Overview
Objectives
The programme aims at training highly skilled plant breeders and biotechnologists who will help optimise the country’s ability to attain food security and better nutrition while improving agriculture-based incomes from improved products and maintaining the natural resource base.
- Identify and address research imperatives in plant breeding and biotechnology
- Design and execute research projects aimed at solving problems within a changing agricultural environment
- Apply skills and knowledge acquired to solve plant physiological associated problems to increase yield
- Critique conventional and biotechnological methods in plant improvement and apply suitable combinations for their research study
- Apply effective communication in dissemination of research findings
Structure
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
Minimum Admission Requirements
The following shall be eligible for admission:
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- Holders of at least upper second class Honours degree or equivalent in agricultural, biological and environmental sciences from a university recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate.
- Holders of at least lower second class Honours degree or equivalent in agricultural, biological and environmental sciences from a university recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience or a postgraduate diploma in common admission regulations or equivalent from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by senate.
- Holders of a pass degree or equivalent in agricultural, biological and environmental sciences from a university recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate and with at least five (5) years relevant experience.
- Holders of a pass degree in agricultural, biological and environmental sciences and a relevant postgraduate diploma.
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- A candidate may be exempted from taking some course units and be allowed to transfer credits of the same up to a maximum of one-third of the taught units provided that these are from institutions recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate.
- A candidate seeking transfer of credit or course exemption shall send a formal application to the Academic Registrar, through the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, justifying and supporting the request. The supporting documents shall include an official transcript indicating courses that may be equivalent and descriptions and syllabi/ outlines of the courses in which the applicant is seeking transfers of credit or an exemption.
- Transfer of credits shall be processed only after payment of the prescribed non-refundable fees.
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Application for admission to Master programmes
Visit: https://application.uonbi.ac.ke/
Careers
Career Prospects/Attachment Opportunities
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 |
TOTAL |
|
Registration |
4,500 |
4,500 |
9,000 |
|
Tuition (KES 20,000/ unit) |
260,000 |
160,000 |
420,000 |
|
Examination |
13,000 |
- |
13,000 |
|
Thesis Supervision |
- |
100,000 |
100,000 |
|
Thesis Examination |
- |
30,000 |
30,000 |
|
Laboratory and field fee |
124,000 |
124,000 |
248,000 |
|
ICT services |
7,000 |
7,000 |
14,000 |
|
Library |
5,000 |
5,000 |
10,000 |
|
ID Card |
1,000 |
1,000 |
2,000 |
|
Caution money (Refundable) |
5,000 |
- |
5,000 |
|
Medical fee |
6,500 |
6,500 |
13,000 |
|
Activity Fee |
2,000 |
2,000 |
4,000 |
|
Student organization |
1,000 |
1,000 |
2,000 |
|
Total |
429,000 |
441,000 |
870,000 |
ADDITIONAL CHARGES (KSH)
- Convocation - 1,000
- Late registration - 1,000
- Retention of registration* - 2,250/ semester
- Extension of studentship - 10,000/ semester
- Remark of examination - 1,000/ paper
- Issuance of transcripts - 500
- Appeal - 1,000
- Replacement of lost ID card - 500
- Thesis processing - 8,000
- Extension of Correction period - 2,000 per month
- Extension of revision period - 3,000 per month
- Extension of supervision period - 6,000
- Examination of revised thesis - 9,000
- Hire of academic dress - 4,000
*For students who defer, or temporarily withdraw from their studies
Guidelines for research money for the MSc degree is approximately KES 200,000 but the actual cost will depend on the type of research.
COURSE DURATION: Two (2) years
PHILOSOPHY
The programme is set to contribute to the sustainable development goals by reducing poverty levels, hunger and quality education by providing plant improvement solutions through education and leadership skills as well as linking the program to the industry. The programme is also set to address the economic and social pillars of Kenya Vision 2030, anchored on foundations of plant breeding and biotechnology by educating and providing stewardship to stakeholders in research and development to improve livelihoods and take moral responsibility for Kenya and its neighbours.
RATIONALE
Agriculture is the backbone of developing countries contributing above 25% of the national gross domestic product but there is still high malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, effects of climate change, biotic/ abiotic stresses and others affecting production. Although many new varieties have been developed over time in Kenya and the region, new challenges arise that need the development of new cultivars/ varieties. In addition, newer, faster and higher precision methods are being developed and applied to reduce the time taken to develop superior lines.
There is therefore a need to improve on content for the current programme to respond to emerging national and global issues in plant breeding that will contribute to addressing food security, poverty, effects of climate change and other sustainable development goals. The programme will also contribute to the national, regional and international development goals like Vision 2030, Big 4 Agenda, African Union Vision 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to develop human capacity by training researchers of national agricultural research systems (NARS), international research organizations, trainers for tertiary institutions and policymakers for the government.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the programme, the learner should be able to:
- Apply effective communication in the dissemination of research findings
- Apply appropriate research methodologies in data acquisition, analysis, packaging and presentation of research data.
- Identify and address research imperatives in plant improvement and link it to business/ industry-related solutions.
- Design and execute research projects aimed at solving problems within a changing agricultural environment
- Apply skills and knowledge acquired to solve plant physiological associated stresses to increase yield.
- Critique conventional and biotechnological methods in plant improvement and apply suitable methods to their research.
Face-to-Face Mode
Lectures, seminars, discussions, tutorials, guided practical experiments and demonstrations.
Open, Distance and E-Learning Mode
Home and/ or office-based media using a variety of self-instructional electronic and online self-study materials, such as; written self-instructional study modules, online interactive devices and self-tests, cloud-based content, videos of lectures mediated technical learning materials e.g. audiovisual and e-learning materials
Blended Learning Mode
A combination of face-to-face and online learning approaches.
Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection
Contacts: +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 – Professor, University of Nairobi
Prof. Rama D. Narla - Retired Professor, University of Nairobi
Prof. Eunice W. Mutitu - Retired 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
