Agriculture

Diploma in Fisheries Management and Aquatic Sciences

The Diploma in Fisheries Management and Aquatic Sciences is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in fisheries science, aquaculture, aquatic ecosystem management, fish processing and fisheries policy. Offered at Turkana University College, the programme prepares students for technical careers in Kenya's fisheries and aquaculture sector, particularly around Lake Turkana and other inland water bodies.

The curriculum covers fisheries biology, aquaculture and fish farming, aquatic ecology, limnology, fish processing and preservation, fisheries gear and methods, boat building and maintenance, water quality management, fish health and diseases, fisheries economics, fisheries policy and legislation, research methods, entrepreneurship, communication skills and industrial attachment. Students develop both scientific and practical fisheries management skills.

Kenya's fisheries sector contributes to food security, employment and economic growth, with significant potential around Lake Turkana, Lake Victoria and inland aquaculture. The programme responds to the need for trained fisheries professionals who can support sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development and aquatic ecosystem conservation.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory sessions, field visits to fishing communities and fish farms, practical fish handling exercises, research projects, case studies and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in fish sampling, water quality testing, fish processing, aquaculture operations and fisheries data collection through fieldwork and attachment at fisheries departments, fish farms or research stations.

Graduates pursue careers as fisheries officers, aquaculture technicians, fish farm managers, fisheries research assistants and fish processing supervisors in county governments, national government fisheries departments, fish farming enterprises, research institutions and NGOs. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have an interest in aquatic ecosystems, fishing communities and sustainable resource management. The programme is suitable for students seeking technical careers in fisheries and aquaculture, particularly in Kenya's lake and river regions.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 89,750
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Ecology
Aquaculture and Fish Farming
Fish Processing, Preservation and Quality
Fisheries Gear, Methods and Boat Operations
Water Quality Management and Limnology
Fish Health, Diseases and Nutrition
Fisheries Economics, Policy and Legislation
Research Methods, Entrepreneurship and Industrial Attachment

Modules

8 in the programme

Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Ecology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers fish anatomy, fish taxonomy, fisheries biology, aquatic ecosystems, limnology, freshwater ecology and Lake Turkana ecosystem dynamics.
Aquaculture and Fish Farming
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers aquaculture principles, fish pond construction, fish seed production, fish feeding, stocking densities, tilapia and catfish farming and aquaculture systems.
Fish Processing, Preservation and Quality
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers fish handling, fish processing methods, fish preservation, smoking, drying, freezing, quality assurance, hygiene standards and fish product safety.
Fisheries Gear, Methods and Boat Operations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers fishing gear types, fishing methods, net making and repair, boat building, boat maintenance, engine operation and safety at sea and inland waters.
Water Quality Management and Fish Health
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers water quality parameters, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, pollution monitoring, fish diseases, fish health management, disease diagnosis and treatment.
Fisheries Economics and Policy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers fisheries economics, fish marketing, value chains, fisheries policy, fisheries legislation, co-management, community-based fisheries management and sustainable fishing.
Research Methods and Entrepreneurship
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods, fisheries data collection, data analysis, report writing, entrepreneurship, business planning for fish farming and communication skills.
Industrial Attachment and Fisheries Project
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
A three-month industrial attachment at a fisheries department, fish farm or research station, plus a fisheries research or aquaculture project assessed through a report.

Specialisations

Aquaculture
Focuses on fish farming and hatchery management for careers as aquaculture technicians and fish farm managers.
Fish Processing and Quality
Specialises in fish processing, preservation and quality assurance for careers in fish processing facilities.
Fisheries Management
Focuses on fisheries policy, regulation and co-management for careers as fisheries officers.
Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation
Specialises in aquatic ecology and ecosystem management for careers in environmental conservation.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on fisheries biology or aquatic ecology, followed by a laboratory session on fish identification or water quality testing. Afternoon sessions may include a field visit to a fishing landing site, a fish handling practical, or a discussion on fisheries policy. Students also work on fisheries research projects and prepare for industrial attachment.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's blue economy strategy prioritises fisheries development, creating opportunities in aquaculture and fisheries management.
The programme is offered at Turkana University College, strategically located near Lake Turkana, one of Kenya's major fisheries resources.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries or related degree programmes.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study location options.
Job opportunities in fisheries are concentrated in lake and coastal regions, limiting geographic flexibility.

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

Public78k to 90k

78k at KWS Training Institute90k at Wildlife Research and Training Institute

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

WRTI 89,750/yr (wrti.ac.ke), KWS 78,000/yr (victormatara). Private: unverified.

Students can access HELB loans and government scholarships under Kenya's new funding model. Blue economy initiatives may offer additional bursaries for fisheries students.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Certificate in a relevant field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering fisheries biology, aquaculture and fish processing.
Laboratory and Field Practicals
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory sessions on fish identification, water quality testing and field practicals at fishing sites.
Fisheries Research Project
Project40% of the mark
A fisheries or aquaculture research project assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a fisheries department, fish farm or research station.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Turkana University College.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Turkana University College.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Fisheries Officer
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 150,000
Supports fisheries management at county and national level, monitors fishing activities, enforces fisheries regulations and promotes sustainable fishing practices.
Aquaculture Technician
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manages fish farming operations, oversees pond construction, feeding, water quality and fish health at commercial fish farms and hatcheries.
Fish Farm Manager
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages all aspects of a fish farming enterprise including production, staffing, marketing, financial management and quality control.
Fisheries Research Assistant
Low demandKsh 27,000 to Ksh 130,000
Supports fisheries research at KMFRI or universities, collects data, conducts field sampling and assists with aquatic ecosystem studies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as fisheries officers, aquaculture technicians and fish farm managers in county governments, fisheries departments and fish farming enterprises.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Fisheries is just about fishing.
Fisheries management covers aquatic science, aquaculture, fish processing, water quality, policy, economics and sustainable resource management.
There are no jobs in fisheries in Kenya.
Kenya's blue economy strategy has created opportunities in county fisheries departments, aquaculture enterprises, research institutions and NGOs supporting fisheries management.
Fisheries is only for communities near lakes.
Aquaculture and fish farming are expanding across Kenya, including in inland regions, creating opportunities nationwide.
Fisheries is a low-tech field.
Modern fisheries management involves water quality monitoring, fish health diagnostics, data analysis, GIS mapping and sustainable resource modelling.