Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Extension Education
The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Extension Education is a degree programme that combines agricultural extension services with education principles to prepare graduates for agricultural training and advisory roles. The programme is offered at the University of Eldoret, preparing graduates for careers in agricultural extension education, farmer training, agricultural advisory services and rural development.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 371,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,484,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 188,100 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 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
The curriculum covers agricultural extension, extension education, crop production, animal husbandry, soil science, agricultural communication, adult learning, curriculum development, teaching methods, rural sociology, community development, technology transfer, research methods and project management. Students develop competencies in extension education and agricultural advisory services.
Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, field visits to farming communities, extension teaching practicals, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can deliver extension education, train farmers, facilitate agricultural programmes and promote technology adoption in rural communities.
The programme emphasises the critical role of extension education in transforming Kenya's agricultural sector, where effective farmer training and advisory services are essential for productivity improvement. Students learn about adult learning principles, communication strategies, participatory approaches and the integration of technology in extension delivery.
Graduates are equipped to work in county agricultural departments, agricultural training institutions, non-governmental organisations, agricultural research institutions, community-based organisations and international development agencies. They play a critical role in farmer education and technology transfer.
Career opportunities exist in county governments, agricultural training institutions, NGOs, research institutions, community-based organisations and development agencies. Graduates work as extension education officers, agricultural trainers, advisory officers, community development specialists and project coordinators across the agricultural and education sectors.
What you study
10 subjects- Agricultural Extension
- Extension Education
- Crop Production
- Animal Husbandry
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Communication
- Adult Learning
- Curriculum Development
- Teaching Methods
- Research Methods
Modules
12 in the programmeAgricultural Extension Principles and Communication
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Extension education principles, communication strategies and adult learning methods.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
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.
Crop Production and Animal Husbandry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of crop production, animal husbandry and agricultural production systems.
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.
Rural Sociology and Community Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Rural sociology, community structures, participatory approaches and development planning.
Soil Science and Plant Pathology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Soil Science and Plant Pathology: Soil properties, soil management, plant diseases and pest management. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Curriculum Development and Teaching Methods
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Curriculum design, teaching methods, instructional materials and assessment in extension education.
Technology Transfer and Innovation in Agriculture
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Technology transfer mechanisms, innovation adoption and agricultural innovation systems.
Agricultural Economics and Policy
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Agricultural economics principles, policy analysis and agricultural development frameworks.
Research Methods and Extension Education Project
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design, data collection and a project applying extension education principles.
Specialisations
Extension Education and Farmer Training
Focus on adult learning, curriculum development, teaching methods and farmer training programme design.
Agricultural Communication and ICT in Extension
Specialisation in agricultural communication, digital extension tools and ICT-enabled advisory services.
Rural Development and Community Development
Focus on rural livelihoods, community participation, participatory rural appraisal and development planning.
Agricultural Technology Transfer
Specialisation in technology transfer mechanisms, innovation adoption and agricultural innovation systems.
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 extension education lectures, developing farmer training materials, practising teaching methods in agricultural topics, studying rural sociology and conducting field visits to farming communities.
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
Egerton 281,740/yr; UoN 371,000/yr (KUCCPS). Kabarak 188,100/yr (Kabarak fee structure).
Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. DAAD offers scholarships for agricultural and education students.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
DAAD Scholarship
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.
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
TSC Teacher Training Support
BursaryKenyan
Teachers and trainee teachers in recognised institutions
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
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / 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
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 9 institutionsIncluding Karatina University, Moi University, University of Eldoret.
Including Karatina University, Moi University, University of Eldoret.
Including Karatina University, Moi University, University of Eldoret.
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 the University of Eldoret under the School of Agriculture and Biotechnology.
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 extension education officers, agricultural trainers, advisory officers and community development specialists in county governments, training institutions, NGOs and development agencies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary OfficerAgriculture7Low exposure
- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Farm Insurance AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for extension data management, training planning and project budgeting.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for extension education research and impact assessment.
PowerPoint
Software
Presentation tool for farmer training and extension education sessions.
QGIS
Software
GIS software for agricultural mapping and extension service planning.
KoboToolbox
Software
Mobile data collection tool for field surveys and extension needs assessment.
ArcGIS
Software
GIS software for agricultural land mapping and analysis.
Microsoft PowerPoint
SoftwarePrimary
Presentation software for extension education and farmer training.
Google Classroom
Software
Online learning platform for agricultural education delivery.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Agricultural extension education is just about teaching farming.
The programme covers adult learning, curriculum development, communication strategies, rural sociology and technology transfer.
Graduates only work as extension officers.
Graduates work in county governments, agricultural training institutions, NGOs, research institutions and development agencies.
Extension education is outdated in the digital age.
Extension education is evolving with digital tools, e-learning platforms and ICT-enabled advisory services.
The programme is only for students from farming backgrounds.
The programme is open to all students and covers education principles applicable to any agricultural training context.