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Bachelor of Science in Leather Production and Processing

The Bachelor of Science in Leather Production and Processing is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in leather production and processing. 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
Job market
Moderate
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.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 4 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 Leather Technology, Leather Processing, Tanning Processes, Leather Chemistry, Leather Goods Manufacturing, Quality Control. 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 Environmental Management in Tanning, Raw Materials and Hides, Leather Production and Processing Project, Tanning Processes, Leather Chemistry. 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 General Practice, Tanning Technology, Leather Goods Manufacturing. 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 Leather Production and Processing pursue careers as Leather Quality Controller, Leather Goods Manufacturer, Leather Technologist, Tanning Supervisor. 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
  • Leather Technology
  • Leather Processing
  • Tanning Processes
  • Leather Chemistry
  • Leather Goods Manufacturing
  • Quality Control

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Introduction to Leather Technology

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Overview of leather technology, leather industry, and leather processing principles.

  • Leather Chemistry

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Leather chemistry, tanning chemistry, and chemical processes in leather production.

  • Raw Materials and Hides

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Raw Materials and Hides: Hides and skins, raw material quality, and raw material preservation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Tanning Processes

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Tanning Processes: Tanning methods, tanning operations, and tanning process control. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Leather Processing

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Leather Processing: Leather processing techniques, finishing, and leather treatment. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Leather Quality Control

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Quality testing, quality standards, and quality assurance in leather production.

  • Leather Goods Manufacturing

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Leather Goods Manufacturing: Leather goods design, manufacturing techniques, and product development. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Footwear Technology

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Footwear Technology: Footwear design, footwear manufacturing, and footwear technology. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Leather Machinery

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Leather Machinery: Leather processing machinery, equipment operation, and maintenance. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Environmental Management in Tanning

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Environmental Management in Tanning: Environmental impacts, waste management, and sustainable tanning practices. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.

  • Leather Industry Economics

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Leather Industry Economics: Leather industry economics, business management, and leather trade. Covers economic theory, market analysis, and policy evaluation.

  • Leather Production and Processing Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Leather Production and Processing Project: Independent project on leather production or processing topic. Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.

Specialisations

  • Tanning Technology

    Focus on tanning processes, tanning chemistry, and tanning operations. 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.

  • Leather Goods Manufacturing

    Specialization in leather goods design, manufacturing techniques, and product development. 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 testing, quality standards, and quality assurance in leather 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.

  • 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 tanning operations, and engage in leather processing activities.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Critical role in adding value to hides and skins and supporting the leather industry.Leather processing involves chemical processes requiring safety precautions.
Growing demand for leather professionals due to leather industry development.Leather industry faces challenges from environmental regulations and competition.
Hands-on experience with tanning operations and leather processing.—

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
Public324k to 324k
324k at University of Nairobi324k at University of Nairobi

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 Leather Sci & Tech 324K/yr (vetmedicine.uonbi.ac.ke). Egerton/private unverified.

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

11 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 Leather Technology, Chemistry, Animal Science, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Subject requirements
ChemistryC+
MathematicsC+
Physics/BiologyC
English/KiswahiliC

When it next starts

Taught at 4 institutions
January 20274 institutions

Including Maasai Mara University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.

May 20274 institutions

Including Maasai Mara University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.

September 20274 institutions

Including Maasai Mara University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Industrial Practice Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of industrial skills in tanning operations, leather processing, and quality control.

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Independent research project on leather production or processing topic.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

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

  • 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

  • Leather Quality Controller

    Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000

    Conduct quality tests, ensure quality standards, and implement quality control.

  • Leather Goods Manufacturer

    Medium demandKsh 53,000 to Ksh 118,000

    Manufacture leather goods, design leather products, and manage production.

  • Leather Technologist

    Medium demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Oversee leather processing, implement tanning processes, and ensure leather quality.

  • Tanning Supervisor

    Medium demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000

    Supervise tanning operations, manage tanning processes, and ensure production efficiency.

  • Leather Industry Consultant

    Low demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Provide consulting services on leather technology, processing, and leather industry development.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in leather production, processing, and leather goods manufacturing across Kenya's leather industry.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Google Earth

    Gis

  • Microsoft Excel

    SpreadsheetPrimary

  • PlantVillage Nuru

    Agriculture

  • QGIS

    GisPrimary

  • R

    Analytics

  • ChatGPT / Claude

    Ai

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Animals are killed to make leather

    Leather comes from animals slaughtered for food. The skin is a by-product of the food industry that would otherwise be waste. Using leather reduces waste.

  • Chrome tanning is toxic and dangerous

    Chrome tanning uses chromium III, a safe and stable form found in nature. Chromium VI is not used in tanning and is strictly regulated.

  • Vegetable tanning is always more sustainable than chrome tanning

    Both methods have similar environmental impacts when done responsibly. Vegetable tanning requires more water and time. Sustainability depends on tannery management.

  • Synthetic leather is more durable than natural leather

    Natural leather can last for decades, while synthetics degrade more quickly. Leather is repairable and biodegradable, unlike plastic alternatives.

  • Vegan leather is always eco-friendly

    Many vegan leathers are made from PVC, PU, and synthetic polymers - highly polluting plastics. Natural leather is compostable and often more sustainable.

  • Leather processing produces excessive waste

    Modern tanneries use advanced equipment to minimize waste and reuse by-products. Leather is renewable and biodegradable when processed responsibly.

Further reading

Read next