Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Animal Production and Processing

The Bachelor of Science in Animal Production and Processing is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in animal 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 Production, Animal Health, Food Processing, Quality Control, Livestock Management, Food Safety. 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 Animal Nutrition, Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Health Management, Livestock Production Systems, Food Safety and Hygiene. 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 Dairy Technology, Quality Control, Meat Science. 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 Production and Processing pursue careers as Processing Manager, Quality Control Officer, Animal Production Specialist, Food Technologist. 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: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 8 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Animal Production
Animal Health
Food Processing
Quality Control
Livestock Management
Food Safety

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Animal Production
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of animal production systems, livestock industry, and production principles.
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 Systems
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Livestock Production Systems: Production systems for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Animal Products Processing
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Animal Products Processing: Processing technologies for meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Food Quality Control
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Food Quality Control: Quality control systems, testing methods, and standards for animal products. Covers quality standards, inspection methods, and continuous improvement processes.
Food Safety and Hygiene
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Food Safety and Hygiene: Food safety principles, hygiene practices, and HACCP systems. Covers safety regulations, risk assessment, and workplace hazard management.
Dairy Technology
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Dairy processing, milk products, and dairy technology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, ...
Meat Science and Technology
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Meat processing, meat products, and meat technology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, co...
Animal Production and Processing Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Animal Production and Processing Project: Independent project on animal production or processing topic. Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.

Specialisations

Dairy Technology
Focus on dairy processing, milk products, and dairy technology. 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.
Quality Control
Focus on quality control systems, food safety, and product standards. 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.
Meat Science
Specialization in meat processing, meat products, and meat technology. 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 laboratory analysis, participate in livestock management, and engage in processing operations.

The trade offs

In its favour

Critical role in ensuring food security through improved livestock production and processing.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Hands-on experience with both livestock management and food processing.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
Growing demand for professionals in the livestock value chain.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
Processing work can be physically demanding and requires strict hygiene standards.

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

Private109k to 179k

109k 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 Sch II:324K/yr. KU:275.4K/yr. MKU:109.1K/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.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
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 Science, Animal Production, Food Technology, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

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
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.
Field Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of practical skills in livestock management and processing operations.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on animal production or processing topic.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Masinde Muliro University of Science 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.

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.
Processing Manager
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manage processing operations, ensure efficiency, and maintain product quality.
Quality Control Officer
Medium demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Ensure quality control, conduct testing, and maintain food safety standards.
Animal Production Specialist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage livestock production, implement production systems, and improve productivity.
Food Technologist
High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Develop processing technologies, ensure product quality, and innovate in food processing.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in animal production, food processing, and quality control across Kenya's livestock sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Google Earth
Gis
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for animal production research data.
QuickBooks
Software
Accounting software for processing business financial management.
HACCP Software
Software
Food safety management software for meat and dairy processing.
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Animal Production and Processing is the same as Animal Science.
This programme specifically integrates livestock production with animal product processing, covering meat science, dairy technology and food safety.
Graduates only work on farms.
Graduates work in meat processing companies, dairy firms, food safety agencies, research institutions and regulatory bodies across the livestock value chain.
The processing component is basic butchery.
The processing component covers meat science, dairy technology, food safety management, quality assurance and slaughterhouse operations.
The programme is available at multiple universities.
Only Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology offers this exact programme in Kenya, as confirmed by KUCCPS.
Career opportunities are limited to rural areas.
Graduates work in processing plants, regulatory agencies and research institutions in both urban and rural settings.
The programme does not cover food safety.
Food safety, quality assurance and regulatory compliance are core components of the curriculum.