Bachelor of Science in Soil Science
The Bachelor of Science in Soil Science is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in soil science. The programme falls under the Agriculture & Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
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 9 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 Soil Science, Soil Physics, Soil Chemistry, Soil Biology, Soil Fertility, Land Management. 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 Land Use Planning, Soil Chemistry, Soil Conservation, Soil Classification, Soil Analysis. 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 Soil Conservation, Land Use Planning, Soil Fertility. 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 Soil Science pursue careers as Soil Scientist, Agricultural Consultant, Land Manager, Soil Conservationist. 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- Soil Science
- Soil Physics
- Soil Chemistry
- Soil Biology
- Soil Fertility
- Land Management
Modules
12 in the programmeSoil Physics and Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Physical and chemical properties of soils, soil composition and soil-water relationships.
Soil Biology and Microbiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Soil microorganisms, organic matter decomposition and biological processes in soils.
Soil Chemistry
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Soil Chemistry: Soil chemical properties, soil reactions, and nutrient cycling. Covers theoretical principles, laboratory techniques, and industrial applications.
Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Soil nutrients, fertiliser management and plant nutrient requirements for crop production.
Soil and Water Conservation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Erosion control, water conservation techniques and sustainable land management practices.
Soil Classification and Survey
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Soil taxonomy, soil profile description and soil survey techniques for land evaluation.
Soil Classification
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Soil Classification: Soil taxonomy, soil survey, and land capability classification. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Land Use Planning and Environmental Soil Science
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Land use planning principles, soil pollution and environmental management of soil resources.
Soil Conservation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Soil Conservation: Erosion control, conservation practices, and soil protection. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Soil Analysis and Laboratory Techniques
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Laboratory methods for soil analysis, soil testing procedures and interpretation of soil data.
Research Methods and Soil Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design, experimental methods and sustainable soil management strategies.
Land Use Planning
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Land Use Planning: Land use planning, land evaluation, and sustainable land use. Covers planning theory, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable development practices.
Specialisations
Soil Conservation
Specialization in erosion control, conservation practices, and soil 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.
Land Use Planning
Focus on land use planning, land evaluation, and sustainable land use. 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.
Soil Fertility
Focus on soil nutrients, fertilizers, and soil fertility management. 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.
Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
Focus on soil nutrient management, fertiliser technology and plant nutrition optimisation. 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.
Soil and Water Conservation
Specialisation in erosion control, water management and conservation practices for sustainable land use.
Soil Classification and Survey
Focus on soil taxonomy, soil mapping and land evaluation for various uses. 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.
Environmental Soil Science
Specialisation in soil pollution, remediation and the role of soils in environmental management. 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 surveys, and engage in soil research.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Critical role in ensuring agricultural productivity and preventing soil degradation. | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
| Growing demand for soil scientists due to soil degradation and food security needs. | Fieldwork can be physically demanding and requires working in various soil conditions. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | — |
| Combines laboratory analysis with fieldwork for comprehensive soil understanding. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 303 agriculture coursesAnnual 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 324K, Egerton 244.8K (uonbi, egerton fee PDF). UEAB 178.8K, MKU 109.1K/yr.
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher 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
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
Scholarships you could apply for
13 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Agriculture, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 9 institutionsIncluding University of Nairobi, Maseno University, University of Embu.
Including University of Nairobi, Maseno University, University of Embu.
Including University of Nairobi, Maseno University, University of Embu.
How you are assessed
5 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on soil science topic.
Field Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of field skills in soil analysis, soil survey, and conservation.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and laboratory reports throughout the semester.
Accreditation
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.
Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
8 rolesSoil Scientist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Analyse soil properties, conduct soil research, and advise on soil management.
Agricultural Consultant
Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Provide consulting services on soil management, fertility, and agricultural practices.
Land Manager
High demandKsh 53,000 to Ksh 118,000
Manage land resources, implement land use planning, and ensure sustainable land use.
Soil Conservationist
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Implement soil conservation practices, prevent erosion, and protect soil resources.
Environmental Consultant
Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 122,000
Provide consulting services on soil pollution, remediation, and environmental protection.
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.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in soil science, land management, and soil conservation across Kenya's agricultural sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary OfficerAgriculture7Low exposure
- Climate Change AnalystEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Wildlife Corridors EcologistEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Farm Insurance AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
- Finance AnalystEnvironmental Science11Low exposure
Tools you will learn
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Google Earth
Gis
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for soil research data and experimental analysis.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Clay soil is always bad for plants
Clay soil can be challenging but has advantages like high nutrient retention and water-holding capacity. With proper management, clay soils can be productive.
Organic fertilizers are always better than synthetic fertilizers
Both organic and synthetic fertilizers have roles. Organic fertilizers improve soil health but release nutrients slowly. Synthetic fertilizers provide immediate nutrients but can harm soil biology if overused.
More fertilizer always means better plant growth
Excessive fertilizer can harm plants, pollute water, and waste money. Plants need balanced nutrition, and soil testing is essential for proper fertilization.
Soil is just dirt
Soil is a complex living ecosystem with billions of organisms. It's essential for plant growth, water filtration, carbon storage, and ecosystem functioning.
Soil degradation is irreversible
While soil degradation is serious, many degraded soils can be restored through conservation practices, organic matter addition, and sustainable management.
Tilling is always necessary for soil preparation
Excessive tilling can damage soil structure, reduce organic matter, and increase erosion. No-till and reduced tillage practices can improve soil health and sustainability.