Bachelor of Science in Horticulture Program Offered at Egerton University

Horticulture is a fast-growing and major subsector of the agricultural industry in Kenya. Its contribution towards both small-scale and large-scale farm incomes, employment, foreign exchange earnings and food production security cannot be overemphasized. However, the full potential of horticulture in is yet to be realized, hence the need for a highly qualified workforce to drive the industry.

The major goal of the Bachelor of Science in horticulture degree programme at Egerton University is to prepare the graduates to meet challenges faced by the horticultural industry in realizing its full potential.

The broad objective of this BSc. Horticulture programme at Egerton University is to train advanced level personnel with practical and theoretical skills in general horticulture, who through research, extension, marketing and entrepreneurship, will be able to increase production and use of horticultural and other crops.

On completing the programme, graduates will be able to do the following:

1. Perceive and appreciate the importance of horticulture in the national economy with particular reference to the roles played by vegetable and fruit crops as well as ornamental plants in meeting the family needs;
2. Contribute to improving production of horticultural crops, enhancing marketing of horticultural crop produce and public awareness of aesthetic value of ornamental plants;
3. Contribute in the setting up and running of private horticultural enterprises;
4. Relate and integrate production of horticultural crops with other farm enterprises;
5. Carry out scientific research on various facets of horticultural and other crops;
6. Promote domestic, urban and institutional landscapes through design, development and maintenance;
7. Promote environmental conservation by encouraging and effecting agricultural practices that minimize soil erosion and pollution.

Candidates applying for the Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture at Egerton University must satisfy the minimum Egerton University entrance requirements in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.

In addition, they must have studied and passed the following subjects with minimum grades as shown below:

• B- in Biology or B in Biological Sciences
• B- in Chemistry or B in Physical Sciences
• C+ in Mathematics

Candidates who have studied and passed agriculture will have an added advantage. However, these requirements may change from time to time.

Alternatively, admission may be granted to candidates with at least a CREDIT, or its equivalent, in Diploma in horticulture or agriculture from a recognized University or College.

Diploma holders may qualify for credit transfer from their diploma programmes.

Mininum Entry Requirements for Bachelor's Degree at Egerton University
The entry requirements set out below are only minimum, and they in no way entitle an applicant to a place in the University. Applicants must:

• Have the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with an average grade C+ (C plus)passed at one sitting from at least seven subjects drawn from subject groupings as specified by the Kenya National Examinations Council or its equivalent.

OR

• Have one of the following combinations of passes in the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education examination:
• Two (2) Principal passes obtained at the same sitting.

OR

• Egerton University Statutes 2008 43
• Two (2) Principal passes obtained at different sittings provided the passes are of Grade C or higher.

OR

• Hold a Diploma of Egerton University with a 'Credit' pass or higher or an equivalent
• Qualification from a recognized institution in the relevant field of specialization acceptable to Senate. Those with a 'Pass' Diploma will be considered if they have at least two years relevant experience after graduation.

AND
Meet additional entry requirements as may be specified by the respective Department, Faculty, School or Institute.

To be admitted for a PRE-SERVICE DEGREE PROGRAM, a prospective candidate must have all the requirements set up by the joint Admission Board (JAB), with a prospective IN-SERVICE student must have completed a diplomaprogram in the relevant field and graduated with at least a CREDIT.

The Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture at Egerton University shall normally take a full time student four academic years each with two semesters.
Some of the subject areas to be studied include:

• Introductory Courses
• General and Principle Courses
• Basic Horticultural Courses
• Vegetable Crops
• Fruit Crops
• Post-harvest Management
• Ornamental Horticulture
• Experimentation and Research Projects.

Egerton University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Kenya. It was founded as a Farm School in 1939 by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton, a British national who settled in Kenya in the 1920s.

Egerton University has three (3) Campuses and one Campus College.

The main Campus is based at ... read more