Last updated on February 28th, 2024 at 04:28 pm
This is the guide for you if you are planning to pursue Food science and technology courses in Kenya.
In this article, we will take you through what the course is all about, the entry requirements for each level, job prospects and more if you are planning or you have been advised to pursue this course.
And just before we dive in, we will also find out if this course is worth pursing or not so, at the end of this article you will be in a position to make the right decision on whether to enroll in for this course or not.
Keep reading……
Food science and technology courses in Kenya
So, what exactly is food science and technology course all about?
Well, food Science and Technology courses revolve around understanding the scientific principles and technological processes involved in the production, processing, preservation, packaging, and distribution of food products.
In short, this field combines elements of biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and nutrition to ensure the safety, quality, and nutritional value of food items that reach consumers’ tables.
Some key areas that Food Science and Technology courses typically cover
- Food Chemistry
- Food Microbiology
- Food Engineering
- Food Processing
- Food Preservation
- Food Quality and Safety
- Food Product Development
- Nutrition
- Food Packaging
- Food Regulations and Compliance
- Food Biotechnology
Is food science and technology in Kenya marketable? /Is food science worth it? /Is food science and technology a good course?
A good question here!
Well, some years ago, this was a very marketable course to pursue in Kenya.
However, as years pass by, the course has proved not to be as marketable as it was.
And by the way, we don’t mean that when you pursue this course you will never secure yourself a job NO! that is not what we mean.
Simply, we don’t mean that there are no jobs….jobs are there but very few jobs meaning you might find yourself tarmacking a lot before you secure yourself a job.
In short, there are very few direct employment opportunities after graduating.
But if you are pursing this course with an intention to open your own food processing business, then you are in the right track
Career prospects after completing food science and technology course [bachelor, diploma and certificate]
Pursuing a Food Science and Technology course in Kenya can open up various career prospects in the food industry.
Here are some of the professional after completing the course.
You can work as a:
- With a diploma and certificate, you can work in a brewery company as a brewery worker
- You can be a baker if you have done a certificate or diploma
- Work in a company, research institutions or a regulatory agency as a food technologist
- Become a Quality Control/Quality Assurance Manager where develop and implement quality control processes, perform inspections, and manage quality control teams.
- Work as a food safety specialist ensuring that food products are safe for consumption.
- Work as a Product Development Scientist creating new food products based on market trends and consumer preferences.
- Sensory Analyst where you work on evaluating the taste, texture, aroma, and overall sensory experience of food products.
- Work for a government agency or just a private company as a Food Regulatory Officer ensuring that food products meet legal and regulatory requirements.
- Also, you can become a Food Packaging Specialist where you design and develop packaging materials and solutions that maintain the quality, safety, and shelf life of food products.
- You can also work as a Nutritionist or Dietitian
- Last and not least you can also work as a consultant providing expertise to various companies in areas such as product development, quality control, and food safety.
TIME OUT
Hey there! Are you looking for the best courses, top colleges and universities, career guidance, and exciting scholarship opportunities in Kenya? Look no further! Join our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with all the latest information and insights on these topics.
So Please follow Kenya Education Guide on Facebook here for more updates about best courses in Kenya, best colleges and Universities in Kenya, Career choice options, Scholarships in Kenya, etc
Thanks.
Now proceed reading below..
Entry qualifications for food science and technology in Kenya
Craft Certificate in Food Science of Technology
Minimum entry requirements:
- KCSE mean Grade of D plain with no cluster subjects required
Side note: Some private institutions like NIBS can admit you for this course with an E in your KCSE.
Diploma in Food Science Technology
Entry qualifications:
- A mean grade of C-minus in your KCSE
Cluster Subjects requirements:
- NONE
Degree in Food science in Kenya (Bachelor’s in Food Processes Technology)
Minimum entry requirements:
- KCSE mean Grade of C+ plus
Mandatory Subjects requirements:
- C plain in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics or geography
- C plain in either Kiswahili, English, Physics (if not above), History & Government, Geography (if you have not included it above), Computer Studies, Business Studies, CRE, German, Music, Religious education (Islamic Religious Education/Hindu Religious Education/CRE), Art & Design, Home Science, Aviation Technology, Agriculture, French, Arabic.
Other alternative entry qualifications:
- Be a holder of a diploma in Biological Sciences or any other related sciences plus C plain in KCSE or above.
- Be a holder of a Certificate or Diploma in Biological or related sciences plus have a C- minus in your KCSE.
- Have a degree in biological sciences or related sciences from any recognized University
Universities offering Bachelor of Science (Bsc.) Food Science and Technology
- Egerton University
- Jomo Kenyatta university agriculture and technology (JKUAT)
- Mt Kenya University
- Technical University of Kenya TUK
- Technical University of Mombasa TUM
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
- Meru University
- Catholic University
- Dedan Kimathi University of Kenya
- Muranga University of Technology
- University Of Nairobi UON
Colleges offering Food Science and Technology courses in Kenya
Here are some of the colleges and universities you can join to a diploma/certificate in food science course in Kenya.
Just so you know, most of this colleges you can apply through KUCCPS as a government sponsored student.
- Aldai Technical Training Institute
- Belgut Technical and Vocational College
- Bomet Technical & Vocational College
- Bukura Agricultural College
- Kabete National Polytechnic
- Kenya Coast National Polytechnic
- Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology
- Kitale National Polytechnic
- Kisii National Polytechnic
- Kisumu National Polytechnic
- Meru National Polytechnic
- North Eastern National Polytechnic
- Nyandarua Institute of Science & Technology
- Nyeri National Polytechnic
- Bureti technical training institute
- Centre for Tourism Training and Research
- Friends College Kaimosi
- Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College
- Michuki Technical Training Institute
- Meru University of Science and Technology
- South Eastern Kenya University
- Bumbe Technical Training Institute
- Sigalagala National Polytechnic
- Siaya Institute of Technology
- Joseph Technical Institute for The Blind
Food science and technology courses in Kenya -Conclusion
To conclude, it is worth knowing that specific opportunities available to you will depend on your skills, interests, and the demand within the Kenyan job market.
Also, networking, internships, and staying up-to-date with industry trends can also enhance your career prospects in the field of food science and technology.
Finally, please note that if you do not demonstrate English proficiency, then you may be required to take an English language proficiency course.
ALSO READ:
Is food science and technology marketable in Kenya?
Culinary schools in Nairobi [Best Culinary arts schools in Nairobi]
Food production courses in Kenya
1 month cooking course in Kenya