Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture
The Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture provides advanced research training in agricultural science, crop production, soil management, and agricultural systems. Students learn agricultural research methods, crop science, soil science, and agricultural production systems. The programme is designed for agriculture graduates seeking advanced research qualifications in the agricultural sciences.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 464,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,392,000 to Ksh 2,320,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 313,700 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of Master's Degree (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 3-5 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 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 develop advanced competencies in agricultural research, crop production, soil management, plant protection, and agricultural systems analysis. The curriculum covers advanced agriculture, research methods, and a doctoral thesis. Research skills are developed through independent research and field work.
Agricultural research expertise is critical for Kenya's food security and agricultural development. Research institutions, universities, government agencies, and international organisations require trained agricultural researchers. Kenya's agricultural sector and food security challenges create demand for advanced agricultural research. The programme addresses the demand for doctoral-level agricultural research training.
The programme combines coursework with independent research, field work, and thesis writing. Students study advanced agriculture concepts, design research projects, conduct field research, and write a doctoral thesis. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, field work, and research supervision. The programme is offered through faculties of agriculture.
Graduates find employment as agricultural researchers, university lecturers, agricultural consultants, or policy advisors in research institutions, universities, government agencies, and international organisations. The doctoral degree supports careers in agricultural research, education, and policy.
This programme is ideal for agriculture graduates seeking advanced research qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for agricultural research, crop production, and agricultural systems analysis, contributing to Kenya's agricultural development.
What you study
8 subjects- Agricultural Research Methods
- Crop Science and Production
- Soil Science and Management
- Plant Protection
- Agricultural Systems Analysis
- Biostatistics
- Agricultural Policy
- Thesis Research
Modules
5 in the programmeAdvanced Agricultural Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced research methods covering experimental design, agricultural research methodology, biostatistics, and research ethics.
Advanced Crop Science and Production
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced crop science covering crop physiology, breeding, production systems, and crop improvement techniques.
Advanced Soil Science and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced soil science covering soil chemistry, soil fertility, soil management, and sustainable soil practices.
Agricultural Systems Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Agricultural systems covering farming systems analysis, agricultural modelling, systems thinking, and agricultural sustainability.
Doctoral Thesis Research
Year 2Semester 112 creditsCore
Independent doctoral research on an agriculture topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to agricultural science knowledge.
Specialisations
Crop Science
Focus on crop physiology, breeding, production, and improvement for food security.
Soil Science
Focus on soil fertility, soil management, and sustainable soil practices for agricultural productivity.
Agricultural Systems
Focus on farming systems analysis, agricultural modelling, and sustainable agricultural systems.
A day as a student
A typical day combines research work with field visits and academic writing. Students design research projects, conduct field experiments, analyse agricultural data, and write a doctoral thesis. Field work provides hands-on experience with crop trials and soil analysis. Seminars develop analytical and presentation skills. Research involves real agricultural challenges. The programme emphasises research competence, agricultural knowledge, and analytical capabilities.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Agricultural research is critical for Kenya's food security and economic development. | The programme is research-intensive and requires significant time commitment (3-5 years). |
| Offered at both KU and UoN, Kenya's leading public universities. | Requires a Master's degree in Agriculture or related field. |
| Full-time and part-time modes provide flexibility for working professionals. | Research funding can be challenging to secure for agricultural research. |
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 464K, Egerton 252K/yr. KeMU 168K (kemu.ac.ke), Kabarak 314K/yr.
HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Agricultural research grants may be available from KALRO, FAO, and international research organisations.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in doctoral programmes at chartered universities
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Master's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, or related field from a recognised university. Relevant research experience may be required.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi.
Including Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi.
Including Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Seminars
Written examination30% of the mark
Coursework assessments, seminar presentations, and assignments evaluating understanding of advanced agricultural concepts.
Research Proposal
Project20% of the mark
A research proposal for the doctoral thesis, evaluated and approved by a supervisory committee.
Doctoral Thesis Defence
Project50% of the mark
A doctoral thesis demonstrating original research in agriculture, defended before an examination panel.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
KU and UoN are chartered by CUE. PhD programme accredited by CUE.
KU and UoN are chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The PhD programme is accredited by CUE.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesAgricultural Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts agricultural research in research institutions, universities, or international organisations, developing new agricultural technologies and practices.
University Lecturer
Moderate demand
Teaches agriculture and related subjects at universities, conducting research and supervising student projects.
Agricultural Consultant
Moderate demand
Provides consulting on agricultural production, sustainability, and policy for government agencies, NGOs, and private sector.
Agricultural Policy Advisor
Low demand
Advises government and international organisations on agricultural policy, food security, and rural development.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as agricultural researchers, university lecturers, and agricultural consultants in research institutions, universities, government agencies, and international organisations, with opportunities for agricultural research and policy.
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
Industry links
Common misconceptions
A PhD in Agriculture is only for becoming a farmer.
A PhD in Agriculture prepares graduates for research, teaching, policy, and consulting careers, not just farming.
Agricultural research has limited impact.
Agricultural research is critical for food security, climate adaptation, and sustainable development in Kenya and Africa.
You need to be from a farming background to study agriculture.
The programme accepts graduates from various backgrounds with relevant agricultural science education.
Agriculture is a low-tech field.
Modern agriculture involves advanced technologies including biotechnology, precision agriculture, and data analytics.