Master of Science in Seed Technology and Trade
<p>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.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 178,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 357,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 300,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, blended, online, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 6 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
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.
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 programmeSeed 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's growing seed industry, seed trade, regional harmonisation, seed enterprises, and agricultural development create high demand for qualified seed technology and trade professionals. | Programme requires agriculture, seed science, or business background, which may exclude some graduates. |
| KU offers MSc Seed Technology/Trade through its digital school with online and blended learning options, providing flexible and accessible training. | Niche programme with fewer positions compared to broader agricultural science or business programmes. |
| Career opportunities with KEPHIS, KALRO, Kenya Seed Company, STAK members, seed companies, trade organisations, and international bodies like ISF and COMESA. | Strathmore fees at KES 150,000 per semester (~KES 300,000/year) are relatively expensive compared to public universities. |
| Programme combines seed technology with trade and business, addressing Kenya's seed industry commercialisation, trade, and enterprise development needs. | 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 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
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 recordedHELB 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.
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
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.
When it next starts
Taught at 6 institutionsIncluding Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, University of Eldoret.
Including Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, University of Eldoret.
Including Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, University of Eldoret.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCoursework 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
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.
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.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesSeed 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- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
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.