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.

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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?

Chef courses in Kenya

Culinary schools in Nairobi [Best Culinary arts schools in Nairobi]

Food production courses in Kenya

1 month cooking course in Kenya

The post Food science and technology courses in Kenya [All you need to know] appeared first on Kenya Education Guide.

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!

ALSO READ:

Chef courses in Kenya [All you need to know]

Culinary schools in Nairobi [Best Culinary arts schools in Nairobi]

Food production courses in Kenya [Intake dates]

1 month cooking course in Kenya [Best Colleges]

The post Food science courses in Kenya [A comprehensive guide to food science course in Kenya] appeared first on Kenya Education Guide.