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Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Wood Science and Industrial Processes

This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in wood science and industrial processes. It develops expertise in wood technology, wood processing, forest products, industrial processes, and wood-based manufacturing while building technical skills for managing wood and forest products industries.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 372,000
Ksh 1,488,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 178,800
Ksh 715,200 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 372,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,488,000 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 3 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

Students analyse wood properties, design wood processing systems, implement industrial processes, evaluate wood quality, conduct wood research, apply engineering principles, manage wood industries, and develop sustainable wood products strategies. They also strengthen analytical thinking, technical skills, communication, teamwork, and industrial abilities.

Kenya requires wood science and industrial processes to support the forest products industry, add value to forest resources, and promote sustainable wood use, creating demand for professionals who can manage wood processing, implement industrial processes, ensure product quality, and support the wood industry.

The programme combines coursework, laboratory sessions, industrial practice, wood processing, and research projects. Students gain hands-on experience through wood processing, industrial operations, and wood product manufacturing.

Graduates pursue careers as wood scientists, wood processing engineers, forest products managers, industrial consultants, and wood industry managers across government agencies, wood processing companies, research institutions, and the forest products sector.

The programme is ideal for students interested in wood science, wood processing, forest products, industrial processes, and wood-based manufacturing.

What you study

6 subjects
  • Wood Science
  • Wood Processing
  • Forest Products
  • Industrial Processes
  • Wood Technology
  • Wood-Based Manufacturing

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Wood Anatomy and Identification

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Wood structure, anatomical features, species identification and wood properties.

  • Wood Physics and Mechanics

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Physical and mechanical properties of wood, moisture relations and timber strength.

  • Wood Anatomy

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Wood structure, wood anatomy, and wood identification. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, ...

  • Wood Physics

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Wood physical properties, wood mechanics, and wood physics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment te...

  • Wood Chemistry and Preservation

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Chemical composition of wood, wood preservation methods and treatment technologies.

  • Wood Composites and Panel Products

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Wood Composites and Panel Products: Engineered wood products, plywood, particleboard and fibreboard manufacturing. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Sawmilling and Wood Drying Technology

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Sawmilling and Wood Drying Technology: Sawmilling operations, wood drying methods and processing efficiency. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Pulp and Paper Technology

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Pulp and Paper Technology: Pulping processes, paper manufacturing and chemical processing of wood fibre. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Wood-Based Composites

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Wood-Based Composites: Composite materials, panel products, and engineered wood products. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Furniture Manufacturing and Quality Control

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Furniture design, manufacturing processes, quality standards and production management.

  • Research Methods and Industrial Project

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Research design and an industrial project applying wood science and processing principles.

  • Industrial Processes

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Industrial Processes: Industrial processing, manufacturing processes, and process optimization. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

Specialisations

  • Wood Processing

    Focus on sawmilling, wood processing, and wood conversion technologies. 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.

  • Wood-Based Composites

    Specialization in composite materials, panel products, and engineered wood products. 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.

  • Pulp and Paper

    Focus on pulp production, paper manufacturing, and pulp and paper technology. 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.

  • Sawmilling and Timber Processing

    Focus on sawmilling technology, timber conversion, wood drying and processing 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.

  • Furniture Manufacturing and Design

    Specialisation in furniture design, manufacturing processes and wood 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.

  • Pulp and Paper Technology

    Focus on pulp production, paper manufacturing and chemical processing of wood. 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.

  • Wood Preservation and Composites

    Specialisation in wood treatment, preservation technologies and engineered wood products. 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 wood processing, and engage in industrial practice.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Critical role in adding value to forest resources and supporting the wood industry.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 wood professionals due to forest products industry development.Wood processing can be physically demanding and requires safety precautions.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.—
Combines wood science with industrial processes for comprehensive 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 courses
Public180k to 372k
180k at Egerton University372k 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 180K/yr (egerton.ac.ke), UoN 372K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). UEAB 179K (applyscholars), MKU 109K (mku.ac.ke).

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

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

3 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.

Scholarships you could apply for

12 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 Forestry, Wood Technology, Engineering, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Subject requirements
BiologyB-
ChemistryB-
Physics/MathematicsB-
English/KiswahiliC

When it next starts

Taught at 3 institutions
January 20273 institutions

Including University of Eldoret, University of Nairobi, Egerton University.

May 20273 institutions

Including University of Eldoret, University of Nairobi, Egerton University.

September 20273 institutions

Including University of Eldoret, University of Nairobi, Egerton University.

How you are assessed

5 components

  • Continuous 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 wood science or industrial processes 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.

  • Industrial Practice Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of industrial skills in wood processing, industrial operations, and product manufacturing.

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 roles

  • 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.

  • Wood Scientist

    Medium demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Analyse wood properties, conduct wood research, and advise on wood processing.

  • Wood Industry Manager

    Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Manage wood industry operations, implement business strategies, and ensure industry success.

  • Industrial Consultant

    Low demandKsh 62,000 to Ksh 135,000

    Provide consulting services on wood processing, industrial processes, and wood products.

  • Forest Products Manager

    Medium demandKsh 57,000 to Ksh 123,000

    Manage forest products, oversee production, and ensure product quality.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in wood science, wood processing, and forest products across Kenya's forest products sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • ChatGPT / Claude

    Ai

  • Google Earth

    Gis

  • QGIS

    GisPrimary

  • R

    Analytics

  • PlantVillage Nuru

    Agriculture

  • AutoCAD

    SoftwarePrimary

    Design software for furniture design, wood product drawings and manufacturing layouts.

  • SPSS

    Software

    Statistical analysis software for wood science research and quality data analysis.

  • SketchUp

    Software

    3D modelling tool for furniture design and wood product visualisation.

  • Microsoft Excel

    SpreadsheetPrimary

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Using wood contributes to deforestation

    When responsibly sourced from sustainably managed forests, wood is one of the most sustainable building materials. Certification systems like FSC and PEFC ensure sustainable sourcing.

  • Wood is not as strong as steel or concrete

    Engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber have strength-to-weight ratios comparable to steel and concrete, making them suitable for modern construction.

  • Wood products are always harmful to the environment

    Wood stores carbon throughout its life cycle and requires less energy to process than steel, concrete, or plastics. Sustainable wood use can significantly reduce carbon footprint.

  • Mass timber buildings are a fire hazard

    Mass timber is designed to be fire-resistant. Large timber members char on the outside creating an insulating layer that protects the structural core, unlike steel which can buckle in high heat.

  • Wood requires excessive maintenance

    While wood does require some maintenance, modern treatments and engineered products have significantly improved durability. Properly maintained wood can last for centuries.

  • Reclaimed wood has limited species availability

    Reclaimed wood offers a wide variety of species from old-growth forests that are no longer available through new harvesting, providing unique aesthetic and structural options.

Further reading

Read next