Horticulture is a vibrant sub-sector of agriculture that plays a pivotal role in economic growth, wealth creation, and food security in Kenya, aligning closely with national development goals like Kenya Vision 2030. Rapid urban growth, an expanding export market, and changing consumer preferences demand advanced scientific knowledge and technological innovations. This program addresses these realities by equipping trainees with competencies in biotechnology, greenhouse production management, landscape design, and post-harvest technology to improve crop quality while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Integrating field sciences, technical propagation, and managerial value chains, this program prepares skilled professionals for industries, research settings, and commercial operations. Upon graduation, trainees should be able to:

• Demonstrate deep theoretical and practical understanding of floriculture, olericulture, and pomology production parameters.
• Apply modern breeding techniques, tissue culture methodologies, and propagation systems to improve crop varieties.
• Formulate practical post-harvest handling frameworks to minimize food losses and maximize commodity shelf life.
• Design, establish, and manage modern greenhouse structures, nursery networks, and urban landscapes.
• Analyze soil conditions, plant pathology challenges, and entomological profiles to implement integrated pest management solutions.
• Engage actively in innovative agronomic research, extension service provision, and global horticultural knowledge creation.

Applicants pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Horticulture must fulfill the basic University entrance rules of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) alongside any criteria outlined in the Egerton University Statutes. Cluster requirements include:

• C+ (plus) in Biology OR B- (minus) in Biological Sciences
• C+ (plus) in Chemistry OR B- (minus) in Physical Sciences
• C+ (plus) in Mathematics or Geography or Agriculture will act as an added advantage.

Alternative Pathways: Admission may be extended to outstanding diploma holders who achieved a Distinction, Credit, or equivalent in Horticulture, General Agriculture, or related environmental disciplines recognized by the Egerton University Senate.

Duration: 4 Academic Years (8 Semesters of 17 weeks each).

To graduate, a student covers specified coursework limits alongside mandatory structural field experiences. Departmental codes start with HORT, where the first digit signifies study year, the last shows system rank, and the second digit denotes discipline areas: