OVERVIEW:
Description of the Programme:
The horticultural sub-sector in Kenya is a leading contributor to the country’s GDP, and is earmarked as a key economic growth sector in the medium to long term development strategies. Realization of goals to attain the full potential of the sector will hinge on availability of adequate and suitably skilled manpower in this sector.
This Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in
Horticulture program will contribute in meeting this challenge through provision of up-to-date
knowledge, skills and appropriate technology in horticulture. The program offers training in
fundamental horticultural knowledge and practice in the first two years of study, after which
students will have a choice of specializing in one of two concentration areas of production
horticulture or environmental horticulture in the final two years. The horticultural production
concentration will focus on basic and state-of-the-art principles and practices in production of a
variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers, other ornamental plants, organic production, postharvest,
nursery and greenhouse management. Environmental horticulture concentration will focus on
providing skills and state-of-the-art information in planning, design, construction, and
management of urban landscapes, ornamental horticulture and restoration horticulture. Overall,
the program incorporates basic management skills, with emphasis on professional standards and
ethics, as well as sustainable and environmentally sound management practices
Admission Requirements:
a) Candidates must satisfy the minimum University requirements of a mean grade of C+ (plus) in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education and a minimum of grade C+ (plus) in Biology and Maths; C (plain) in any two of the following- Physics, Chemistry, Agriculture and Geography. OR
b) KACE with two principal passes of which one must be Biology and one subsidiary pass. OR
c) C- (minus) with a Credit Diploma
c) Diploma from any accredited Institution.
Programme Learning Objectives (PLOs):
The programme general objective is to produce internationally competent graduates who are equipped for a range of careers in the horticultural industry. Graduates will not only acquire ability to provide professional advice and services in horticulture, but also have options to specialize in chosen career paths at post- graduate level.
The specific objectives of the programme are to:
a) Equip students with an in-depth understanding of horticultural science.
b) Train students in best practices in the horticulture industry.
c) Equip students with state-of-the-art technical knowledge and skills in horticulture.
d) Produce graduates to meet current and future horticulture industry needs through
research, innovation and teaching.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMME:
Duration of the Program:
(a) The degree shall normally take four academic years of 8 semesters.
(b) Courses shall be offered in units. A course unit is defined as that part of a subject described by a coherent syllabus and taught normally over a period of a semester.
Courses Distribution:
EXPECTED CAREER DIRECTIONS:
Graduates can work as horticulturists, seed analysts, greenhouse managers, farm managers, food technologists , or plant breeders.
Programe Fees:
Kshs: 126,000 per year