Overview
Objectives
The Horticulture sub-sector is one of the key contributors to Kenya’s GDP directly and
indirectly. Commercial horticulture is steadily growing in other countries in Eastern Africa.
The subsector is very dynamic and requires a well-equipped human capacity to drive
knowledge-based sustainable growth as envisioned in national, regional and international
development policy documents. The PhD in Horticulture programme is tailored to train
qualified technical practitioners who will take the central stage in policy formulation,
academia, research and development of innovations in the field of Horticulture.
Structure
Applications of biotechnology in agriculture: bioremediation, crop stress tolerance to biotic and abiotic factors, crop quality and nutrition; gene revolution and crop production; industrial and pharmaceutical products. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) structure and function, gene expression, translation, transcription. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) structure, synthesis and processing; Recombinant DNA technology; Molecular techniques for gene cloning, enzymes used in gene cloning and characterization; cell and tissue culture; genetic engineering, transformation overview; Social and ethical issues in biotechnology, biotechnology policies. Mating systems and breeding methods of field and horticultural crops; male sterility; incompatibility, clones; marker assisted breeding and genetic modification; breeding for disease and pest resistance; tissue culture and polyploidization; breeding major field and horticultural crops; multi-location testing and variety release; breeding rights and their regulations in breeding major field and horticultural crops.
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 common regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy degree of the University of Nairobi
shall apply.
Holders of a Master’s degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Plant
Pathology, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, and related plant sciences from the
University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by the University of
Nairobi Senate.
In addition, the applicant shall hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture
or any other agriculture-related disciplines from the University of Nairobi or any
other institution recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate.
The applicant must be able to produce evidence of an 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 title, name of the candidate, introduction, brief
statement of the problem, research objectives, research hypothesis, brief literature
review, a summary of the proposed methodology, expected outputs, work plan,
budget and key references.
Applicants from non-English speaking countries must produce evidence of
proficiency in spoken and written English language.
Careers
Career Prospects/Attachment Opportunities
Horticultural flower and vegetable production chains,
exports companies/limited
Researcher
Quality control manager
Quality standards control agencies
Ministry of Agriculture
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
Landscaping services
Ornamentals and arboreta
Fruit production
Garden and lawns management
Greenhouse and Lathe house management
Teacher/Lecturer
National and international research organizations
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 |
The programme is anchored on the international and continental frameworks that address
Agricultural and Horticultural development in a sustainable manner as well as national
development blueprints in African countries. The University ensures that it has aligned its
policies and academic programmes to the national and regional development goals. The
philosophy of the programme, therefore, is to ensure sustainable development of the dynamic
horticulture sector through the application of relevant and current science-based practices and
technologies in all aspects of the horticultural supply chain, from input supply to marketing
and consumption of horticultural products.
Rationale of the Programme
Agriculture is the mainstay of economies in Sub-Saharan Africa and Horticulture is a key and
fastest-growing sub-sector. In Kenya, Horticulture contributes significantly to the Agriculture
sector through incomes and jobs, for the smallholder farmers engaged in the sector.
Horticulture is a very sensitive industry facing a myriad of challenges along the entire value
chain, from inputs supply, production, market access as well as post-harvest handling and
value addition. Commercial horticulture is a high investment crop production using resources
intensively to obtain a high quality, high-value product. The impact of climate change,
availability of water resources, food, multiple taxes, low incentives, rampant produce
poaching, relatively undeveloped agro-processing and packing innovations and technologies
with resultant huge postharvest losses, tariff and non-tariff barriers in international
horticulture trade among others presents a difficult environment for Horticulture.
Lack of legal and policy frameworks, as well as environmental impacts, require urgent
attention. The private sector in many East African countries has been the key driver for
horticultural innovations and technology, with industry usually way ahead of academia and
research institutions. As a result, university training has lagged behind the needs of industry
in the production of qualified personnel to man the sub-sector. Innovative training
programmes are becoming necessary to maintain a regular supply of personnel with a sound
knowledge of horticultural techniques to extension services, colleges, academia and private
sector organizations. These training programmes should be essentially practical in nature,
although they should also include appropriate theoretical content.
Training at the level of PhD is critical for the production of qualified technical practitioners
that can take the central stage in charting the next frontiers in Horticulture nationally,
regionally and internationally in such critical areas as policy, academia, research and
innovations.
Face-to-Face Mode
This will include formal lectures, tutorials, practical demonstrations, field and laboratory
work, seminars, conferences, and class presentations.
Open Distance and e-Learning Mode
This will be offered using a multi-media approach that includes self-instructional print and
electronic study materials.
Blended Mode
Blended combines online learning with synchronous, asynchronous and face-to-face
methods.
Prof. Jane Ambuko
Contacts: +254 20 4916020, e-mail: dept-pscp@uonbi.ac.ke
James Muthomi - Chairman for the Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection
Contacts: +254 20 4916020, e-mail: dept-pscp@uonbi.ac.ke
Notable alumni
Prof. Kimani Waithaka- Professor of Horticulture, University of Nairobi
Prof. Margret J. Hurchinson- Professor of Horticulture, University of Nairobi
Prof. Solomon Shibairo- Professor of Horticulture, Masinde Murilo University
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
