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Bachelor of Science in Entomology and Parasitology

The Bachelor of Science in Entomology and Parasitology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in entomology and parasitology. The programme falls under the Agriculture & Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 324,000
Ksh 1,296,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 178,800
Ksh 715,200 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 324,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,296,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 178,800 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, plus 4 subject grades. 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 6 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 Entomology, Parasitology, Pest Management, Vector Control, Insect Biology, Parasite Biology. 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 Introduction to Entomology and Parasitology, Pesticide Management, Agricultural Entomology, Entomology and Parasitology Project, Parasite Diagnosis. 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 Veterinary Parasitology, Agricultural Entomology, Medical Entomology. 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 Entomology and Parasitology pursue careers as Entomologist, Research Scientist, Vector Control Specialist, Parasitologist. 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.

What you study

6 subjects
  • Entomology
  • Parasitology
  • Pest Management
  • Vector Control
  • Insect Biology
  • Parasite Biology

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Introduction to Entomology and Parasitology

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Overview of entomology, parasitology, and their importance in agriculture and health.

  • Insect Biology

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Insect anatomy, physiology, ecology, and life cycles. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, c...

  • Parasite Biology

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Parasite biology, life cycles, host-parasite relationships, and parasite ecology.

  • Medical Entomology

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Medical Entomology: Insects of medical importance, disease vectors, and vector-borne diseases. Covers clinical principles, patient care protocols, and evidence-based practice.

  • Agricultural Entomology

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Agricultural Entomology: Insect pests of agricultural importance, pest biology, and crop damage. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Veterinary Parasitology

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Veterinary Parasitology: Parasites of veterinary importance, livestock parasites, and parasite control. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Integrated Pest Management

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    IPM principles, biological control, cultural practices, and sustainable pest management.

  • Vector Control

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Vector Control: Vector control strategies, insecticide resistance, and vector management. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Insect Taxonomy

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Insect classification, identification, and taxonomy. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, co...

  • Parasite Diagnosis

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Parasite Diagnosis: Parasite diagnostic techniques, laboratory methods, and disease diagnosis. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Pesticide Management

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Pesticide Management: Pesticide chemistry, application, safety, and environmental impact. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.

  • Entomology and Parasitology Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Entomology and Parasitology Project: Independent research project on entomology or parasitology topic. Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.

Specialisations

  • Medical Entomology

    Focus on insects of medical importance, disease vectors, and vector control. 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.

  • Agricultural Entomology

    Specialization in insect pests of agriculture, pest management, and crop protection. 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.

  • Veterinary Parasitology

    Focus on parasites of veterinary importance, livestock parasites, and parasite control. 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 field studies, and engage in entomological research.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Critical role in controlling pests and parasites that affect agriculture and health.Working with insects and parasites can be challenging and requires attention to detail.
Growing demand for entomology and parasitology professionals due to pest and disease challenges.Pest control faces challenges from pesticide resistance and evolving pests.
Hands-on laboratory and field experience with insects and parasites.—

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
Public167k to 324k
167k at Egerton 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

Egerton Ag 167K (eafinder). UoN 324K (Schedule II). UEAB 179K, MKU 109K/yr.

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

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

Scholarships you could apply for

15 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSEminimum entry
Alternative entry

Diploma holders in Biology, Applied Biology, Agriculture, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Subject requirements
BiologyC+
ChemistryC+
MathematicsC
English/KiswahiliC

When it next starts

Taught at 6 institutions
January 20276 institutions

Including University of Eldoret, Moi University, Kenyatta University.

May 20276 institutions

Including University of Eldoret, Moi University, Kenyatta University.

September 20276 institutions

Including University of Eldoret, Moi University, Kenyatta University.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Independent research project on entomology or parasitology topic.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests, assignments, and laboratory reports throughout the semester.

  • Laboratory Practice Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of laboratory skills in insect identification, parasite diagnosis, and pest management.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam70% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    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 roles

  • Entomologist

    High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000

    Study insects, develop pest management strategies, and conduct entomological research.

  • Research Scientist

    Medium demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 140,000

    Conduct research on insects and parasites, develop new control methods, and contribute to scientific knowledge.

  • Vector Control Specialist

    High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Implement vector control strategies, manage disease vectors, and support disease prevention.

  • Parasitologist

    Medium demandKsh 62,000 to Ksh 135,000

    Study parasites, develop control strategies, and conduct parasitological research.

  • Pest Control Officer

    High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Implement pest control measures, manage pest outbreaks, and advise on pest management.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in entomology, parasitology, and pest management across Kenya's agricultural and health sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Google Earth

    Gis

  • PlantVillage Nuru

    Agriculture

  • QGIS

    GisPrimary

  • ChatGPT / Claude

    Ai

  • Microsoft Excel

    SpreadsheetPrimary

  • R

    Analytics

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • All insects are pests and should be eliminated

    Most insects are beneficial or harmless. Only a small percentage are pests. Many insects are essential pollinators and decomposers.

  • More pesticide means better control

    More pesticide doesn't mean better control. Overuse leads to resistance, environmental harm, and increased costs. IPM is more effective.

  • All parasites are harmful

    While many parasites cause disease, some have ecological roles. Not all parasites require treatment; context matters.

  • Insects are simple organisms

    Insects are complex organisms with sophisticated behaviors, communication systems, and adaptations. They're highly evolved.

  • Vector control is only about spraying

    Effective vector control includes environmental management, biological control, community engagement, and surveillance, not just insecticides.

  • Parasites only affect developing countries

    Parasitic diseases occur worldwide. While some are more common in certain regions, no country is immune to parasitic infections.

Further reading

Read next