Agriculture

Master of Science in Seed Technology and Trade

The Master of Science in Seed Technology and Trade is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in seed technology, seed trade, seed business management, and seed value chain development. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in seed enterprises, seed trade, seed business management, and seed industry development.

Core areas include seed technology, seed production, seed quality, seed trade, seed marketing, seed business management, seed policy, intellectual property, seed value chains, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical seed technology and trade applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with Kenyatta University as a college. KU offers MSc Seed Technology/Trade through its digital school with online and blended learning options. University of Eldoret offers related MSc Seed Science and Technology. JKUAT offers MSc Plant Breeding at KES 357,000.

Students develop competencies in seed production, quality management, seed marketing, trade regulations, business planning, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, business projects, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. KU offers MSc Seed Technology/Trade through its digital school. JKUAT MSc Plant Breeding total fees are KES 357,000. Entry requires Bachelor's degree in agriculture, seed science, business, or related fields with Upper Second or Lower with experience.

Graduates pursue careers as seed enterprise managers, seed trade specialists, seed marketing managers, seed business consultants, and lecturers in seed companies, trade organisations, regulatory bodies, and universities.

Skills Required

Seed Technology and Quality Management
Seed Production and Multiplication
Seed Trade and Marketing
Seed Business Management and Planning
Seed Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
Seed Value Chain Development
Intellectual Property and Plant Variety Protection
Seed Market Analysis and Strategy
Seed Enterprise Development
Seed Technology and Trade Research Methods

Key Subjects

Seed Technology
Seed Production
Seed Trade and Marketing
Seed Business Management
Seed Policy and Regulation
Seed Quality Management
Intellectual Property and PVP
Seed Value Chains
Seed Market Analysis
Seed Technology and Trade Research Methods

Certifications

KEPHIS Seed Trade Certification
ISF Seed Trade Certification

Specializations

Seed Technology

Focuses on seed technology, seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed processing, seed storage, and applying technology in seed production and quality.

Seed Trade

Examines seed trade, seed markets, seed export, seed import, trade regulations, regional trade, COMESA seed trade, and managing seed trade and marketing.

Seed Business Management

Covers seed business management, business planning, financial management, operations, supply chain, enterprise development, and managing seed businesses.

Seed Marketing

Focuses on seed marketing, market analysis, marketing strategy, branding, distribution, customer relations, and marketing seeds effectively.

Seed Policy and Regulation

Examines seed policy, seed law, seed regulations, KEPHIS, variety registration, phytosanitary, and developing and implementing seed policy and regulation.

Intellectual Property

Covers intellectual property, plant variety protection, UPOV, PVP, breeders' rights, licensing, and protecting and commercialising plant varieties.

