Overview
Objectives
The goal of the PhD in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology 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
Structure
- 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 Plant Breeding and biotechnology 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 common regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Nairobi shall
apply.
Holders of a Master’s degree in Plant Breeding and related sciences from the
University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by the Senate.
In addition, the applicant shall hold a Bachelor of Science degree in any of the
following: Agriculture, Biotechnology, Agricultural Extension Education, Soil
Science, Seed Science and Technology, Botany and Zoology, Environmental
Sciences, Forestry, Bachelor of Education in Science with botany and Zoology option
and any other agriculture-related disciplines from the University of Nairobi or any
other institution recognized by Senate.
The applicant must 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 brief statement of the problem, research objectives,
research hypothesis, brief literature review, a summary of the 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
Researcher in plant breeding, genetics and biotechnology
Plant breeder for crop varieties and landraces
Molecular characterization and DNA mapping
Non-Governmental Organizations
Entrepreneurial self-employment in agricultural production
National and international research organizations
Lecturers in 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 philosophy of the programme is to connect and inspire Kenyans and the region through
addressing the Sustainable Development Goals in the quest to reduce poverty levels, hunger and
quality education by providing leadership in plant breeding in addressing challenges biotic and
abiotic factors that affect production and give hope to the society with excellence. Also, the
programme addresses the economic and social pillars of Kenya Vision 2030, anchored on
Science, Technology, Innovation and Human Resources Development by educating the learners
in advanced genetics and plant breeding aimed at empowering learners with the moral
responsibility to incorporate proper practices in plant breeding.
Rationale of the Programme
Plant breeding has for a long time been focused on developing varieties better suited for
satisfying agricultural needs for food and nutrition, and even for clothing, fuel, drugs and
aesthetically pleasing ornamentals. Improved plant materials have led to increased yields, better
varieties for new agricultural areas, better agronomic and horticultural characteristics, varieties
resistant to heat, cold, or drought and improved quality of agricultural products. Much has been
achieved through classical breeding made possible by the application of Mendelian and statistical
genetics. Genetic improvement has taken on a complex dimension of the interrelationships of
genes, crops and the environment and/or issues of genetic resources ownership, access and
equity. Biotechnology that makes it possible for rapid genetic manipulation brings with it
intellectual property concerns. Complete sequencing of several plant genomes has provided
immense genetic information that needs to be harnessed to contribute toward improving crops.
All these have changed the face of plant breeding with implications on global trade, third-world
poverty and food security.
The dynamism must urgently be captured by applying strategic capacity building for the benefit
of the agricultural development of the country. Due to this, Genetics and Plant Breeding
programme is tailored to remain versatile in the face of changing climatic conditions and times
by incorporating industry-focused content and modern student-centred delivery methods.
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
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 to 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 both synchronously
and asynchronously.
Prof. Eliud Ngugi
Cell phone: +254-20-631956 / 632121
Email: kahiu@uonbi.ac.ke
Prof. James Muthomi
e-mail: james_wanjohi@yahoo.com, james.muthomi@uonbi.ac.ke
Notable alumni
Prof. Daniel M. Mukunya – Retired Professor, University of Nairobi
Prof. Agnes W. Mwangómbe – 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
