Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Animal Science
The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a specialisation in Animal Science is a degree programme that focuses on animal production, health and management within the broader agricultural science framework. The programme is offered at Egerton University, Kisii University, University of Eldoret, Chuka University, Maseno University, Karatina University, Moi University and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, preparing graduates for careers in animal production, livestock management and agricultural advisory services.
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 119,100 a year at a private one.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 animal science, animal production, animal nutrition, animal breeding, animal health, livestock management, pasture management, animal genetics, reproductive physiology, meat science, dairy science, poultry science, aquaculture, agricultural economics, research methods and farm management. Students develop competencies in animal production and livestock enterprise management.
Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals, field visits to livestock farms, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can manage livestock enterprises, design breeding programmes, formulate animal diets and implement animal health management strategies.
The programme emphasises the critical role of animal science in Kenya's agricultural sector, where livestock contributes significantly to food security, rural livelihoods and economic development. Students learn about animal genetics, nutrition, health management and the commercial aspects of livestock production.
Graduates are equipped to work in livestock farming companies, dairy processing firms, poultry enterprises, agricultural research institutions, county agricultural departments, non-governmental organisations and agricultural consulting firms. They play a critical role in improving livestock productivity and management.
Career opportunities exist in livestock farming companies, dairy and meat processing firms, poultry enterprises, research institutions, county governments, NGOs and consulting firms. Graduates work as animal production officers, farm managers, livestock extension officers, breeding specialists and animal nutrition consultants across the agricultural sector.
What you study
6 subjects- Animal Science
- Animal Production
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Breeding
- Animal Health
- Livestock Management
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Animal Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of animal science, livestock production systems, and their importance in agriculture.
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Structure and function of animal body systems, including digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems.
Animal Nutrition
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Animal Nutrition: Nutritional requirements of animals, feed formulation, and feeding strategies. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Animal Breeding and Genetics: Principles of animal breeding, genetic improvement, and selection methods. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Animal Health Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Animal Health Management: Preventive health measures, disease management, and animal welfare. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Livestock Production
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Livestock Production: Production systems for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Forage and Pasture Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Forage production, pasture management, and grazing systems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment te...
Animal Reproduction
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Animal Reproduction: Reproductive physiology, breeding management, and reproductive technologies. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Animal Products Technology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Processing and quality control of animal products including meat, milk, and eggs.
Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Animal Behaviour and Welfare: Animal behaviour patterns, welfare principles, and ethical considerations. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Poultry Science
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Poultry Science: Specialized production systems for poultry, including broilers and layers. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Animal Research Methods
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Research design and methods for animal science, including experimental design and data analysis.
Specialisations
Poultry Science
Focus on poultry production systems, management, and health. 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.
Animal Nutrition
Focus on feed formulation, animal nutrition, and feeding strategies. 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.
Animal Breeding
Specialization in genetic improvement, breeding programmes, and selection methods. 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 laboratory analysis, participate in livestock management, and engage in animal research.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Critical role in ensuring food security through improved livestock production. | Livestock work can be physically demanding and requires early morning work. |
| Hands-on experience with livestock provides practical skills in animal management. | Animal production faces challenges from diseases, feed costs, and climate variability. |
| Growing demand for animal scientists due to increasing livestock production needs. | — |
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
UoN 371,000/yr; KU 275,400/yr (KUCCPS). MKU 119,100/yr (MKU prospectus).
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
10 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
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Animal Science, Animal Production, Agriculture, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 8 institutionsIncluding University of Eldoret, Chuka University, Kisii University.
Including University of Eldoret, Chuka University, Kisii University.
Including University of Eldoret, Chuka University, Kisii University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsField Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of practical skills in livestock management, animal handling, and production.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on animal science topic, including experiments and written report.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and practical reports throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
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 rolesAnimal Scientist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Conduct animal research, develop improved breeds, and advise on animal production.
Breeding Specialist
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Develop breeding programmes, implement genetic improvement, and manage breeding operations.
Livestock Officer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Provide extension services to livestock farmers, advise on animal production, and implement programmes.
Animal Nutritionist
Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Formulate animal feeds, advise on nutrition, and optimize feeding programmes.
Farm Manager
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Manage livestock farms, oversee animal production, and ensure operational efficiency.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in animal science, livestock production, and animal health across Kenya's livestock 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
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for livestock data management, feed formulation and farm budgeting.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for animal science research and production data analysis.
R
Software
Programming language for genetic analysis and statistical modelling in animal breeding.
FeedFormulator
Software
Feed formulation tools for balancing animal diets and nutrition planning.
Power BI
Software
Business analytics tool for livestock production data visualisation and dashboards.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Livestock production is the leading cause of climate change
While livestock contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, the sector's impact is often overstated. With best practices, livestock can reduce environmental impacts and become more resource-efficient.
Cows compete with humans for food
Cows often graze on land unsuitable for crop production and convert grass into high-quality protein. In mixed farming systems, livestock support crop production through manure and draft power.
Farmers are cruel to their animals
Farmers depend on healthy animals for their livelihood. Animal welfare is essential for productivity. Most farmers care deeply about their animals and invest in their health and well-being.
Natural dewormers are always better than synthetic anthelmintics
Natural dewormers often lack scientific validation for efficacy. Proper use of approved anthelmintics based on veterinary guidance is more effective for parasite control.
More anthelmintic dose is always better
Overdosing anthelmintics can be harmful and contribute to resistance. Following recommended dosages based on animal weight is critical for effective parasite management.
All livestock have parasites and it's normal
While parasites are common, sub-clinical nematodiasis causes significant economic losses. Regular monitoring and integrated parasite management are essential for animal health.