategies.

Specialisations

  • Agricultural Marketing

    Focus on 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.

  • Market Research

    Focus on market research methods, consumer behaviour, and market 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 Economics

    Specialization in economic analysis, policy, and price analysis for 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.

  • 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 market research, participate in marketing projects, and engage in economic analysis.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Combines economics with marketing, offering diverse career opportunities in both fields.Agricultural markets can be volatile due to seasonal factors and price fluctuations.
Growing demand for marketing professionals in Kenya's expanding agricultural sector.Marketing can be competitive with pressure to meet sales targets.
Strong analytical skills developed through economic analysis and market research.—

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
Public326k to 372k
326k at Egerton University372k at University of Nairobi

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

Closest: Ag Economics at UoN ~372K/yr, Egerton ~326K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke, eafinder). Private: null.

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

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

    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

13 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSEminimum entry
Alternative entry

Diploma holders in Agricultural Economics, Marketing, Agribusiness, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

When it next starts

Taught at 8 institutions
January 20278 institutions

Including The Co-operative University of Kenya, University of Eldoret, Moi University.

May 20278 institutions

Including The Co-operative University of Kenya, University of Eldoret, Moi University.

September 20278 institutions

Including The Co-operative University of Kenya, University of Eldoret, Moi University.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests, assignments, and market analysis projects throughout the semester.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam70% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.

  • Marketing Project Assessments

    Project100% of the mark

    Evaluation of marketing plan development, market research, and campaign implementation.

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Independent research project on agricultural economics or marketing topic.

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 roles

  • Agricultural Economist

    High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000

    Conduct economic analysis of agricultural systems, advise on policy, and analyze market trends.

  • Market Analyst

    High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Analyze market trends, conduct market research, and provide market insights.

  • Agribusiness Manager

    High demandKsh 57,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Manage agribusiness operations, oversee marketing, and ensure business profitability.

  • Price Analyst

    Medium demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000

    Analyze price trends, conduct price analysis, and advise on pricing strategies.

  • Marketing Manager

    High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Develop and implement marketing strategies, manage marketing campaigns, and drive market growth.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in agricultural economics, marketing, and market analysis across Kenya's agricultural sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Google Earth

    Gis

  • Microsoft Excel

    SpreadsheetPrimary

  • PlantVillage Nuru

    Agriculture

  • QGIS

    GisPrimary

  • R

    Analytics

  • ChatGPT / Claude

    Ai

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Agriculture has no future as a career

    Agriculture offers diverse and growing career opportunities in economics, marketing, technology, and management. The sector is evolving with innovation and increasing demand for professionals.

  • Organic certification is too complicated and not worth it

    Organic certification provides market access and premium prices. While it requires compliance, many farmers successfully navigate the process and benefit from certification.

  • Farmers don't understand marketing

    Modern farmers are sophisticated marketers who understand consumer preferences, brand building, and market dynamics. They effectively communicate their stories to consumers.

  • Agricultural marketing is simple

    Agricultural marketing is complex due to perishability, seasonality, price volatility, and diverse market channels. It requires sophisticated analysis and strategic planning.

  • Market research is only for large corporations

    Market research is valuable for businesses of all sizes. Small agricultural enterprises benefit from understanding their markets, customers, and competition.

  • Price analysis is just looking at current prices

    Price analysis involves understanding supply and demand factors, seasonal patterns, policy impacts, and global market dynamics. It requires comprehensive economic analysis.

Further reading

Read next