Plant biotechnology provides a method for mass production as well as for modifying and improving crops and other plants, which enhance the quality of life. It is, therefore, redefining agriculture and all plant-based industries. Plants are now being used to synthesise plastics and medicines (pharmaceuticals), as well as modification of traditional crop products.
Plant biotechnology, thus, requires broad-based knowledge of botany, breeding, genetics, physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as proficiency in applied agricultural sciences such as crop science, crop protection, crop production, horticulture, entrepreneurship, and managerial skills.
The Department of Horticulture is fairly well equipped with expertise and facilities necessary to conduct teaching, research and entrepreneurship in plant biotechnology. The in-depth training in procedures such as micro-propagation, genetic transformation, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, gained while working alongside experienced staff will prove invaluable for candidates aspiring to pursue academic, research, production, or management-based careers in plant biotechnology.

The major aims of this programme are to provide opportunities for outstanding graduates to prepare for rewarding careers in teaching, research and management in plant biotechnology and to learn the basic and applied sciences behind plant biotechnology.
The programme also aims to provide holistic training in procedures such as micro-propagation, genetic transformation, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics of plants, and to enable students to apply the acquired skills to exploit the potential of high-value horticultural and other plants.
In addition, it seeks to equip students with the ability to conduct and manage plant biotechnology projects either as a team or independently, while developing an appreciation of the current scope of plant biotechnology and understanding bio-safety and bioethical issues surrounding modern plant biotechnologies.

Applications for admission shall be considered for those holding a Bachelor of Science degree in any of the plant-based disciplines, with a minimum of Upper Second-Class Honours or its equivalent, from Egerton University or any other recognized institution. In addition, each applicant should request three persons, one of whom shall have taught the applicant at a university level, to send letters of reference directly to the Director of the Board of Post-Graduate Studies.
There shall be two categories of registration for the MSc degree in Plant Biotechnology. Full-time students registered under this category shall be required to complete their degree requirements within three years, while part-time students shall be required to complete their degree requirements within four years.

The courses are coded as follows:

1. The abbreviation HORT refers to Horticulture;
2. The first digit indicates the level of training;
3. The second digit represents the level of advancement of the content;
4. The third digit refers to the series of courses in a particular field.

Regular graduate courses are numbered in the 700 series and above.The usual maximum and minimum load for full-time students registered for MSc in Plant Biotechnology shall be sixteen (16) and nine (9) credit factors per semester, respectively. For part-time students, the maximum and minimum load shall be nine (9) and six (6) credit factors per semester, respectively. These study loads may vary where a candidate has completed coursework requirements.
With the consent of lecturers concerned, a graduate student may audit non-compulsory courses by attending and participating in all sessions. Taking tests and examinations is optional. Such students shall not earn credit factors for the audited courses but shall be awarded the “AU” symbol.
Subject to recommendation by the Department of Horticulture and approval by the Board of Postgraduate School, a student may transfer a maximum of six (6) credit factors of graduate-level courses, provided that such credit factors were obtained with grade “B” or above from recognized institutions.