Agriculture

Master of Science in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology

The Master of Science in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in plant genetics, plant breeding, biotechnology, and crop improvement. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in plant breeding, seed production, agricultural biotechnology, and crop improvement research.

Core areas include plant genetics, plant breeding, biotechnology, molecular genetics, plant tissue culture, genomics, marker-assisted breeding, genetic engineering, seed science, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical plant breeding and biotechnology applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with University of Eldoret and University of Nairobi as colleges. UoN offers MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (code A518) through its Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection. JKUAT offers MSc Plant Breeding at KES 357,000. Egerton offers MSc Plant Breeding and MSc Plant Biotechnology.

Students develop competencies in plant breeding, genetic analysis, molecular techniques, tissue culture, biotechnology applications, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, field experiments, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. UoN MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology total tuition is KES 332,500. JKUAT MSc Plant Breeding total fees are KES 357,000 (~KES 178,500/year). Entry requires Bachelor's degree in agriculture, botany, or related fields with Upper Second or Lower with experience.

Graduates pursue careers as plant breeders, biotechnologists, seed technologists, research scientists, and lecturers in seed companies, research institutions, agricultural organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Plant Genetics and Breeding Methods
Molecular Genetics and Marker-Assisted Selection
Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation
Genetic Engineering and Plant Transformation
Genomics and Bioinformatics in Plant Breeding
Seed Science and Technology
Plant Biotechnology and Genetic Modification
Statistical Genetics and Experimental Design
Crop Improvement and Variety Development
Plant Breeding Research Methods

Key Subjects

Plant Genetics
Plant Breeding
Molecular Genetics
Plant Tissue Culture
Genetic Engineering
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Marker-Assisted Breeding
Seed Science and Technology
Crop Improvement
Plant Breeding Research Methods

Certifications

KEPHIS Seed Certification
ISAAA Biotechnology Certification

Specializations

Plant Breeding

Focuses on plant breeding, conventional breeding, hybridisation, selection, variety development, breeding for resistance, breeding for quality, and developing improved plant varieties.

Molecular Genetics

Examines molecular genetics, DNA markers, marker-assisted selection, QTL mapping, gene mapping, molecular breeding, and applying molecular tools in plant breeding.

Plant Tissue Culture

Covers plant tissue culture, micropropagation, organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, anther culture, protoplast culture, and applying tissue culture in plant improvement.

Genetic Engineering

Focuses on genetic engineering, plant transformation, Agrobacterium, gene transfer, transgenic plants, GM crops, biosafety, and applying genetic engineering in crop improvement.

Genomics

Examines genomics, plant genomics, genome sequencing, functional genomics, comparative genomics, bioinformatics, and applying genomics in plant breeding.

Seed Science

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

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 178,500
Private, up to: Ksh 300,000
Job market: High

