Overview
PHILOSOPHY
The University of Nairobi, a world class university committed to scholarly
excellence, has identified the crucial role that science and technology play in our
Nation’s development which is in line with Kenya’s blue print, Vision 2030, Agenda
2063 as well as sustainable development goals like end to hunger, achieve food
security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture among
others.
The BSc. Leather Science and Technology programme is a specialized course that
trains undergraduates in the processing of hides and skins into leather and the
production of various leather products. The programme will, therefore, produce
graduates who will help initiate and manage leather factories, offer consultancy
and contacting services to the leather industries and raw stock production units,
and monitor, on behalf of the public, the responsible operation of the leather
industry.
RATIONALE
In order to achieve some of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), human
resource training is an important part of the capacity building strategy for leather
sub-sector. Members of this sub-sector are considered to be important catalysts
for industrialization. They are responsible for the provision of valid and reliable
leather information on which important decisions are made that affect the
livestock industry in general and the leather sub-sector in particular.
The leather industry is recognized as an important economic activity and as one of
the most promising sectors in Kenya. The course leading to the award of the degree
of Bachelor of Science in Leather Science and Technology provides a scientific
avenue for training skilled personnel in various aspects of the leather sub-sector.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill any one of the following minimum qualifications:
1. A C+ in KCSE or equivalent with at least a C (plain) in Chemistry, and any one of the following subjects; Biology or Biological Science, Physics orPhysical Science, Agriculture or Mathematics
2. A C- in KCSE or KCE Div. III or equivalent plus a Certificate and Diploma a relevant field from an institution recognized by the Senate
3. ‘O’ level Division II or equivalent with the subjects indicated above; plus a Diploma in a relevant field from an institution recognized by the Senate
4. Diploma in Leather Technology or relevant field from the University of Nairobi or institutions recognized by the Senate and a mean grade of C in KCSE or equivalent
5. A’ level with two principal passes or equivalent in Chemistry, and Biology, or Physics or Mathematics, or Geography
6. Higher National Diploma in Leather Technology, Laboratory Technology or relevant field from institutions recognized by the Senate and a mean grade C in KCSE or equivalent.
7. Bachelor of Science degree in a biological science from a recognized institution
8. Equivalent qualifications to the above from institutions recognized by the Senate
Careers
Leather technology is a career most suited for those with creative talent as it is a
field which has great role in our fashion conscious world. Career area in this
industry can be categorized as designing, technical and marketing. Depending
upon the interest and aptitude, one can choose the area most suited to them.
Designing in leather industry involves creating and developing new and up-to-date
patterns, keeping in mind the fashion trends.
Technical side deals with manufacture or production. The manufacturing process
of leather products begins in the tanneries and leather factories, where production
managers supervise the tanning and treatment of animal skins which preserve the
leather and make it soft and pliable.
There is ample employment opportunities in the leather industry within Kenya and
the East African region as a whole. However, the supply of trained manpower
(particularly at degree level) for this industry is far less than the demand. Hence, a
good academic record coupled with hands on training and experience can offer
good career prospects for leather technology.
After successful completion of the Bachelor of Science degree in Leather Science
and Technology, graduates get managerial positions in leather firms, abattoirs,
export go downs (warehouses), national and county government offices,
government parastatals such as Kenya Leather Development Council (KLDC), Kenya
Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), Kenya Bureau of standards
(KEBS) and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Some of them
can also get jobs in middle level training institutions as lecturers.
Graduates of this programme from the University of Nairobi are normally qualified
Leather Goods and Footwear Designers and can find employment specifically withthe footwear, leather garments and leather products industries. Designers are also
employed by leather garment production houses and boutiques.
Leather technologists can also venture out on their own (after gaining enough
experience in the formal job market) by starting micro, small and medium
enterprises MSMEs) subject to securing capital from national or county
governments, family, bank loans, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and
other well-wishers.
Fees and Funding
| BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN LEATHER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - J36 | |||
| YEAR 1 -14UNITS | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS |
| TUITION | 162,000 | 162,000 | 324,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | - | 7,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,000 | 7,000 | 14,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000 | - | 5,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | - | 6,500 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | - | 2,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | - | 4,000 |
| Bsc.-Leather science and technology-Y1 | 197,750 | 171,250 | 369,000 |
| YEAR 2 -14UNITS | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS |
| TUITION | 162,000 | 162,000 | 324,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | - | 7,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,000 | 7,000 | 14,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | - | 6,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | - | 2,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | - | 4,000 |
| Bsc.-Leather science and technology-Y2 | 192,750 | 171,250 | 364,000 |
| YEAR 3 -14UNITS | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS |
| TUITION | 162,000 | 162,000 | 324,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | - | 7,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,000 | 7,000 | 14,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | - | 6,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | - | 2,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | - | 4,000 |
| Bsc.-Leather science and technology-Y3 | 192,750 | 171,250 | 364,000 |
| YEAR 4 -14UNITS | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS |
| TUITION | 162,000 | 162,000 | 324,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | - | 7,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,000 | 7,000 | 14,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | - | 6,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | - | 2,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | - | 4,000 |
| Bsc.-Leather science and technology - yr 4 | 192,750 | 171,250 | 364,000 |
| Grand Total | 1,461,000 |