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, Blended, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Seed Technology
Seed Production
Seed Trade and Marketing
Seed Business Management
Seed Policy and Regulation
Seed Quality Management
Intellectual Property and PVP
Seed Value Chains
Seed Market Analysis
Seed Technology and Trade Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Seed Technology and Quality Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed processing, seed storage, seed certification, and applying technology in seed production and quality.
Seed Trade and Marketing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers seed markets, seed export, seed import, trade regulations, COMESA seed trade, regional harmonisation, phytosanitary, marketing, and managing seed trade and marketing.
Seed Business Management and Planning
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines business planning, financial management, operations, supply chain, enterprise development, strategic management, and managing seed businesses.
Seed Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers seed policy, seed law, seed regulations, KEPHIS, variety registration, phytosanitary regulations, seed standards, and developing and implementing seed policy and regulation.
Intellectual Property and Plant Variety Protection
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines plant variety protection, UPOV, PVP, breeders' rights, licensing, royalties, patents, and protecting and commercialising plant varieties.
Seed Value Chain Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers seed value chains, seed supply, seed demand, seed distribution, seed access, seed systems, and developing and managing seed value chains.
Seed Market Analysis and Strategy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines market research, demand forecasting, competitive analysis, market segmentation, pricing strategy, and analysing seed markets and opportunities.
Seed Enterprise Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers seed enterprise development, business models, investment, risk management, scaling, innovation, and developing and growing seed enterprises.
Regional and International Seed Trade
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines regional seed trade, COMESA, EAC, SADC, international seed trade, ISF, OECD seed schemes, WTO, and managing regional and international seed trade.
Seed Technology and Trade Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for seed technology and trade, market research, experimental design, data analysis, and conducting seed technology and trade research, preparing students for their thesis.
Seed Industry and Innovation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines seed industry trends, innovation, digital seed systems, climate-smart seed, seed industry 4.0, and emerging trends in the seed industry.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a seed technology and trade topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and seed technology and trade knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Seed Technology
Focuses on seed technology, seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed processing, seed storage, and applying technology in seed production and quality.
Seed Trade
Examines seed trade, seed markets, seed export, seed import, trade regulations, regional trade, COMESA seed trade, and managing seed trade and marketing.
Seed Business Management
Covers seed business management, business planning, financial management, operations, supply chain, enterprise development, and managing seed businesses.
Seed Marketing
Focuses on seed marketing, market analysis, marketing strategy, branding, distribution, customer relations, and marketing seeds effectively.
Seed Policy and Regulation
Examines seed policy, seed law, seed regulations, KEPHIS, variety registration, phytosanitary, and developing and implementing seed policy and regulation.
Intellectual Property
Covers intellectual property, plant variety protection, UPOV, PVP, breeders' rights, licensing, and protecting and commercialising plant varieties.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Seed Technology and Trade programme begins with morning lectures on seed technology, seed trade, or seed business management. Students engage in theoretical discussions on seed science, trade principles, and business strategies. Seed technology sessions cover seed production, seed quality, seed testing, seed processing, seed storage, and applying technology in seed production and quality. Seed trade sessions examine seed markets, seed export, seed import, trade regulations, COMESA seed trade, regional harmonisation, phytosanitary, and managing seed trade and marketing. Seed business management sessions cover business planning, financial management, operations, supply chain, enterprise development, strategic management, and managing seed businesses. Seed marketing sessions examine market analysis, marketing strategy, branding, distribution, customer relations, pricing, and marketing seeds effectively. Seed policy sessions cover seed policy, seed law, seed regulations, KEPHIS, variety registration, phytosanitary regulations, and developing and implementing seed policy and regulation. Intellectual property sessions examine plant variety protection, UPOV, PVP, breeders' rights, licensing, royalties, and protecting and commercialising plant varieties. Seed value chain sessions cover seed value chains, seed supply, seed demand, seed distribution, seed access, and developing and managing seed value chains. Seed market analysis sessions examine market research, demand forecasting, competitive analysis, market segmentation, and analysing seed markets and opportunities. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with seed testing, quality analysis, and seed processing. Business projects provide hands-on experience with business plan development, market analysis, and seed enterprise planning. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering seed technology and trade research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KU faculty, KEPHIS officials, STAK representatives, Kenya Seed Company executives, and international seed trade experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's growing seed industry, seed trade, regional harmonisation, seed enterprises, and agricultural development create high demand for qualified seed technology and trade professionals.
KU offers MSc Seed Technology/Trade through its digital school with online and blended learning options, providing flexible and accessible training.
Career opportunities with KEPHIS, KALRO, Kenya Seed Company, STAK members, seed companies, trade organisations, and international bodies like ISF and COMESA.
Programme combines seed technology with trade and business, addressing Kenya's seed industry commercialisation, trade, and enterprise development needs.

