It’s quite interesting that you’re considering studying mechanical engineering courses in Kenya.
Mechanical engineering is a diverse and rewarding subject that involves developing, analyzing, and manufacturing mechanical systems.
This course frequently overlaps with civil, structural, electrical, and aeronautical engineering disciplines. All engineering degrees require a strong background in mathematics and physics, which is the foundation for most mechanical engineering skills.
Mechanical engineering courses in Kenya are offered by various universities, each with its own requirements and fee structures.
In this article, we will discuss in depth the mechanical engineering courses available in Kenya, including their requirements and fees.
Table of contents
- What is a Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Courses in Kenya
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Options in Kenya
- Certificate, Artisan, and Craft Mechanical Engineering Courses
- Requirements for Mechanical Engineering in Kenya
- Which University in Kenya Offers Mechanical Engineering Courses
- How Much is Mechanical Engineer paid in Kenya
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Reference
- Recommendations
What is a Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is a field of engineering that involves working with equipment and moving machinery. It is one of the widest engineering specialties, involving designing, constructing, and developing equipment based on engineering principles.
A mechanical engineering specialty is a specialization within a mechanical engineering degree that students can focus on by taking additional classes and interning with companies in their chosen field.
Furthermore, Mechanical engineering degrees cover many specializations, allowing numerous chances to contribute to modern technology. Undergraduate students begin with fundamental concepts such as statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, stress analysis, mechanical design, and technical drawing.
As the course advances, students might specialize in fields such as vehicle design, robotics, nanotechnology, and energy. Depending on the engineer’s interests, they may select one of these courses as a specialization.
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Mechanical Engineering Courses in Kenya
Mechanical engineering courses are one of the hotcake courses in Kenya which often begin by introducing students to fundamental mechanical engineering concepts such as statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, stress analysis, mechanical design, and technical drawing.
Now, here are the best mechanical engineering courses in Kenya. After learning the fundamentals, you can specialize in one of the courses listed below.
#1. Transportation systems
As a mechanical engineer, you will actively plan and improve transportation systems on land, rail, water, and air. You can specialize in a particular mode of transportation while learning about current issues, emerging technology, environmental impacts, and transportation planning approaches.
You will also learn about intelligent transportation networks, ecological practices, and cutting-edge technologies like electric and self-driving cars.
#2. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering focuses on designing, developing, and testing aeroplanes and spacecraft. You’ll study aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and materials science.
This specialization prepares you for employment in aviation, space exploration, and defense by emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical abilities for developing and improving aerospace technology.
#3. Manufacturing
This field studies manufacturing processes and systems’ design, operation, and improvement. You will learn about production planning, quality control, automation, materials science, and lean manufacturing.
This specialty prepares you for positions in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer products, where you will work to improve production efficiency and develop novel manufacturing technologies.
#4. Biomechanics
A speciality in biomechanics is the application of mechanical engineering concepts to biological systems, including the human body. Rehabilitation engineering, biomaterials, human movement, and medical device design are some of the topics you’ll study.
This specialization emphasizes developing prosthetics and medical equipment and teaches students about the mechanics of living things, equipping them for employment in healthcare, sports engineering, and biomedical research.
#5. Nanotechnology
The main goal of nanotechnology is the development of structures and devices at scales smaller than one micron.
Numerous industries are investing heavily in this discipline, which is advancing research and development in areas such as molecular manufacturing, nanoscale materials, nanoelectromechanical devices (NEMS), quantum computing, nanomedicine, nanoelectronics, and molecular biology.
This course prepares you to work on cutting-edge technologies pushing the frontiers of what is feasible at the nanoscale and revolutionizing sectors from electronics to medical.
#6. Robotics
Robotics is one of Kenya’s best mechanical engineering courses because it fosters the construction of complex robots controlled by computer and electronic programming by integrating electronics, mechatronics, and real-time simulation.
Choosing to specialize in robotics can lead to employment in mechanical engineering in various industries, including manufacturing, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, defense, communications, imaging, and medical robotics.
Numerous additional specializations in mechanical engineering can be pursued, many of which include interdisciplinary study. Computational engineering, materials science, energy conversion, and welding and joining are a few examples.
Other mechanical engineering topics frequently incorporated into university courses include risk assessment, different methods of quality control in education, product development, and project management to better prepare students for professional roles.
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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Options in Kenya
Candidates who still wish to pursue mechanical engineering and did not attain the minimum requirement to undertake an undergraduate degree still have a chance to pursue diploma options.
Minimum entry grade requirements for the options include having a mean grade of C-. However, no aggregate cluster is required. Below are several diploma options aspiring candidates can enrol in and pursue :
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Plant option)
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Production option)
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Certificate, Artisan, and Craft Mechanical Engineering Courses
There are physical and online mechanical engineering certificates that you can take in case you don’t meet the normal requirements.
Candidates who fail to qualify for the minimum requirements of the diploma programs can undertake craft and certificate courses in mechanical engineering.
The courses are available at most TVET institutions around the country, and the minimum entry requirements are a mean grade of D+ with no cluster requirements.
Starting at the bottom allows learners to gradually ascend the educational hierarchy at a steady pace for learners. Moreover, craft and certificate courses instil learners with valuable practical knowledge that makes grasping engineering concepts easy.
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Requirements for Mechanical Engineering in Kenya
Students wishing to enrol in learning institutions for an undergraduate course in mechanical engineering must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Candidates must meet the minimum KCSE mean grade B- (minus) requirement in the KCSE examination or possess the equivalent of a diploma certificate from an accredited institution.
