Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture and Landscaping Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture and Landscaping Technology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in environmental horticulture and landscaping technology. The programme falls under the Agriculture & Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Environmental Horticulture, Landscaping, Landscape Design, Plant Propagation, Turf Management, Green Space Management. 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 Turf Management, Urban Landscaping, Environmental Horticulture Project, Environmental Landscaping, Horticultural Business Management. 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 Landscape Design, Plant Production, Turf 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 Environmental Horticulture and Landscaping Technology pursue careers as Landscape Architect, Horticulturist, Landscape Manager, Turf Manager. 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 275,400
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

Environmental Horticulture
Landscaping
Landscape Design
Plant Propagation
Turf Management
Green Space Management

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Environmental Horticulture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of environmental horticulture, landscaping, and green space management.
Plant Propagation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Plant Propagation: Plant propagation techniques, nursery management, and plant production. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Landscape Design
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Landscape Design: Landscape design principles, site planning, and landscape architecture. Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.
Horticultural Plants
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Horticultural Plants: Identification, selection, and management of horticultural plants. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Turf Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Turf Management: Turfgrass management, lawn care, and sports field maintenance. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Plant Health Management
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Plant Health Management: Plant health, pest management, and disease control in horticulture. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Irrigation Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Irrigation Systems: Irrigation design, water management, and irrigation systems for landscapes. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Urban Landscaping
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Urban Landscaping: Urban landscaping, green infrastructure, and urban green spaces. Covers planning theory, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable development practices.
Environmental Landscaping
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Environmental Landscaping: Environmental landscaping, ecological design, and sustainable landscapes. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.
Landscape Maintenance
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Landscape Maintenance: Landscape maintenance, pruning, and landscape care practices. Covers preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, and reliability engineering.
Horticultural Business Management
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Business management for horticultural enterprises, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Environmental Horticulture Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Environmental Horticulture Project: Independent project on environmental horticulture or landscaping topic. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.

Specialisations

Landscape Design
Focus on landscape design principles, site planning, and landscape architecture. 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.
Plant Production
Focus on plant propagation, nursery management, and horticultural plant production. 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.
Turf Management
Specialization in turfgrass management, lawn care, and sports field maintenance. 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 fieldwork in landscapes, participate in plant propagation, and engage in landscaping projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Critical role in creating green spaces and improving environmental quality.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Growing demand for landscaping professionals due to urban development.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
Hands-on experience with plant propagation and landscape design.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
Landscaping work can be physically demanding and requires outdoor work.

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 275k

275k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology275k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

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

JKUAT 275K/yr (KUCCPS). Egerton/UoN don't offer this. Private: unverified.

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

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

4 recorded

County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
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.
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 Horticulture, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Biology
C+
Chemistry/Agriculture
C+
Mathematics/Geography
C
English/Kiswahili
C

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises 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 plant propagation, landscape design, and horticultural management.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on environmental horticulture or landscaping topic.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and practical reports throughout the semester.

Accreditation

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Landscape Architect
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Design landscapes, plan green spaces, and create sustainable environments.
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.
Horticulturist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage horticultural plants, implement propagation techniques, and maintain plant health.
Landscape Manager
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Manage landscaping projects, oversee maintenance, and ensure landscape quality.
Turf Manager
Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Manage turfgrass, maintain lawns and sports fields, and ensure turf quality.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in environmental horticulture, landscaping, and green space management across Kenya's horticultural sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for extension data management, project planning and rural development budgeting.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for rural development research and extension impact assessment.
QGIS
Software
GIS software for agricultural mapping and extension service planning.
PowerPoint
Software
Presentation tool for farmer training and extension education sessions.
KoboToolbox
Software
Mobile data collection tool for field surveys and extension needs assessment.
AutoCAD
SoftwarePrimary
CAD software for landscape design and site planning.
SketchUp
SoftwarePrimary
3D modelling software for landscape visualisation and design.
ArcGIS
Software
GIS software for site analysis and environmental horticulture planning.
Adobe Photoshop
Software
Image editing software for landscape design presentations.