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Bachelor of Education Technology in Mechanical Engineering

The Bachelor of Education Technology in Mechanical Engineering is a four-year degree programme that prepares graduates to teach mechanical engineering subjects in secondary schools and TVET institutions. The programme combines pedagogical training with specialised mechanical engineering content.

Duration
4 Years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 244,800
Ksh 979,200 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 244,800 a year at a public institution, Ksh 979,200 for the whole course.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 15 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

The curriculum covers educational foundations, educational psychology, technology education foundations, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, manufacturing processes, materials science, automotive technology, workshop practices, technical drawing, and teaching methodology. Students develop both technical engineering skills and pedagogical competencies for classroom and workshop instruction.

Students develop skills in machine design, manufacturing processes, workshop management, technical drawing, computer-aided design, project-based learning, instructional design for technical subjects, and assessment of practical skills. The programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, workshop practicals, micro-teaching, and supervised teaching practice.

Graduates pursue careers as mechanical technology teachers in secondary schools, TVET instructors, technical trainers, and education consultants. They find employment in public and private secondary schools, TVET institutions, polytechnics, and technical training centres. The programme addresses the growing demand for qualified mechanical engineering teachers under Kenya's STEM and TVET expansion agenda.

The programme is offered at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (public, KES 230,400/year, KUCCPS code 1173318) and Meru University of Science and Technology (public, KES 90,000/year at KES 45,000/semester). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) with C+ in Mathematics and Physics.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) as technology teachers.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Educational Foundations
  • Educational Psychology
  • Technology Education Foundations
  • Thermodynamics
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Machine Design
  • Manufacturing Processes
  • Materials Science
  • Workshop Practices
  • Teaching Methodology

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Introduction to Technology Education

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Overview of technology education, its history, philosophy, and role in Kenya's education system.

  • Educational Foundations

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Educational Foundations: Philosophical, sociological, and historical foundations of education in Kenya. Covers instructional strategies, assessment methods, and educational theory.

  • Technical Drawing and CAD

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Engineering drawing, mechanical schematics, and CAD software for technology education.

  • Workshop Practices and Safety

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Workshop Practices and Safety: Workshop safety, hand tools, machine tools, and materials handling. Covers safety regulations, risk assessment, and workplace hazard management.

  • Thermodynamics

    Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore

    Thermodynamics: Laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and energy conversion systems. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Materials Science

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Properties and applications of engineering materials including metals, polymers, and composites.

  • Teaching Methodology for Technical Subjects

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Teaching Methodology for Technical Subjects: Pedagogical methods for teaching mechanical engineering subjects. Covers instructional strategies, assessment methods, and educational theory.

  • Fluid Mechanics

    Year 2Semester 24 creditsCore

    Fluid properties, flow analysis, and hydraulic systems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests,...

  • Machine Design

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Machine Design: Design of mechanical components, stress analysis, and material selection. Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.

  • Manufacturing Processes

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Manufacturing Processes: Machining, casting, forming, welding, and modern manufacturing techniques. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Assessment of Practical Skills

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Techniques for assessing practical and technical skills in workshop and laboratory settings.

  • Teaching Practice and Research Project

    Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore

    Supervised teaching practice at a secondary school or TVET institution and a final-year research project.

Specialisations

  • Manufacturing Engineering

    Focus on teaching manufacturing processes, CNC machining, and production planning. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Automotive Technology

    Focus on teaching automotive systems, vehicle maintenance, and engine technology. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics

    Focus on teaching heat transfer, fluid systems, and energy conversion. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Machine Design

    Focus on teaching mechanical component design, stress analysis, and material selection. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Materials Science

    Focus on teaching engineering materials, properties, and applications. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day combines education lectures, mechanical engineering laboratory sessions, and workshop practicals. Morning sessions cover educational psychology, technology education foundations, and teaching methodology, while afternoons focus on machine design labs, manufacturing workshops, and CAD sessions. Students participate in teaching practice at secondary schools and TVET institutions.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
High demand for mechanical technology teachers with Kenya's STEM and TVET expansion.Requires strong background in Mathematics and Physics.
Offered at two universities providing geographic choice.Workshop safety and equipment management add responsibility beyond regular teaching.
Meru University offers affordable fees at KES 45,000/semester.Keeping up with rapidly evolving manufacturing technology requires continuous learning.
Combines engineering knowledge with teaching qualifications for dual career paths.Dedan Kimathi's KES 230,400/year is higher than regular B.Ed programmes.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 332 engineering courses
Public245k to 245k
245k at Kenyatta University245k at Moi University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU & Moi B.Ed(Technology) 244,800/yr self-sponsored (eafinder, thekenyatimes). Private unverified.

HELB loans and Higher Education Fund (HEF) support are available for qualifying Kenyan students. County government bursaries may also be available.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

  • County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    Government fundingKenyan

    Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.

  • Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes

  • KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering

  • TSC Teacher Training Support

    BursaryKenyan

    Teachers and trainee teachers in recognised institutions

Scholarships you could apply for

14 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (Plus)minimum entry
Alternative entry

KACE with at least two principal passes in Mathematics and Physics; OR a validated Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or Technical Education from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.

When it next starts

Taught at 15 institutions
January 202715 institutions

Including Meru University of Science and Technology, South Eastern Kenya University, Moi University.

May 202715 institutions

Including Meru University of Science and Technology, South Eastern Kenya University, Moi University.

September 202715 institutions

Including Meru University of Science and Technology, South Eastern Kenya University, Moi University.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Written tests, laboratory reports, workshop practical assessments, and micro-teaching evaluations.

  • Teaching Practice Assessment

    Practical20% of the mark

    Supervised teaching practice at a secondary school or TVET institution with assessment of classroom and workshop performance.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Examination50% of the mark

    Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    A final-year research project investigating a relevant mechanical technology education issue.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) as technology teachers.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

  • Mechanical Technology Teacher (Secondary)

    High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 150,000

    Teaches mechanical engineering technology subjects in secondary schools.

  • TVET Instructor (Mechanical)

    High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 140,000

    Trains students in mechanical engineering skills at TVET institutions.

  • Technical Trainer (Industry)

    Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000

    Provides mechanical technology training in corporate and industrial settings.

  • Curriculum Developer (Mechanical Technology)

    Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Designs and evaluates mechanical technology education curricula.

  • Education Officer (Technical)

    Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 170,000

    Works in government education offices supporting technical education policy.

  • Education Consultant (STEM)

    Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Advises schools and organisations on STEM and mechanical technology education strategies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as mechanical technology teachers in secondary schools and TVET instructors. Demand is high with Kenya's STEM and TVET expansion agenda.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • SolidWorks

    DesignPrimary

    3D CAD software for mechanical design and engineering graphics.

  • AutoCAD

    DesignPrimary

    2D and 3D CAD software for technical drawing and mechanical schematics.

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

    Presentation

    Presentation tool for lesson delivery and instructional materials.

  • Google Classroom

    Learning management

    Learning management platform for organising classes and assignments.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Data analysis

    Spreadsheet tool for assessment tracking and workshop inventory management.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • This is an engineering degree, not a teaching degree.

    This is a professional education degree with TSC registration, combining mechanical engineering content with pedagogical training.

  • Graduates can only work in secondary schools.

    Graduates can work in secondary schools, TVET institutions, polytechnics, and as technical trainers in industry.

  • Technology education is inferior to academic subjects.

    Technology education is a critical component of Kenya's STEM and TVET agenda, with growing demand and career opportunities.

  • The programme only covers basic mechanics.

    The programme covers advanced topics including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, and manufacturing processes.

Further reading

Read next