Overview
Objective and expected learning outcomes of the programme
The goal of the PhD in Crop Protection is to train world class agricultural professionals with relevant skills to develop innovations, policies and decisions to mitigate against the current and emerging crop pests, diseases and weeds for improved food security, human health and nutrition and sustainable management of natural resources.
This objective is to train competent highly skilled man power and graduates who should be able to:
- Apply appropriate research methodologies in data acquisition, analysis, packaging and presentation.
- Analyze the current international and national agricultural policies and emerging issues in agriculture, food, environment, and gender.
- Be able to translate research outcome into a viable commercial venture
- Use hands on experience to become an entrepreneur or trainer in production, service provision, value addition and create more avenues for jobs and income generation
Application Information
Online applications are accepted all year round at: https://application.uonbi.ac.ke/index.php
The following documents are required to be uploaded during the online application:
- KCSE/ O-level certificate
- Certified copies of undergraduate certificate and transcripts
- Applicants with KCSE C (plain) to attach certified copies of a diploma from KNEC in addition to those stated in 1&2
- Applicants with KCSE C- (minus) to attach certified copies of a certificate and a diploma from KNEC in addition to those stated in 1&2
- Certified copies of masters degree and transcripts
- PhD proposal
International applicants are required to attach:
- Documents certified by the university attended
- Evidence of accreditation status of the university attended
- Proof of English proficiency
- Translated documents into English for applicants from non-English speaking countries
Mode of Delivery
The PhD degree programme in Plant Pathology is delivered through face-to-face, blended learning and Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (ODeL) modes of delivery. The ODeL mode of delivery shall only apply for the taught course units, except the Graduate seminars. The main modes of instruction will be via face-to-face and electronic interactions as lectures, seminars and guided research. The blended learning mode of delivery combines face-to-face and online learning approaches.
Contacts of Support Persons
- Contacts of support persons
- Prof. Douglas Watuku Miano – Programme Leader
Contacts: +254 20 4916020, e-mail: dept-pscp@uonbi.ac.ke
- Prof. James Muthomi
- Chairman, Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection
Contacts: +254 20 4916020; e-mail: dept-pscp@uonbi.ac.ke
- Notable alumni
Dr. Esther W. Kimani- MD, PCPB; Former MD, KEPHIS;
Dr. Isaac Macharia - Manager, Phytosanitary Services, KEPHIS
Dr. Dora C. Kilalo – Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi
Prof. James W. Muthomi - Professor, University of Nairobi
Structure
Duration and structure of the programme
- The programme shall take a minimum of three academic years and a maximum of six academic years.
- Each academic year shall consist of two (2) semesters of 15 weeks each.
- The Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Protection shall be offered by course work, examinations, research and a thesis.
- The programme shall consist of five (5) compulsory taught course units and a thesis.
- A course unit shall be defined as 60 instructional hours comprising lectures, seminars, term papers and independent desktop research.
- The research and thesis component of the programme shall be equivalent to 18 course units which is equivalent to 1080 Hours.
- A candidate shall carry out supervised thesis research, for a minimum period of two academic years, and a maximum of four academic years, culminating in a Doctoral thesis.
SCHEDULE OF INTAKE
Students are admitted once every year usually in September with exception of variation that may be caused by unforeseen circumstances. Applications are, however, received all year round and are processed for yearly admission.
Admission Requirements
- The PhD programme will admit holders of a Master’s degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Botany and Zoology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Horticulture, Biotechnology, Agricultural Extension Education, Soil Science, Seed Science and Technology, Bachelor of Education in Science with botany and Zoology option, and any other relevant subject from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by Senate.
- In addition, the applicant shall hold a Bachelor of Science degree in any of the disciplines in (i) above from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by Senate
- The applicant must be able to produce evidence of adequate academic background in the discipline and capacity to carry out original research by submitting a research concept note on the proposed topic of study.
- The concept note shall include a brief statement of the problem, research objectives, research hypothesis, brief literature review, summary of proposed methodology, expected outputs, work plan and key references.
- Applicants from non-English speaking countries must produce evidence of proficiency in spoken and written English language.
