Certificate in Agriculture
The Certificate in Agriculture is a programme that equips students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in agricultural production, crop husbandry, livestock management and farm operations. Offered at Egerton University, Moi University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Taita Taveta University, University of Eldoret and Lukenya University, the programme prepares students for entry-level roles in agriculture and farming.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 134,378 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 7 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 crop production, livestock production, soil science, farm management, agricultural economics, horticulture, plant protection, animal health, agricultural mechanics, farm records and bookkeeping, agricultural extension and food crop production. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through hands-on training.
The programme responds to the need for trained agricultural personnel who can support food production, farm management and agricultural development. It provides a comprehensive foundation for those seeking careers in farming, agricultural extension and agribusiness.
The programme is delivered through full-time mode, with lectures, practical sessions, farm demonstrations, field visits and hands-on training at university farms. Students gain extensive practical experience through farm work, crop production projects and livestock handling.
Graduates pursue entry-level roles as farm assistants, agricultural extension assistants, field officers, farm supervisors, agribusiness assistants and agricultural project assistants in farms, agricultural companies, cooperatives, county governments and NGOs. The certificate also serves as a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in agriculture.
Prospective students should have a KCSE mean grade of D (plain) or D+ depending on the institution. The programme is suitable for school leavers and individuals seeking careers in agriculture and farming.
What you study
4 subjects- Crop Production and Soil Science
- Livestock Production and Animal Health
- Farm Management and Agricultural Economics
- Horticulture and Plant Protection and Farm Records
Modules
4 in the programmeCrop Production and Soil Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers crop production, crop husbandry, cropping systems, soil science, soil fertility, soil management and composting.
Livestock Production and Animal Health
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers livestock production, animal husbandry, pasture management, animal health, disease control and poultry production.
Farm Management and Agricultural Economics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers farm management, farm planning, agricultural economics, input management, budgeting and farm decision-making.
Horticulture and Plant Protection and Farm Records
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers horticulture, vegetable production, fruit production, plant protection, pest management, farm records and bookkeeping.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on crop production or soil science, followed by a practical session at the university farm on planting, harvesting or livestock handling. Afternoon sessions may include a farm management exercise, a plant protection workshop, or work on a crop production project.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| The programme is offered at six universities, providing multiple study options. | Entry-level agricultural roles may have modest salaries. |
| Agriculture is a key economic sector with consistent demand for trained personnel. | Farm work requires physical stamina and working in rural areas. |
| The certificate serves as a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in agriculture. | — |
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
Pub: Meru TVET 54K, Bukura ~57K/yr, TVET 67K/yr (bukuracollege.ac.ke, must.ac.ke). Priv: unverified.
Students can access HELB loans. County governments may sponsor agricultural trainees. Universities may offer internal bursaries.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 30,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
10 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
- 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
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade D (plain) or D+ depending on institution. Some universities require C-.
When it next starts
Taught at 7 institutionsIncluding Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Taita Taveta University, Egerton University.
Including Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Taita Taveta University, Egerton University.
Including Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Taita Taveta University, Egerton University.
How you are assessed
2 componentsContinuous Assessment
Assignment40% of the mark
Practical assignments, farm projects, field reports and class participation.
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination60% of the mark
End-of-semester written examinations covering all modules.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Egerton University, Moi University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Taita Taveta University, University of Eldoret and Lukenya University.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesFarm Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 70,000
Supports farm operations, assists with crop and livestock production, handles farm equipment and supports daily farm management.
Agricultural Extension Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 75,000
Supports extension officers, conducts farm visits, disseminates agricultural information and supports farmer training.
Field Officer
Low demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 65,000
Works in the field supporting agricultural projects, monitors crop performance, collects data and supports agricultural programmes.
Farm Supervisor
Low demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 80,000
Supervises farm workers, coordinates farm operations, monitors production and supports farm management.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as farm assistants, agricultural extension assistants, field officers and farm supervisors in farms, agricultural companies, cooperatives and county governments.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary OfficerAgriculture7Low exposure
- Farm Insurance AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
- Value Chain AnalystAgriculture12Low exposure
- Agricultural EconomistAgriculture13Low exposure
- Agroecological Farming SpecialistAgriculture13Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
A certificate in agriculture is just about farming.
The programme covers crop science, livestock, soil management, agricultural economics, horticulture and farm management, providing a broad agricultural foundation.
Agriculture has no career prospects.
Agriculture is a key sector in Kenya with opportunities in farming, extension, agribusiness, food production and agricultural project management.