Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering
This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in agricultural engineering. It develops expertise in farm machinery, irrigation systems, soil and water engineering, agricultural structures, and post-harvest technology while building engineering skills for the agricultural sector.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 442,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,768,000 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 3 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 systems, design irrigation schemes, develop farm machinery, implement soil conservation engineering, manage agricultural structures, evaluate energy systems, conduct engineering research, and apply engineering principles to agriculture. They also strengthen analytical thinking, engineering design, technical skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Kenya's agricultural sector requires engineering solutions to improve productivity, reduce labor, and ensure sustainable resource use, creating demand for professionals who can design and implement agricultural technologies, manage irrigation systems, and support mechanization.
The programme combines coursework, laboratory sessions, engineering design projects, field practice, and research. Students gain hands-on experience through machinery workshops, irrigation projects, and farm engineering initiatives.
Graduates pursue careers as agricultural engineers, irrigation engineers, farm machinery specialists, agricultural consultants, research engineers, and project managers across government agencies, engineering firms, research institutions, and agricultural enterprises.
The programme is ideal for students interested in engineering, agriculture, technology, mechanization, and applying engineering solutions to agricultural challenges. The programme emphasises practical skills through industrial attachments, research projects, and community engagement that prepare graduates for real-world challenges.
What you study
6 subjects- Agricultural Engineering
- Farm Machinery
- Irrigation Engineering
- Soil and Water Engineering
- Agricultural Structures
- Post-Harvest Technology
Modules
12 in the programmeFoundations 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.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Introduction to Agricultural Engineering
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of agricultural engineering, its role in agriculture, and engineering principles.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Farm Machinery and Power
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Farm Machinery and Power: Design, selection, and operation of farm machinery and power systems. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.
Renewable Energy for Agriculture
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Renewable energy systems for agricultural applications, including solar and biomass.
Agricultural Surveying
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Agricultural Surveying: Surveying techniques for agricultural land, including mapping and measurement. Covers measurement techniques, data analysis, and land information systems.
Specialisations
Soil and Water Engineering
Specialization in irrigation, drainage, and soil conservation engineering. 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.
Farm Power and Machinery
Focus on farm machinery design, power systems, and agricultural mechanization. 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 Processing
Focus on post-harvest processing technologies and agricultural process engineering. 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.
A day as a student
Students attend lectures, conduct engineering design work, participate in machinery workshops, and engage in field engineering projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Growing demand for agricultural engineers due to mechanization and technology adoption. | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
| Combines engineering with agriculture, offering unique skill set for agricultural development. | Engineering programmes are rigorous with heavy workload and complex technical content. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | Fieldwork can be physically demanding and requires working in various conditions. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering 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
Egerton 373,540/yr; UoN Biosystems Eng 442,000/yr (KUCCPS 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
5 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.
Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes
KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities
ScholarshipKenyan
Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering
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
12 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
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, South Eastern Kenya University, Egerton University.
Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, South Eastern Kenya University, Egerton University.
Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, South Eastern Kenya University, Egerton University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on agricultural engineering topic.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and engineering design projects throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Engineering Design Projects
Project100% of the mark
Evaluation of engineering design skills, project implementation, and technical reports.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Engineers Board of Kenya
ProfessionalRequired
Professional registration required for engineering practice in Kenya.
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 Commission for University Education (CUE) and Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
8 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.
Agricultural Consultant
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Provide engineering consulting services to agricultural enterprises and projects.
Farm Machinery Specialist
High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Specialize in farm machinery selection, maintenance, and mechanization strategies.
Agricultural Engineer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 140,000
Design and implement engineering solutions for agricultural systems and machinery.
Irrigation Engineer
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Design and manage irrigation systems, ensure water efficiency, and support agricultural production.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in agricultural engineering, irrigation systems, and farm mechanization 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
- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Farm Insurance AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
- Value Chain AnalystAgriculture12Low exposure
- Agricultural EconomistAgriculture13Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Calibration Instruments
EquipmentPrimary
Pressure calibrators, temperature calibrators, and signal generators for instrument calibration
Oscilloscope and Multimeter
EquipmentPrimary
Electronic test instruments for circuit analysis, signal measurement, and fault diagnosis
SCADA and HMI Software
Software
Supervisory control and data acquisition software for process monitoring and control
AutoCAD
SoftwarePrimary
CAD software for designing agricultural structures and irrigation systems.
ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
GIS software for land analysis and farm system planning.
MATLAB
Software
Numerical computing software for engineering simulations and analysis.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for engineering calculations and project data management.
SolidWorks
Software
3D CAD software for designing farm machinery and equipment.
Megger Insulation Tester
TestingPrimary
For testing insulation resistance in electrical installations
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
EquipmentPrimary
Industrial computers for automating manufacturing processes, including Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Mitsubishi PLCs
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Mechanization leads to unemployment
Evidence shows mechanization creates new employment opportunities in machinery services, maintenance, processing, and related industries. While it changes labor requirements, it often increases productivity and can create new jobs.
Agricultural engineering is all about farming
Agricultural engineering combines advanced technology to increase farming efficiency, create machinery, upgrade irrigation systems, and encourage eco-friendly practices. It encompasses mechanical, civil, electrical, and environmental engineering applied to agriculture.
Agricultural engineering is only for rural development
Agricultural engineering affects urban and international markets through vertical farming, hydroponics, food processing companies, and agri-tech firms. It's involved in global food security and innovative agricultural technologies.
Agricultural engineering does not use technological innovations
Modern agricultural engineering employs the latest technology including Artificial Intelligence, Geographic Information Systems, drones, robots, and sensor farming. It's pioneering the digital revolution in agriculture.
Smallholder farmers cannot benefit from mechanization
Smallholder farmers can benefit from mechanization through rental services, appropriate scale machinery, and cooperative ownership. Mechanization can reduce labor drudgery and increase productivity for farms of all sizes.
Mechanization only requires importing large machinery
Successful mechanization requires appropriate technology selection, local adaptation, service provision, maintenance systems, and institutional support rather than just importing large equipment.