Last updated on July 31st, 2023 at 02:51 pm
Learn everything about studying food science courses in Kenya below..
One of the most underrated course in Kenya is food science..a lot of Kenyans do not realize that food production and processing is a huge industry that will not always be growing because everyone must eat daily- and do not forget that our population is fast expanding.
In short, graduates of food science courses in Kenya are likely to be in demand for a very long time.
So I have written this detailed Food science courses in Kenya guide to help you understand everything about pursuing food science course in Kenya- from the requirements, colleges and universities offering the course, career prospects, and more.
Read it to the end if you have been thinking of pursuing one of the best food science and processing technology courses in Kenya.
Food science courses in Kenya – All you need to know about Food science course in Kenya
What is food science course in Kenya- What is the course all about?
Well, food science is in real sense a multidisciplinary field- it is very wide and combines an array of scientific principles with modern food production as well as processing technologies/skills.
To be clear, food science brings together disciplines such as microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and even a bit of engineering to help you understand the composition(design), preservation, and ultimately the processing of various foods.
And a person who has completed the course is known as a food scientist..
Question: What will be your role as a food scientist?
The answer is simple: You will be applying the scientific knowledge you learned to contribute to the design/development of brand new food products(solid foods and drinks/beverages).
You are also expected to help in the improvement of the quality of food you’re in charge of (you’ll be working in food processing industries such as Breweries, Supa loaf, Coca Cola , Zeta Foods, Brookside, and more).
Another important role for you will be to ensure food safety-it is your work to make sure food is processed, preserved, and handled(even during transportation) in a safe environment to avoid incidences of food poisoning.
Yeah… that’s it.
Is food science and technology marketable in Kenya?
Good question.
The truth is that there’s no single that will always lead to straightforward employment – you must know where to look when it comes to job searches and you must network properly.
And you have to be aggressive in your job hunt, regardless of the course you take.
That said, there’s growing demand for food scientists and other skilled professionals in Kenya’s food industry.
Why?
I had already told you: As our population continues to rapidly grow, food processing companies are making more sales- and that means they are employing more food scientists to help guarantee that their products are safe and have the required nutritional value.
So I keep seeing more opportunities every time I Google for food science jobs in Kenya.
I also see more Food Technologist jobs in Kenya these days compared to the past.
So yeah, the course has better employment prospects than say business courses in Kenya..remember you can even open your own food processing company ( Yoghurt making, Bakery, Mineral water processing, organic foods processing, etc.)
Where can you work with a food science and technology qualification?
Once you get a food science certificate, diploma, or degree, you can get employment in a host of sectors.
These includes:
- Food manufacturing – Breweries, Bidco, etc.
- Research and development firms in the food sector
- Quality control firms such as KEBS.
- Regulatory compliance bodies/ Government agencies such as Kenya Dairy Board.
- NGOs
- Academic institutions as an instructor/food scientist
And some of the positions you can occupy are:
- Food Plant Production Manager/Supervisor
- Food Product /Ingredient Development Scientist
- Food Microbiologist /Food Safety Expert
- Sensory Scientist
- Food Chemist
- Quality Control Supervisor
- Quality Control clerk
- Food Process & Packaging Design Engineer
- Food science instructor
Reminder:
The course allows you to focus on any specific areas you have more interest. For instance, you could specialize in just food technology (food processing techniques/technologies, packaging, and of course, preservation methods).
Alternatively, you might want to specialize in just sensory evaluation (you will be assessing quality of food, the flavor, and the texture.
The other specialization you may choose is food safety – here you will be focusing on one thing: safety and the hygiene of a variety of food products.
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Requirements for food science and technology course in Kenya
Certificate in food science and technology in Kenya – certificate in food science and technology requirements
KCSE Mean Grade – D (Plain)
Cluster subjects– None
Course duration – 2 years
Best examination body– KNEC/CDACC
Diploma in food science and technology requirements
KCSE Mean Grade – C minus
Cluster subjects– None
Course duration – 3 years
Best examination body– KNEC/CDACC
Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology requirements
KCSE Mean Grade – C plus
Cluster subjects and requirements
Biology– C or above
Chemistry- C or above
Maths /Physics /Geography– C or above
One of these subjects: English, Physics (if not counted above), Kiswahili, History& Government, Geography (again if not considered above), Music, C.R.E/I.R.E/H.R.E, Computer Studies, German, French, Home Science, Agriculture, Art& Design, Aviation Technology, Arabic, Business Studies- C or above.
