Science

Master of Science in Olericulture

The Master of Science in Olericulture is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in vegetable science, vegetable crop production, vegetable breeding, and vegetable crop protection. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in vegetable research, vegetable seed production, horticultural extension, and vegetable value chain management.

Core areas include olericulture, vegetable crop production, vegetable breeding, vegetable seed science, vegetable crop protection, vegetable postharvest technology, greenhouse vegetable production, vegetable nutrition, vegetable crop ecology, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical vegetable science applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with Maseno University as a college. JKUAT offers related MSc Horticulture at KES 357,000 total. Egerton University offers related MSc Horticulture. Maseno University offers related horticulture programmes through its School of Agriculture.

Students develop competencies in vegetable production, breeding, seed production, crop protection, postharvest handling, greenhouse production, and research. The programme includes coursework, field practicals, laboratory work, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. JKUAT MSc Horticulture total fees are KES 357,000 (~KES 178,500/year). Egerton University offers MSc Horticulture with 2-year duration. Entry requires Bachelor's degree in horticulture, agriculture, botany, or related fields with Upper Second or Lower with experience.

Graduates pursue careers as vegetable researchers, horticultural officers, seed technologists, extension officers, and lecturers in research institutions, seed companies, agricultural organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Olericulture and Vegetable Crop Production
Vegetable Breeding and Genetics
Vegetable Seed Science and Technology
Vegetable Crop Protection and Pest Management
Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Vegetable Postharvest Technology
Vegetable Crop Nutrition and Fertiliser Management
Vegetable Crop Ecology and Sustainable Production
Vegetable Value Chain Management
Olericulture Research Methods

Key Subjects

Olericulture
Vegetable Crop Production
Vegetable Breeding and Genetics
Vegetable Seed Science
Vegetable Crop Protection
Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Vegetable Postharvest Technology
Vegetable Crop Nutrition
Vegetable Crop Ecology
Olericulture Research Methods

Certifications

KEPHIS Seed Certification
ISHS Horticulture Certification

Specializations

Vegetable Crop Production

Focuses on vegetable crop production, field production, nursery management, transplanting, crop management, irrigation, and producing vegetable crops efficiently.

Vegetable Breeding

Examines vegetable breeding, vegetable genetics, variety development, hybrid vegetables, open-pollinated varieties, and developing improved vegetable varieties.

Vegetable Seed Science

Covers vegetable seed science, seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed certification, seed storage, and producing and managing vegetable seeds.

Greenhouse Vegetable Production

Focuses on greenhouse vegetable production, protected cultivation, hydroponics, fertigation, climate control, and producing vegetables in controlled environments.

Vegetable Crop Protection

Examines vegetable crop protection, vegetable pests, vegetable diseases, weed management, IPM, biological control, and protecting vegetable crops from pests and diseases.