Careers
Attachment opportunities
- National and international research organizations such as KALRO, ICIPE, ILRI-Beca, CIMMYT
- Public and private universities
- National and County government ministries
- Non-Governmental Organizations
Career Prospects/ Opportunities
- Researchers in national and international research organizations such as KALRO and CGIAR centres
- Policy makers in government agriculture sector ministries
- Trainers in Agricultural tertiary technical and academic institutions
Fees and Funding
|
Item |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
TOTAL |
|
|
1 |
Registration |
4,500 |
4,500 |
4,500 |
13,500 |
|
2 |
Tuition (KES 25,000/ unit) |
200,000 |
225,000 |
175,000 |
600,000 |
|
3 |
Examination |
6,000 |
- |
|
6,000 |
|
4 |
Thesis Supervision |
100,000 |
100,000 |
100,000 |
300,000 |
|
5 |
Thesis Examination |
- |
- |
50,000 |
50,000 |
|
6 |
Laboratory and field fee |
132,000 |
132,000 |
132,000 |
396,000 |
|
7 |
ICT services |
7,000 |
7,000 |
7,000 |
21,000 |
|
8 |
Library |
5,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
15,000 |
|
9 |
ID Card |
1,000 |
1,000 |
1,000 |
3,000 |
|
10 |
Caution money (Refundable) |
5,000 |
- |
- |
5,000 |
|
11 |
Medical fee |
6,500 |
6,500 |
6,500 |
19,500 |
|
12 |
Activity Fee |
2,000 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
6,000 |
|
13 |
Student organization |
1,000 |
1,000 |
1,000 |
3,000 |
|
Total |
470,000 |
484,000 |
484,000 |
1,438,000 |
Philosophy of the programme
The Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Protection is tailored to produce world-class University doctorate graduates who will provide leadership in the field of Crop and environmental protection through continuous crop improvement, production, protection and value addition at the same time safeguarding environment to achieve improved livelihoods and sustainable agricultural development. The programme will provide quality training that embodies the aspirations of the Kenyan people and the global community through creation, preservation, integration, transmission and utilization of knowledge. The hallmark of the training will be innovation, creativity, freedom of thought and expression and excellence, taking into account the prevailing national and international policies.
The agricultural sector is the mainstay of the Kenya’s economy, contributing 27% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it is the largest employer in the economy. Crop yields are reduced and destabilized by, among others, insect pests, diseases, nematodes and weeds which also affect the quality of agricultural products. Climate change and global warming has contributed to reduced agricultural productivity due to emergence of new invasive pests, diseases and weeds. Therefore, there is need to develop new sustainable technologies to better understand and manage the crop protection challenges facing the agricultural sector.
The degree programme will contribute to building capacity of agricultural managers, researchers and professionals in public, private, academic, social, and civil society sectors who will support development of crop protection policies and innovations for sustainable agricultural production and food security. Effective management of pests, diseases, nematodes, invasive and parasitic weeds and environmental conservation and mitigation is key to attainment of food and nutritional security. Reduced crop damage and losses results in bumper and high quality harvest to feed the rising population, improved incomes to farmers and to meet international standards for export.
The doctorate degree programme is designed to be compliant with the national and international policies such the Big Four Agenda, Vision 2030, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No.1, 2, 9 and 13 (No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Innovation and Climate Action) and the African Union Agenda 2063. It is also in line with Kenyan Agricultural Sector Development Strategy (ASDS) and CAADP objectives of increased agricultural productivity and commercialization, promoting private sector participation, promoting sustainable land and natural resources management. The PhD curriculum will stimulate cutting edge research to reduce rural poverty, increase food security, improve human health and nutrition and sustainable management of natural resources. It will also promote linkage to national and international research agenda and collaboration with national research institutions and CGIAR centres including ICIPE, ILRI, CIMMYT and CIAT for optimum exploitation of world class research facilities and human resource.
Face-to-Face Mode
The programme will adopt a face-to-face mode of delivery based on various techniques that
include lectures, seminars, case-based learning and tutorials.
Open and Distance Learning Mode
The programme will be offered using a multi-media approach that includes self-instructional print and
electronic study materials. The ODeL mode of delivery shall only apply for the taught course
units, except the graduate seminars.
Blended Learning Mode
The blended learning mode of delivery will be through e-Learning that combines minimal
face-to-face and online learning approaches. Online lectures will be conducted using both
synchronous and asynchronous methods.
- Prof James MuthomiContacts: +254 20 4916020, e-mail: dept-pscp@uonbi.ac.ke
Notable alumni
-
Prof. Daniel M. Mukunya – Retired Professor, University of Nairobi
Prof. Agnes W. Mwangómbe – Emeritus Professor, University of Nairobi
Prof. Rama D. Narla - Retired Professor, University of Nairobi
Prof. Eunice W. Mutitu - Emeritus Professor, University of Nairobi
Dr. Robin Buruchara - CIAT Regional Director in Africa CIAT
Prof. Ezekiel Kiprop – Professor, University of Eldoret
Prof. Isabel Wagara – Associate Professor, Egerton University