- The students must also have an aggregate score of B plain in 4 cluster subjects and attain the minimum grade in each subject, which includes:
Option A
- Mathematics – C+
- Physics – C+
- Chemistry – C+
- Geography or Biology ( Any Group III/ IV subject) – C+
Option B
- Mathematics – C+
- Biology – C+
- Geography – C+
Any Group IV subject Diploma in mechanical engineering options Candidates who still wish to pursue mechanical engineering and did not attain the minimum requirement to undertake an undergraduate degree still have a chance to pursue diploma options.
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Mechanical Engineering Fees in Kenya
Here are the applicable fees for mechanical engineering in Kenya.
Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering Year 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly TOTAL | |
| Tuition | 198,000.00 | 198,000.00 | 396,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | – | 6,500.00 |
| ICT SERVICES – (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | – | 7,000.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | – | 2,000.00 |
| CAUTION – (ONCE) | 5,000.00 | – | 5,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 | 4,500.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,000.00 | 7,000.00 | 14,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | – | 1,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | – | 1,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000.00 | – | 4,000.00 |
| TOTAL | 233,750.00 | 207,250.00 | 441,000.00 |
Bachelor of Science-Mechanical Engineering Year 2
| Bachelor of Science-Mechanical Engineering Year 2 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| TUITION | 198,000.00 | 198,000.00 | 396,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | – | 6,500.00 |
| ICT SERVICES – (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | – | 7,000.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | – | 2,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 | 4,500.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,000.00 | 7,000.00 | 14,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | – | 1,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | – | 1,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000.00 | – | 4,000.00 |
| TOTAL | 228,750.00 | 207,250.00 | 436,000.00 |
Bachelor of Science – Mechanical Engineering Year 3
| Bachelor of Science-Mechanical Engineering Year 3 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly TOTAL |
| TUITION | 198,000.00 | 198,000.00 | 396,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | – | 6,500.00 |
| ICT SERVICES – (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | – | 7,000.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | – | 2,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 | 4,500.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,500.00 | 7,500.00 | 15,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR | 1,000.00 | – | 1,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | – | 1,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000.00 | – | 4,000.00 |
| TOTAL | 229,250.00 | 207,750.00 | 437,000.00 |
Bachelor of Science-Mechanical Engineering Year 4
| Bachelor of Science-Mechanical Engineering Year 4 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly TOTAL |
| TUITION | 198,000.00 | 198,000.00 | 396,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | – | 6,500.00 |
| ICT SERVICES – (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | – | 7,000.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | – | 2,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 | 4,500.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,000.00 | 7,000.00 | 14,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | – | 1,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | – | 1,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000.00 | – | 4,000.00 |
| TOTAL | 228,750.00 | 207,250.00 | 436,000.00 |
Bachelor of Science – Mechanical Engineering Year 5
| Bachelor of Science – Mechanical Engineering Year 5 | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly TOTAL | |
| TUITION | 198,000.00 | 198,000.00 | 396,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | – | 6,500.00 |
| ICT SERVICES – (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | – | 7,000.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | – | 2,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 | 4,500.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 5,500.00 | 5,500.00 | 11,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | – | 1,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | – | 1,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000.00 | – | 4,000.00 |
| TOTAL | 227,250.00 | 205,750.00 | 433,000.00 |
Which University in Kenya Offers Mechanical Engineering Courses
Below is a list of best universities in Kenya ranked based on their research performance in Mechanical Engineering.
- University of Nairobi
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Moi University
- Kenyatta University
- Egerton University
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
- Technical University of Kenya
- Mount Kenya University
- University of Eldoret
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How Much is Mechanical Engineer paid in Kenya
Mechanical Engineers in Kenya normally earn between 32,661 KES (the lowest income) and 91,560 KES (the highest average salary; the actual maximum compensation is greater).
This represents your entire monthly pay, bonuses included. The pay for various jobs can fluctuate significantly.
FAQs
It takes over four academic years but not more than six academic years to study mechanical engineering in Kenya
KCSE Mean Grade C+ (plus) with C+ (Plus) in Maths A, C+ (Plus) in Physics, C+ (Plus) in Chemistry and C+ (Plus) in Eng./Kis.
You will need a first degree in mechanical engineering or a related subject such as aeronautical or manufacturing engineering.
A mechanical engineer designs, analyses, and maintains mechanical systems. They develop machines, tools, engines, and thermal devices for various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. Their tasks include problem-solving, creating blueprints, and ensuring systems operate efficiently and safely.
Tuition fees per academic year: Kshs. 245,950/= (Two hundred and forty-five thousand nine hundred and fifty shillings).
Conclusion
Mechanical engineering courses in Kenya offer a range of educational opportunities, from diplomas to Certificate courses. Each institution has its own set of requirements and fee structures, so prospective students must research their options thoroughly.
By understanding the requirements and costs associated with these courses, students can make informed decisions about their education and future careers in mechanical engineering. Even if you are starting your journey in mechanical engineering or looking to advance your career, Kenya’s educational institutions provide quality courses to help you achieve your goals.
Reference
- topuniversities.com– Mechanical Engineering Degrees
- engineering.uonbi.ac.ke– Faculty Of Engineering University Of Nairobi
- tuko.co.ke– Is mechanical engineering marketable in Kenya? Careers and salaries
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