Jobs for BSc Agriculture Graduates

Science for Kenya's largest employer

Agriculture employs more Kenyans than any other sector and is a major part of the economy, from smallholder farming to tea, coffee, horticulture, dairy and floriculture exports. A BSc in Agriculture covers crop and animal science, soil science, agricultural economics, extension, agribusiness and farm management. Related degrees include Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management and Animal Science, which share many of the same career paths.

Where graduates work

• Agricultural extension officer in county governments, since agriculture is a devolved function
• Agronomist and field officer with seed, fertiliser, agrochemical and irrigation companies
• Farm manager or production supervisor on commercial farms, flower farms and estates
• Programme officer in NGOs working on food security, value chains and climate-smart agriculture
• Research technologist with research institutes such as KALRO and international research centres in Nairobi

Entry requirements

Places are allocated through KUCCPS with a minimum C+ mean grade and good grades in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics or Agriculture. Diploma holders can join with credit transfer.

Regulators and institutions to know

There is no single licensing board for agronomists, but you will work with institutions such as the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) on seed and plant health, the Agriculture and Food Authority on crop regulation, and the Pest Control Products Board on agrochemicals. Export horticulture follows international standards such as GlobalG.A.P., and knowing them is valuable for farm and quality roles.

Getting hired

Employers want graduates who are comfortable in the field, can talk to farmers, and can collect and report data. A driving licence and a motorbike riding permit are often required for field roles. Experience with mobile data collection tools and digital agriculture platforms is increasingly useful. County recruitment for extension officers is periodic and advertised through public service boards; see our government jobs guide.

Career path

Graduates progress from field or extension roles to senior agronomist, farm manager, programme manager or technical manager. A master's degree opens research and international roles. Many agriculture graduates also start their own agribusinesses, using technical knowledge to farm, process or supply inputs commercially.