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

Plant Genetics
Plant Breeding
Molecular Genetics
Plant Tissue Culture
Genetic Engineering
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Marker-Assisted Breeding
Seed Science and Technology
Crop Improvement
Plant Breeding Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Plant Genetics and Cytogenetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines Mendelian genetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, cytogenetics, chromosome biology, linkage, recombination, and understanding plant genetic principles.
Advanced Plant Breeding Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers conventional breeding, hybridisation, selection, backcrossing, recurrent selection, breeding for resistance, breeding for quality, heterosis, and developing improved plant varieties.
Molecular Genetics and Marker-Assisted Selection
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines DNA markers, SSR, SNP, marker-assisted selection, QTL mapping, gene mapping, association mapping, genomic selection, and applying molecular tools in plant breeding.
Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers micropropagation, organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, anther culture, protoplast culture, somaclonal variation, synthetic seeds, and applying tissue culture in plant improvement.
Genetic Engineering and Plant Transformation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines plant transformation, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, biolistics, gene transfer, transgenic plants, GM crops, gene editing, CRISPR-Cas9, biosafety, and applying genetic engineering in crop improvement.
Genomics and Bioinformatics in Plant Breeding
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers plant genomics, genome sequencing, functional genomics, comparative genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, bioinformatics tools, and applying genomics in plant breeding.
Seed Science and Technology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed certification, seed storage, seed physiology, seed vigour, seed health, and producing and managing quality seeds.
Biometry and Experimental Design
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers experimental design, field trials, RCBD, alpha designs, statistical genetics, heritability, GxE interaction, stability analysis, and analysing breeding data.
Crop Improvement and Variety Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines variety development, variety testing, DUS testing, VCU testing, variety release, variety registration, germplasm conservation, and developing and releasing improved varieties.
Plant Breeding Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for plant breeding, experimental design, field and laboratory methods, data analysis, statistical methods, and conducting plant breeding research, preparing students for their thesis.
Biosafety and Regulatory Framework for Biotechnology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines biosafety, NBA regulations, GMO regulation, biosafety assessment, intellectual property, plant variety protection, UPOV, and regulating plant biotechnology and GM crops.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a plant breeding and biotechnology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and plant breeding knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Plant Breeding
Focuses on plant breeding, conventional breeding, hybridisation, selection, variety development, breeding for resistance, breeding for quality, and developing improved plant varieties.
Molecular Genetics
Examines molecular genetics, DNA markers, marker-assisted selection, QTL mapping, gene mapping, molecular breeding, and applying molecular tools in plant breeding.
Plant Tissue Culture
Covers plant tissue culture, micropropagation, organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, anther culture, protoplast culture, and applying tissue culture in plant improvement.
Genetic Engineering
Focuses on genetic engineering, plant transformation, Agrobacterium, gene transfer, transgenic plants, GM crops, biosafety, and applying genetic engineering in crop improvement.
Genomics
Examines genomics, plant genomics, genome sequencing, functional genomics, comparative genomics, bioinformatics, and applying genomics in plant breeding.
Seed Science
Covers seed science, seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed certification, seed storage, seed physiology, and producing and managing quality seeds.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology programme begins with morning lectures on plant genetics, breeding methods, or biotechnology. Students engage in theoretical discussions on genetic principles, breeding strategies, and biotechnology applications. Plant genetics sessions cover Mendelian genetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, cytogenetics, and understanding plant genetic principles. Plant breeding sessions examine conventional breeding, hybridisation, selection, backcrossing, recurrent selection, breeding for resistance, breeding for quality, and developing improved plant varieties. Molecular genetics sessions cover DNA markers, SSR, SNP, marker-assisted selection, QTL mapping, gene mapping, association mapping, and applying molecular tools in plant breeding. Plant tissue culture sessions examine micropropagation, organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, anther culture, protoplast culture, somaclonal variation, and applying tissue culture in plant improvement. Genetic engineering sessions cover plant transformation, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, biolistics, gene transfer, transgenic plants, GM crops, gene editing, CRISPR, biosafety, and applying genetic engineering in crop improvement. Genomics sessions examine plant genomics, genome sequencing, functional genomics, comparative genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and applying genomics in plant breeding. Seed science sessions cover seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed certification, seed storage, seed physiology, seed vigour, and producing and managing quality seeds. Biometry sessions cover experimental design, field trials, RCBD, alpha designs, statistical genetics, heritability, GxE interaction, stability analysis, and analysing breeding data. Crop improvement sessions examine variety development, variety testing, DUS testing, VCU testing, variety release, variety registration, and developing and releasing improved varieties. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, tissue culture, transformation, and molecular markers. Field experiments provide hands-on experience with breeding nurseries, crossing blocks, selection, field trials, and variety evaluation. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering plant breeding research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from UoN plant breeding faculty, KALRO breeders, KEPHIS officials, seed company breeders, and international plant breeding experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's food security needs, seed industry, crop improvement programmes, climate change adaptation, and agricultural biotechnology create high demand for qualified plant breeding professionals.
UoN offers MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (code A518) at KES 332,500, and JKUAT offers MSc Plant Breeding at KES 357,000, providing established training.
Career opportunities with KALRO, KEPHIS, seed companies, AATF, CIMMYT, research institutions, and international agricultural organisations.
Programme addresses Kenya's food security, crop improvement, climate-smart agriculture, and agricultural transformation needs.

Against it

Programme requires agriculture, botany, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Laboratory work requires access to molecular biology laboratories, tissue culture facilities, and greenhouse facilities, which may be limited.
Strathmore fees at KES 150,000 per semester (~KES 300,000/year) are relatively expensive compared to public universities.
Programme involves both conventional and molecular breeding, which may be challenging for students without genetics background.