Course duration – 4 years
Other acceptable qualifications
- Diploma in Biological Sciences(or any related sciences)- but you must have scored a C or above in your KCSE(mean grade)
- Certificate plus Diploma in Biological(or any related sciences)- but you must have scored a C- or above in your KCSE(mean grade)
- Degree in biological sciences(or any related sciences)- but your degree must have been awarded by an accredited University
Institutions offering food processing courses in Kenya
Colleges offering certificate in food science and technology
Imperial College of Medical and Health Sciences
This is a medical training institution that has been accredited by TVETA.
Not only does it teach health and medical courses but also food science programs.
The college is in Thika.
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa(CUEA)
Catholic University also offers a Certificate course in Food Science and Technology
CUEA is in Lang’ata.
Colleges offering diploma in food science and technology
Imperial College of Medical and Health Sciences
I already told you about Imperial College- Remember that the college is in Thika.
JKUAT University
You can also take the course at JKUAT University in Juja.
But know that you must have a C plain in your KCSE (Mean Grade)- and not C-.
Besides, you must have scored a C plain in the following subjects:
- Math
- Chemistry
- Physics / Physical Sciences
- Biology / biological sciences
Diploma in food science and technology units (JKUAT)
Year 1- STAGE 1
- Introduction to Food Technologies
- Physics I
- Mathematics I
- Chemistry I
- Agricultural Production Principles
- Communication Skills
- General Economics
- Introduction to Computers& Operating Systems
- HIV/AIDS
Year 1- STAGE 2
- Principles of Management
- Software Applications
- General Microbiology
- Mathematics II
- Chemistry II
- Biochemistry
- Statistics
- Physics II
Year 1- STAGE 3
- Food Analysis I
- Food Engineering I
- Meat Technology
- Food Microbiology
- Beverage Technology
- Principles of Food Processing& Preservation
- Dairy Technology
- Food Chemistry
Year 2-STAGE 4
- Human Nutrition
- Fruits& Vegetable Technology
- Students Projects & Report Writing
- Fats & Oils Technology
- Food Engineering II
- Cereal Technology
- Food Analysis II
- Sugar & Starch Technology
- Internal Attachment
Year 2-STAGE 5
Industrial Attachment- 8weeks
Year 2-STAGE 6
- Sensory Evaluation
- Postharvest Food Systems
- Entrepreneurship Skills
- Introduction to Book-keeping and Accounts
- Food Toxicology
- Students Projects& Seminars
- Food Quality Assurance
- Food Packaging
Universities offering degree in food science and technology
University of Nairobi
The prestigious University of Nairobi offers a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology.
JKUAT
Another nice institution is JKUAT(Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology), which teaches a super comprehensive food science and technology curriculum.
Food science and technology platform of Kenya -How to network after completing the course
I urge you to consider joining organizations such as the KFCB(Kenya Food Control Board) and the KIFST(Kenya Institute of Food Science and Technology)- here you will meet experienced professionals who can hold your hand as you start off.
Food science courses in Kenya- FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
What is the duration of a typical food science course in Kenya?
Typically, degree level food science course in Kenya takes four years. Meanwhile, a Diploma takes 3 years and a certificate level course 2 years (on average)
What are the job prospects for food science graduates in Kenya?
As mentioned earlier, you can get work in many sectors including food manufacturing companies, research & development firms/bodies, quality assurance organizations like KEBS, and regulatory compliance agencies like Kenya Dairy Board.
Wrapping it up
Food science course in Kenya can open the gates for you to an exciting and very rewarding career in the fast expanding food industry in Kenya.
In fact, the demand for qualified food scientists is projected to continue to grow rapidly so there are countless opportunities to achieve the growth you aspire for.
So consider taking a food science in Kenya…you never know!
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