Vegetable Postharvest Technology

Covers vegetable postharvest technology, postharvest handling, storage, packaging, processing, shelf life, and reducing postharvest losses in vegetables.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 191,900
Private, up to: Ksh 300,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Olericulture
Vegetable Crop Production
Vegetable Breeding and Genetics
Vegetable Seed Science
Vegetable Crop Protection
Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Vegetable Postharvest Technology
Vegetable Crop Nutrition
Vegetable Crop Ecology
Olericulture Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Olericulture and Vegetable Crop Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines vegetable science, vegetable classification, vegetable biology, vegetable crop types, vegetable crop ecology, and understanding vegetable crops.
Vegetable Crop Production Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers field production, nursery management, transplanting, spacing, irrigation, crop management, intercropping, rotation, and producing vegetable crops efficiently.
Vegetable Breeding and Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines vegetable genetics, variety development, hybrid vegetables, open-pollinated varieties, selection, marker-assisted breeding, and developing improved vegetable varieties.
Vegetable Seed Science and Technology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed certification, seed storage, seed treatment, seed health, and producing and managing vegetable seeds.
Vegetable Crop Protection and Pest Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines vegetable pests, vegetable diseases, weed management, IPM, biological control, nematode management, pesticide safety, and protecting vegetable crops from pests and diseases.
Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers protected cultivation, greenhouse structures, hydroponics, fertigation, climate control, CO2 enrichment, substrate culture, and producing vegetables in controlled environments.
Vegetable Postharvest Technology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines postharvest handling, storage, packaging, processing, cold chain, shelf life, quality, precooling, and reducing postharvest losses in vegetables.
Vegetable Crop Nutrition and Fertiliser Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers vegetable crop nutrition, fertiliser management, nutrient deficiencies, soil fertility, composting, organic farming, micronutrients, and managing vegetable crop nutrition.
Vegetable Crop Ecology and Sustainable Production
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines vegetable crop ecology, sustainable production, climate-smart vegetable production, water management, conservation agriculture, agroecology, and sustainable vegetable production.
Olericulture Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for olericulture, experimental design, field trials, data analysis, statistical methods, and conducting vegetable research, preparing students for their thesis.
Vegetable Value Chain and Marketing
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines vegetable value chain, vegetable marketing, vegetable exports, value addition, supply chain, market access, and managing vegetable value chains.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an olericulture topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and vegetable science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Vegetable Crop Production
Focuses on vegetable crop production, field production, nursery management, transplanting, crop management, irrigation, and producing vegetable crops efficiently.
Vegetable Breeding
Examines vegetable breeding, vegetable genetics, variety development, hybrid vegetables, open-pollinated varieties, and developing improved vegetable varieties.
Vegetable Seed Science
Covers vegetable seed science, seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed certification, seed storage, and producing and managing vegetable seeds.
Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Focuses on greenhouse vegetable production, protected cultivation, hydroponics, fertigation, climate control, and producing vegetables in controlled environments.
Vegetable Crop Protection
Examines vegetable crop protection, vegetable pests, vegetable diseases, weed management, IPM, biological control, and protecting vegetable crops from pests and diseases.
Vegetable Postharvest Technology
Covers vegetable postharvest technology, postharvest handling, storage, packaging, processing, shelf life, and reducing postharvest losses in vegetables.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Olericulture programme begins with morning lectures on vegetable science, vegetable production, or vegetable breeding. Students engage in theoretical discussions on vegetable crops, production systems, and crop improvement. Olericulture sessions cover vegetable science, vegetable classification, vegetable biology, vegetable crop types, and understanding vegetable crops. Vegetable production sessions examine field production, nursery management, transplanting, spacing, irrigation, crop management, and producing vegetable crops efficiently. Vegetable breeding sessions cover vegetable genetics, variety development, hybrid vegetables, open-pollinated varieties, selection, marker-assisted breeding, and developing improved vegetable varieties. Vegetable seed science sessions examine seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed certification, seed storage, seed treatment, and producing and managing vegetable seeds. Vegetable crop protection sessions cover vegetable pests, vegetable diseases, weed management, IPM, biological control, nematode management, and protecting vegetable crops from pests and diseases. Greenhouse production sessions examine protected cultivation, greenhouse structures, hydroponics, fertigation, climate control, CO2 enrichment, and producing vegetables in controlled environments. Postharvest technology sessions cover postharvest handling, storage, packaging, processing, cold chain, shelf life, quality, and reducing postharvest losses in vegetables. Vegetable nutrition sessions examine vegetable crop nutrition, fertiliser management, nutrient deficiencies, soil fertility, composting, organic farming, and managing vegetable crop nutrition. Vegetable ecology sessions cover vegetable crop ecology, sustainable production, climate-smart vegetable production, water management, conservation agriculture, and sustainable vegetable production. Field practicals provide hands-on experience with vegetable production, nursery management, greenhouse operations, crop management, pest scouting, and harvesting. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with seed testing, vegetable breeding techniques, tissue culture, and postharvest quality analysis. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering olericulture research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KALRO researchers, KEPHIS officials, JKUAT faculty, seed company experts, and international horticulture experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's growing horticultural export sector, vegetable seed industry, greenhouse farming, food security needs, and vegetable value chain create moderate demand for qualified olericulture professionals.
JKUAT offers related MSc Horticulture at KES 357,000, and Egerton offers MSc Horticulture, providing established training in horticulture and vegetable science.
Career opportunities with KALRO, KEPHIS, ADC, seed companies, horticultural exporters, NGOs, and international organisations like FAO and ISHS.
Programme addresses Kenya's food security, vegetable production, horticultural export, and sustainable agriculture needs.

