Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Animal Health, Production and Processing

The Bachelor of Science in Animal Health, Production and Processing is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in animal health, production and processing. The programme falls under the Agriculture & Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Diseases, Parasitology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Epidemiology. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Animal Disease Diagnosis, Animal Health Management, Animal Products Processing, Dairy Technology, Food Safety. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Nutrition, General Microbiology, Parasitology, Animal Diseases. 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 Animal Health and Disease Control, Livestock Production Systems, Meat Science and Processing. 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 Animal Health, Production and Processing pursue careers as Animal Health Officer, Meat Inspector, Processing Plant Supervisor, Food Safety Officer. 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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 324,000
Private, up to: Ksh 178,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 12 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Animal Diseases
Parasitology
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Epidemiology
Meat Science
Dairy Technology
Animal Products Processing
Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Modules

12 in the programme

Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Structure and function of body systems in domestic animals including livestock and poultry.
Animal Nutrition
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of animal nutrition, feed formulation and nutritional requirements of different livestock species.
General Microbiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Microorganisms of veterinary and food safety importance, bacterial and viral pathogens.
Parasitology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Internal and external parasites of livestock, their life cycles, diagnosis and control methods.
Animal Diseases
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Major infectious and non-infectious diseases of livestock, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment.
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Veterinary drugs, their actions, dosage, administration and toxicity in animals.
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of animal breeding, genetic improvement and breeding programmes for livestock.
Epidemiology and Disease Control
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, epidemiological methods and control strategies.
Meat Science and Processing
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Meat science principles, slaughterhouse operations, meat processing and by-product utilisation.
Dairy Technology
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Dairy processing, milk quality, dairy product manufacturing and quality assurance.
Food Safety and Quality Assurance
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Food safety management systems, HACCP, quality control and regulatory compliance in animal product processing.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent research project on an animal health, production or processing topic, culminating in a written report.

Specialisations

Animal Health and Disease Control
Focus on disease diagnosis, prevention, epidemiology and herd health management. 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.
Livestock Production Systems
Specialisation in livestock production management, including dairy, beef, poultry and pig production.
Meat Science and Processing
Focus on meat science, slaughterhouse operations, meat processing and by-product utilisation. 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.
Dairy Technology
Concentration on dairy processing, milk quality, dairy product manufacturing and quality assurance. 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.
Food Safety and Quality Assurance
Focus on food safety standards, HACCP systems, quality control and regulatory compliance in animal product processing.
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 lectures on animal diseases and food safety, conducting laboratory practicals on microbiology and parasitology, visiting livestock farms and processing facilities for field demonstrations, and analysing production and processing data.

The trade offs

In its favour

Unique integration of animal health, production and processing covers the entire livestock value chain.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Processing and food safety skills open career opportunities in the growing food processing industry.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
Offered at JKUAT, a leading agricultural university with strong industry linkages.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
Only available at one university, limiting institutional choice.

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

Public275k to 324k

275k at Kenyatta University324k at University of Nairobi

Private125k to 179k

125k at Mount Kenya University179k at University of Eastern Africa, Baraton

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

UoN:324K/yr. KU/JKUAT:275.4K/yr. MKU:125K/yr. UEAB:178.8K/yr.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships and county government bursaries.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.
TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship at Egerton University
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to agriculture, natural resources and food science programmes at Egerton University

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders in Animal Health, Agriculture, Medical Laboratory Technology or related fields with Credit pass from institutions approved by the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) may also apply. A degree in a Biological Science from a recognised institution may also be considered.

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Practical Examinations
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, laboratory practical assessments and field reports throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination50% of the mark
Comprehensive written and practical examinations covering animal health, production and processing.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum10% of the mark
Supervised attachment with a veterinary department, livestock farm or processing facility, assessed through logbook and written report.
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Independent research project on an animal health, production or processing topic, including field data collection and written report.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Graduates working in veterinary-related roles may register with the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) for professional recognition.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. This programme must be offered by a CUE-accredited university.
Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB)
Professional
Graduates working in veterinary-related roles may register with KVB for professional recognition as animal health technicians.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Graduate 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.
Animal Health Officer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides animal health services, implements disease control programmes and advises farmers in county livestock departments.
Meat Inspector
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 110,000
Conducts meat inspection at abattoirs and slaughterhouses to ensure food safety and compliance with public health standards.
Processing Plant Supervisor
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Supervises operations in meat or dairy processing plants, ensuring quality, safety and efficiency.
Food Safety Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Implements food safety management systems, conducts quality assurance and ensures regulatory compliance in animal product processing.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as animal health officers, production managers, meat inspectors, food safety officers and processing plant supervisors in veterinary departments, meat and dairy processing companies, pharmaceutical firms and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for herd health records, production data and processing quality control.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for livestock research and processing data analysis.
R
Software
Programming language for epidemiological modelling and statistical analysis.
HACCP Software
Software
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point software for food safety management in processing facilities.
QGIS
Software
GIS software for disease mapping, farm planning and spatial analysis.
QuickBooks
Software
Accounting software for livestock processing business management.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This is just another animal health degree.
The programme uniquely integrates animal health, production and processing, covering the entire livestock value chain from farm to fork.
Graduates only work as veterinary assistants.
Graduates work in meat processing companies, dairy firms, pharmaceutical companies, food safety agencies and research institutions across the livestock value chain.
The processing component is just basic butchery.
The processing component covers meat science, dairy technology, food safety, quality assurance, slaughterhouse operations and by-product utilisation.
The programme is available at multiple universities.
Only Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology offers this exact programme in Kenya, as confirmed by KUCCPS.