Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Dryland Sustainability Science with Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Dryland Sustainability Science with Technology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in dryland sustainability science with technology. The programme falls under the Pure & Applied Sciences category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Dryland, Sustainability, Technology, Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms, Database Systems. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Research Methods, Advanced Mathematics, Advanced Topics, Research Project, Laboratory Techniques. 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 Dryland Sustainability Science with Technology, Software Development, Data Science & Analytics. 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 Dryland Sustainability Science with Technology pursue careers as Research Scientist, Marine Research Assistant (Junior), Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior), Research Data Analyst (Junior). 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: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

7 subjects

Dryland
Sustainability
Technology
Programming
Data Structures & Algorithms
Database Systems
Computer Networks

Modules

8 in the programme

Advanced Mathematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced calculus, algebra, and mathematical methods. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, c...
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.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Laboratory Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Advanced laboratory methods and instrumentation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, course...
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Scientific research methodology and experimental design. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Advanced Topics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced theoretical and applied topics in the discipline. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...
Research Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent research project in pure or applied science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...

Specialisations

Dryland Sustainability Science with Technology
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Dryland Sustainability Science with Technology.
Software Development
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Dryland Sustainability Science with Technology.
Data Science & Analytics
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Dryland Sustainability Science with Technology.
Networks & Security
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Dryland Sustainability Science with Technology.
Artificial Intelligence
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Dryland Sustainability Science with Technology.

A day as a student

Lectures, practicals, group discussions, and independent study form the core of the student experience. Industrial attachment and research projects provide real-world exposure.

The trade offs

In its favour

Solid foundation for diverse career paths across multiple sectors
Recognised qualification accredited by CUE

Against it

Competitive job market requiring additional skills or experience
May require further specialisation for advanced roles

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

Public180k to 324k

180k at Egerton University324k at University of Nairobi

Private95k to 179k

95k at Lukenya 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

Egerton ~180K, UoN ~324K/yr. Lukenya ~95K, UEAB ~179K/yr. eafinder/UEAB 2025

HELB loans available for eligible students. University and external scholarships may be available.

Funding options

HELB Loan
KUCCPS Placement

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher 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

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma holders may upgrade through bridging programmes.

English or Kiswahili
C+
Mathematics
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Cat25% of the mark
Assignments, tests, and presentations.
Written Examinations
Exam50% of the mark
End-of-semester examinations.
Research Project
Research15% of the mark
Final-year research project.
Industrial Attachment
Clinical10% of the mark
Supervised attachment report.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
Academic accreditationRequired
Mandatory accreditation for university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Research Scientist
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Scientists work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Marine Research Assistant (Junior)
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Marine Research Assistant (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 110,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Research Data Analyst (Junior)
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Data Analyst (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Stable.
Research Program Coordinator
Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Program Coordinators work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers in pure & applied sciences or proceed to further studies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing environment for optical simulations, data analysis and modelling.
Zemax OpticStudio
SoftwarePrimary
Optical design software for designing and analysing optical systems.
Python
Software
Programming language for data analysis, optical simulations and automation.
COMSOL Multiphysics
Software
Simulation software for electromagnetic and optical wave propagation modelling.
LabVIEW
Software
Laboratory virtual instrumentation software for data acquisition and instrument control.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This programme has limited career options.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors including government, private sector, NGOs, and entrepreneurship.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.
The programme is only for top-performing students.
While academic excellence is valued, the programme accepts students meeting the minimum KCSE requirements and supports diverse learners.
Graduates cannot find employment in Kenya.
Kenya's growing economy creates demand for qualified graduates across public, private, and NGO sectors.