Against it

Programme requires agriculture, seed science, or business background, which may exclude some graduates.
Niche programme with fewer positions compared to broader agricultural science or business programmes.
Strathmore fees at KES 150,000 per semester (~KES 300,000/year) are relatively expensive compared to public universities.
Programme combines science and business, which may be challenging for students without business 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 seed science. STAK supports seed industry development. ISF supports seed trade professional development. The programme's seed technology and trade focus attracts seed industry, trade, and international funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KALRO Research Funding
STAK Seed Industry Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate seed technology and trade studies at recognised universities.
KALRO Research Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KALRO supports agricultural research including seed science and seed production, providing funding for postgraduate research in seed technology and trade.
STAK Seed Industry Funding
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
STAK supports seed industry development in Kenya, providing funding for postgraduate study and research in seed technology and trade.

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, seed science, agribusiness, business, botany, plant science, crop science, horticulture, agricultural economics, and related fields. KU offers MSc Seed Technology/Trade through its digital school. JKUAT requires Upper Second in relevant field. Two-year programme with full-time, part-time, and online/blended learning modes.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, business plans, market analysis reports, trade case studies, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering seed technology, seed trade, business management, policy, and intellectual property, conducted at end of each semester.
Business Project and Laboratory Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of business plans, market analysis, seed quality testing, trade projects, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a seed technology and trade topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and seed technology and trade knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). KU offers MSc Seed Technology/Trade through its digital school. University of Eldoret offers related MSc Seed Science and Technology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate seed technology and trade training. KEPHIS regulates seed certification and trade in Kenya, STAK represents seed companies, and ISF and COMESA support seed trade internationally and regionally.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. KU offers MSc Seed Technology/Trade through its digital school. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate seed technology and trade training.
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
Professional accreditation
KEPHIS regulates seed certification, seed quality, seed trade, and variety registration in Kenya. Graduates working in seed trade or regulation may benefit from KEPHIS knowledge and certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Seed Enterprise Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages seed enterprises, overseeing seed production, processing, marketing, distribution, and supporting seed business operations and growth.
Seed Trade Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages seed trade operations, overseeing seed import, export, trade regulations, compliance, and supporting seed trade and marketing.
Seed Marketing Manager
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages seed marketing, overseeing market analysis, marketing strategy, branding, distribution, and supporting seed marketing and sales.
Seed Business Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Provides seed business consultancy, overseeing business planning, market analysis, strategy, and supporting seed enterprise development.
Seed Regulatory Officer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages seed regulation, overseeing seed certification, trade compliance, variety registration, and supporting seed regulation and standards.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches seed technology and trade in universities, conducting research and training future seed industry professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as seed enterprise managers, seed trade specialists, and seed marketing managers in seed companies, trade organisations, and regulatory bodies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for seed trade data analysis, market research, seed demand, trade statistics, and research data analysis.
R Statistical Computing
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source statistical computing for seed technology data, market analysis, trade data, and research data analysis in seed technology and trade.
SeedCalc
Software
Software for seed testing calculations, germination analysis, purity analysis, seed quality data management, and seed testing data analysis.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for seed business planning, financial analysis, market data, trade data, and business management in seed enterprises.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Seed technology and trade is just about selling seeds.
The programme involves seed technology, production, quality, trade, marketing, business management, policy, intellectual property, and research, covering comprehensive seed technology and trade.
This programme is only for agriculture graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from agriculture, seed science, business, agribusiness, and related fields.
There is limited demand for seed trade professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's growing seed industry, seed trade, regional harmonisation, seed enterprises, and agricultural development create high demand for qualified seed technology and trade professionals.
Seed trade is just about buying and selling.
Seed trade involves regulations, phytosanitary standards, variety protection, regional harmonisation, market analysis, and business strategy, not just buying and selling.
Intellectual property is not relevant to seeds.
Plant variety protection, breeders' rights, and licensing are critical for seed trade, variety commercialisation, and rewarding breeding investment.
A master's in seed technology and trade is redundant after a business or agriculture degree.
The master's provides specialised seed technology and trade skills, business expertise, research capability, and career progression to senior seed industry and trade positions.