Agricultural Engineering
Engineering solutions for food, water and the land.
Overview
Agricultural engineering applies engineering to producing food and managing natural resources. Agricultural engineers design farm machinery, plan irrigation and drainage systems, conserve soil and water, and develop ways to store and process produce so less of it goes to waste.
The course combines core engineering science with soil science, hydrology and crop production. Students learn to work across both fields: sizing a pump for an irrigation scheme, testing a tractor implement, or designing a store that keeps a harvest safe.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Kenya's economy, and Egerton University's agricultural heritage makes it a natural home for the discipline. Mechanisation, climate-smart irrigation and value addition are all areas where agricultural engineers make a direct difference to farmers' livelihoods.
Areas of specialisation
The main fields within Agricultural Engineering, from first principles to final-year projects.
Farm Power & Machinery
Tractors, implements and harvesting equipment: their design, testing, selection and maintenance.
Soil & Water Engineering
Irrigation, drainage, soil conservation and water harvesting for productive, sustainable land use.
Post-Harvest & Food Engineering
Drying, storage, processing and cold chains that cut losses and add value to produce.
Agricultural Structures
Greenhouses, animal housing, silos and stores designed for their climate and use.
Energy for Agriculture
Solar pumping, biogas and biomass systems for farms and rural communities.
Precision Agriculture
Sensors, GIS and data used to apply water, seed and fertiliser only where they are needed.
What you will study
Typical subjects and practical training. Exact units vary by year and programme.
Core subjects
- Engineering mechanics and materials
- Soil mechanics and soil physics
- Hydrology and hydraulics
- Irrigation and drainage engineering
- Farm power and machinery
- Soil and water conservation
- Post-harvest and food process engineering
- Agricultural structures
- Surveying and GIS
- Renewable energy systems
Hands-on learning
- Tractor operation and machinery testing
- Irrigation system design and field layout
- Soil and water laboratory analysis
- Post-harvest processing trials
- Industrial attachment with an agricultural or water organisation
- Final-year project on a farm or community problem
Career paths
Roles graduates commonly go on to hold.
- Irrigation engineer
- Farm machinery engineer
- Soil and water conservation engineer
- Food process engineer
- Water resources engineer
- Agricultural development officer
- Agricultural equipment specialist
- Researcher
Professional registration
Graduates of accredited programmes can register with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) as graduate engineers, then work towards Professional Engineer status through supervised practice. Membership of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) supports that journey with mentorship, training and a professional network.
Agricultural Engineering at EESA
Put your coursework to use with students from every department.
Project ideas to get started
- Design a low-cost drip irrigation kit for smallholder farmers.
- Build a solar-powered grain or fruit dryer.
- Prototype a planter, weeder or maize sheller for a local farm.
Have an idea of your own? Tell the committee.