Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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

     

    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, Rationale

    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.

    Application Information
    Mode of Delivery

    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.

    Contacts of Support Persons

    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