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

Public151k to 179k

151k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology179k at Kirinyaga University

Private105k to 300k

105k at Kenya Methodist 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

MMUST ~150K/yr (2018), KeMU ~105K/yr. Kirinyaga, Strathmore unverified

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KALRO supports agricultural research including plant breeding. AATF supports agricultural biotechnology in Africa. CIMMYT supports maize and wheat improvement. ISAAA supports biotechnology adoption. The programme's plant breeding and biotechnology focus attracts agricultural, research, and international funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KALRO Research Funding
AATF Biotechnology Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate plant breeding and biotechnology studies at recognised universities.
KALRO Research Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KALRO supports agricultural research including plant breeding and crop improvement, providing funding for postgraduate research in plant breeding.
AATF Biotechnology Funding
GrantKsh 300,000
AATF supports agricultural biotechnology in Africa, providing funding for postgraduate study and research in plant biotechnology and crop improvement.

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 agriculture, botany, environmental science, forestry, biotechnology, plant science, crop science, horticulture, and related fields. UoN requires BSc Agriculture with Upper Second or BSc in Botany, Environmental Science, Forestry, or Education with Botany option with Upper Second, or Lower with 3 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, breeding project proposals, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering plant genetics, breeding methods, molecular genetics, and biotechnology, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, molecular techniques, tissue culture, field experiments, breeding nurseries, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a plant breeding and biotechnology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and plant breeding knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). UoN offers MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (code A518) through its Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection. JKUAT offers MSc Plant Breeding at KES 357,000. Egerton offers MSc Plant Breeding and MSc Plant Biotechnology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate plant breeding and biotechnology training. KALRO supports crop research, and KEPHIS regulates seed certification, variety registration, and GMOs in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. UoN offers MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (code A518). JKUAT offers MSc Plant Breeding at KES 357,000. Egerton offers MSc Plant Breeding and MSc Plant Biotechnology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate plant breeding and biotechnology training.
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
Professional accreditation
KEPHIS regulates plant health, seed certification, variety registration, and GMO regulation 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

Plant Breeder
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops improved plant varieties, overseeing breeding programmes, variety trials, selection, and supporting crop improvement and variety development.
Biotechnologist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Applies biotechnology in crop improvement, overseeing tissue culture, genetic engineering, molecular markers, and supporting plant biotechnology research.
Seed Technologist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages seed programmes, overseeing seed production, quality testing, certification, and supporting seed industry and quality seed production.
Research Scientist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts agricultural research, overseeing research projects, breeding studies, biotechnology research, and supporting agricultural research and development.
Molecular Geneticist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Applies molecular genetics in plant breeding, overseeing molecular markers, QTL mapping, genomic selection, and supporting molecular breeding.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches plant breeding and biotechnology in universities, conducting research and training future plant breeding professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as plant breeders, biotechnologists, and seed technologists in seed companies, research institutions, and agricultural organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

GENSTAT
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for plant breeding data analysis, field trial analysis, GxE interaction, stability analysis, and statistical modelling in plant breeding research.
R Statistical Computing
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source statistical computing for breeding data, QTL analysis, genomic selection, genetic analysis, and research data analysis in plant breeding.
BLAST
Software
Bioinformatics tool for sequence comparison, gene identification, sequence alignment, and comparing plant DNA sequences in genomics and molecular genetics.
TASSEL
Software
Software for trait analysis by association, evolution, and linkage, used for GWAS, QTL mapping, population structure, and genomic data analysis in plant breeding.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Plant breeding is just about crossing plants.
The programme involves molecular genetics, biotechnology, genomics, tissue culture, genetic engineering, seed science, and research, covering comprehensive plant breeding and biotechnology.
This programme is only for agriculture graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from agriculture, botany, environmental science, forestry, biotechnology, and related fields.
There is limited demand for plant breeders in Kenya.
Kenya's food security needs, seed industry, crop improvement programmes, climate change adaptation, and agricultural biotechnology create high demand for qualified plant breeding professionals.
Biotechnology and GM crops are dangerous.
Plant biotechnology is a regulated science with biosafety frameworks, and GM crops undergo rigorous safety assessment before approval by KEPHIS and NBA.
Plant breeding is outdated with modern genetics.
Modern plant breeding integrates conventional breeding with molecular tools, genomics, and biotechnology, making it more advanced and effective.
A master's in plant breeding is redundant after a bachelor's in agriculture.
The master's provides specialised plant breeding and biotechnology skills, research capability, and career progression to senior breeding and biotechnology positions.