Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Management

The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Management is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in animal science and management. 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 Science, Livestock Management, Animal Nutrition, Animal Breeding, Farm Management, Agribusiness. 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 Reproduction, Introduction to Animal Science and Management, Animal Breeding and Genetics, Agribusiness Management, Livestock Economics. 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 Livestock Management, Animal Nutrition, Livestock Business Management. 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 Science and Management pursue careers as Farm Manager, Livestock Manager, Animal Scientist, Agribusiness Consultant. 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 Science
Livestock Management
Animal Nutrition
Animal Breeding
Farm Management
Agribusiness

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Animal Science and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Animal Science and Management: Overview of animal science, livestock management, and business principles. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational cont...
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.
Livestock Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Management principles for livestock enterprises, including production planning and resource allocation.
Animal Health Management
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Animal Health Management: Preventive health measures, disease management, and animal welfare. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Farm Business Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Business management principles for livestock farms, including financial management and planning.
Livestock Production Systems
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Livestock Production Systems: Production systems for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Animal Reproduction
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Animal Reproduction: Reproductive physiology, breeding management, and reproductive technologies. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Agribusiness Management
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Agribusiness principles, marketing, and value chain management for livestock products.
Livestock Economics
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Economic analysis of livestock production, cost management, and profitability assessment.
Animal Science and Management Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Animal Science and Management Project: Independent project on animal science or livestock management topic. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

Specialisations

Livestock Management
Focus on managing livestock enterprises, production planning, and resource allocation. 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
Specialization in 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.
Livestock Business Management
Focus on business management, financial planning, and agribusiness for livestock. 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 business planning.

The trade offs

In its favour

Combines animal science with business management for comprehensive livestock enterprise skills.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
Diverse career opportunities in management, consulting, and entrepreneurship.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
Livestock management can be challenging due to market volatility and production risks.
Starting a livestock enterprise requires significant capital and carries financial risk.

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 Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship at Egerton University
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to agriculture, natural resources and food science programmes at Egerton University
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.

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, Agriculture, 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 business case analyses throughout the semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on animal science or livestock management topic.
Field Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of practical skills in livestock management and farm operations.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Moi University and the University of Eldoret. 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.
Farm Manager
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Manage livestock farms, oversee animal production, and ensure operational efficiency.
Livestock Manager
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage livestock enterprises, oversee production, and ensure profitability.
Animal Scientist
Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Conduct animal research, develop improved breeds, and advise on animal production.
Agribusiness Consultant
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Provide consulting services to livestock enterprises, advise on business development.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in animal science, livestock management, and agribusiness across Kenya's livestock sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for animal science research data.
QuickBooks
Software
Accounting software for livestock farm financial management.
ArcGIS
Software
GIS software for farm mapping and grazing land analysis.
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Google Earth
Gis

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Animal Science and Management is just about farming.
The programme combines animal science with business management, covering breeding, nutrition, economics, marketing and farm enterprise management.
Graduates only work as herdsmen.
Graduates work as farm managers, livestock production officers, breeding technicians, agribusiness managers and agricultural consultants.
The programme does not cover business skills.
Management is a core component, covering farm management, agricultural economics, agribusiness and financial planning.
The programme is the same as Veterinary Medicine.
This programme focuses on animal production and management. Veterinary Medicine is a separate degree focused on animal health and clinical practice.
Career opportunities are limited to rural areas.
Graduates work in agricultural finance institutions, research organisations, feed manufacturing companies and consulting firms in both urban and rural settings.
The programme only covers cattle farming.
The programme covers multiple livestock species including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry production systems.