Against it

Job market demand is moderate, with fewer dedicated olericulture positions compared to general horticulture or agriculture.
Programme requires horticulture, agriculture, botany, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Strathmore fees at KES 150,000 per semester (~KES 300,000/year) are relatively expensive compared to public universities.
Field practicals require access to vegetable farms, greenhouses, and research stations, which may be limited in some regions.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public131k to 192k

131k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology192k at Egerton University

Private300k to 300k

300k at Strathmore University300k at Strathmore University

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 ~192K/yr (egerton.ac.ke). MMUST ~131K/yr. Private unverified

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KALRO supports agricultural research including vegetable crops. FAO supports food security and agriculture. KEPHIS supports seed quality and plant health. ISHS supports horticulture professional development. The programme's olericulture focus attracts agricultural and international funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KALRO Research Funding
FAO Agriculture Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate olericulture studies at recognised universities.
KALRO Research Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KALRO supports agricultural research including vegetable crops, providing funding for postgraduate research in olericulture and vegetable science.
FAO Agriculture Funding
GrantKsh 300,000
FAO supports food security and agriculture in Kenya, providing funding for postgraduate research in vegetable production and food systems.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from horticulture, agriculture, botany, environmental science, forestry, crop science, plant science, and related fields. JKUAT requires Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or relevant discipline with Upper Second or Lower with 2 years experience. Egerton requires Upper Second or Lower with 2 years experience. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, field reports, crop production projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering olericulture, vegetable production, breeding, and crop protection, conducted at end of each semester.
Field and Laboratory Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of field practicals, vegetable production, greenhouse operations, seed testing, breeding techniques, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an olericulture topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and vegetable science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT offers related MSc Horticulture at KES 357,000. Egerton University offers related MSc Horticulture. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate olericulture training. KALRO supports vegetable research, and KEPHIS regulates seed certification and plant health in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT offers related MSc Horticulture at KES 357,000. Egerton offers MSc Horticulture. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate olericulture training.
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
Professional accreditation
KEPHIS regulates plant health, seed certification, and variety registration in Kenya. Graduates working in seed production or variety development may benefit from KEPHIS knowledge and certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Vegetable Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts vegetable research, overseeing vegetable breeding, production trials, crop improvement, and supporting olericulture research and development.
Horticultural Officer
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Provides horticultural extension services, overseeing vegetable production advisory, farmer training, and supporting vegetable production in the field.
Seed Technologist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages vegetable seed programmes, overseeing seed production, quality testing, certification, and supporting vegetable seed industry.
Greenhouse Manager
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages greenhouse vegetable production, overseeing greenhouse operations, hydroponics, climate control, and supporting controlled environment vegetable production.
Extension Officer
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Provides agricultural extension services, overseeing vegetable production advisory, technology transfer, and supporting vegetable farmers.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches horticulture and olericulture in universities, conducting research and training future horticulture professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as vegetable researchers, horticultural officers, and seed technologists in research institutions, seed companies, and agricultural organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

GENSTAT
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for agricultural research data analysis, field trial analysis, breeding data, experimental design, and statistical modelling in olericulture research.
R Statistical Computing
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source statistical computing for agricultural data analysis, breeding data, multi-environment trials, genotype-by-environment analysis, and research data analysis.
DSSAT
Software
Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer for crop simulation modelling, vegetable crop modelling, yield prediction, and agricultural decision support.
Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for field trial data, vegetable production data, breeding records, seed data, and managing olericulture research data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Olericulture is just about growing vegetables.
The programme involves vegetable breeding, seed science, crop protection, greenhouse production, postharvest technology, and research, covering comprehensive vegetable science.
This programme is only for agriculture graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from horticulture, agriculture, botany, environmental science, forestry, and related fields.
There is limited demand for olericulture specialists in Kenya.
Kenya's growing horticultural export sector, vegetable seed industry, greenhouse farming, food security needs, and vegetable value chain create moderate demand for qualified olericulture professionals.
Olericulture is the same as general horticulture.
Olericulture specifically focuses on vegetable crops, while horticulture also includes fruits (pomology), flowers (floriculture), and ornamental plants.
Vegetable farming is low-tech and doesn't need advanced training.
Modern vegetable production involves greenhouse technology, hydroponics, precision agriculture, breeding, and postharvest technology, requiring advanced training.
A master's in olericulture is redundant after a bachelor's in agriculture.
The master's provides specialised vegetable science skills, research capability, and career progression to senior research and vegetable industry positions.