Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in computer engineering. The programme falls under the ICT & Computing category and typically spans 5 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Digital Logic Design and Digital Circuits, Computer Architecture and Microprocessors, Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers, Software Engineering and Programming, Hardware Design and VLSI Design, Computer Networks and Network Engineering. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Microprocessors, Hardware-Software Interface, Computer Architecture, Computer Networks, Digital Logic Design. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Software Engineering and Programming, Research Methods, Computer Engineering Research and Project, Computer Networks and Network Engineering, Digital Logic Design and Digital Circuits, Operating Systems and Systems Programming. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Hardware Design and VLSI Design, Embedded Systems and Firmware Development, Network Engineering and Telecommunications. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering pursue careers as VLSI Engineer / IC Design Engineer, Computer Engineer / Hardware Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer / Firmware Engineer, Firmware Developer / Embedded Software Developer. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 5 years
Public, up to: Ksh 396,000
Private, up to: Ksh 441,500
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 50 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Digital Logic Design and Digital Circuits
Computer Architecture and Microprocessors
Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers
Software Engineering and Programming
Hardware Design and VLSI Design
Computer Networks and Network Engineering
Operating Systems and Systems Programming
Electronics and Electronic Circuits
Signal Processing and Digital Signal Processing
Research Methods and Computer Engineering Research

Modules

10 in the programme

Digital Logic Design and Digital Circuits
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital logic design, digital circuits, logic gates, and supporting digital logic.
Computer Architecture and Microprocessors
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer architecture, microprocessors, processor design, and supporting computer architecture.
Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Embedded systems, microcontrollers, embedded software, and supporting embedded systems.
Software Engineering and Programming
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Software engineering, programming, software development, and supporting software engineering.
Hardware Design and VLSI Design
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Hardware design, VLSI design, integrated circuits, and supporting hardware design.
Computer Networks and Network Engineering
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Computer networks, network engineering, network protocols, and supporting computer networks.
Operating Systems and Systems Programming
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Operating systems, systems programming, system software, and supporting operating systems.
Electronics and Electronic Circuits
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Electronics, electronic circuits, analog electronics, and supporting electronics.
Signal Processing and Digital Signal Processing
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Signal processing, digital signal processing, DSP, and supporting signal processing.
Research Methods, Computer Engineering Research and Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, computer engineering research, research project, and supporting research methods and project work.

Specialisations

Hardware Design and VLSI Design
Focuses on hardware design, VLSI design, integrated circuits, and chip design. 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.
Embedded Systems and Firmware Development
Specialises in embedded systems, firmware development, microcontrollers, and embedded software. 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.
Network Engineering and Telecommunications
Focuses on network engineering, telecommunications, network systems, and communication systems. 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.
Computer Architecture and Systems Engineering
Concentrates on computer architecture, systems engineering, system design, and computer systems. 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.
Signal Processing and Digital Signal Processing
Focuses on signal processing, digital signal processing, DSP, and signal systems. 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 starts with morning lectures on digital logic, computer architecture, or embedded systems, followed by engineering laboratories, hardware projects, or industry visits. Students design circuits, program microcontrollers, develop embedded software, work with hardware tools, and work on their design projects. Industrial attachments at technology companies, telecommunications firms, and manufacturing companies provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — technology growth, embedded systems adoption, and digital transformation create strong demand for computer engineering professionals.
Diverse applications — graduates work in technology, manufacturing, telecommunications, automotive, healthcare, and aerospace industries.
Innovation — computer engineering involves cutting-edge technology including embedded systems, microprocessors, and hardware design.

Against it

Technical complexity — computer engineering requires strong technical skills in hardware, software, and systems integration.
Continuous learning — computer engineering faces rapid technology changes, continuous learning requirements, and skills obsolescence.
Work pressure — engineering work involves tight deadlines, project pressure, and high pressure during system development.

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

Public200k to 396k

200k at Technical University of Kenya396k at University of Nairobi

Private121k to 442k

121k at Zetech University442k at USIU-Africa

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

UoN Eng ~396K (uonbi.ac.ke). TUK ~200K (eafinder). USIU ~442K, Zetech ~121K.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, engineering industry sponsorships, and international engineering scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
Engineering Industry Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Technology companies, telecommunications firms, and engineering organisations may sponsor computer engineering students in exchange for service commitment.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant engineering or programming experience is advantageous.

Mathematics
C+
Physics
C+
Chemistry
C
English or Kiswahili
C

How you are assessed

5 components

Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent computer engineering research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and engineering projects throughout each semester.
Computer Engineering Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of computer engineering competencies including hardware design, embedded systems, programming, and systems integration.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including engineering work, hardware development work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering computer engineering, digital logic, embedded systems, and computer engineering research.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Registered by Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) for professional engineer registration. The Engineers Act governs engineering. The Engineering Technology Act governs engineering technology. The National ICT Policy guides digital development.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

VLSI Engineer / IC Design Engineer
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 190,000
Designs integrated circuits, VLSI systems, chip design, and supports semiconductor development at semiconductor companies, technology companies, or research institutions.
Computer Engineer / Hardware Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Designs computer hardware, hardware systems, digital circuits, and supports hardware development at technology companies, manufacturing companies, or engineering firms registered by EBK.
Embedded Systems Engineer / Firmware Engineer
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 180,000
Develops embedded systems, firmware, microcontroller programming, and supports embedded development at technology companies, automotive companies, or manufacturing companies.
Firmware Developer / Embedded Software Developer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Develops firmware, embedded software, device drivers, and supports embedded software development at technology companies, automotive companies, or consumer electronics companies.
Systems Engineer / Network Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Designs computer systems, network systems, system integration, and supports systems engineering at telecommunications companies, technology companies, or government agencies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as computer engineers and embedded systems engineers. Computer engineering is in high demand driven by technology growth. Salaries range from KES 70,000 to 180,000 per month. Ministry of ICT, EBK, technology companies, and telecommunications firms offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
ProgrammingPrimary
Programming language for embedded systems and hardware interfacing
C/C++
ProgrammingPrimary
Systems programming for microcontrollers and hardware
MATLAB
Simulation
Signal processing and hardware simulation
Proteus
Circuit design
Electronic circuit simulation and PCB design
Git/GitHub
Version control
Version control and collaborative development
Visual Studio Code
Ide
Integrated development environment

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Computer engineering is just about programming.
Computer engineering includes hardware design, embedded systems, digital circuits, microprocessors, computer architecture, and systems integration — programming is one component.
Computer engineering is only for IT companies.
Computer engineering applies to manufacturing, telecommunications, automotive, healthcare, aerospace, and many other industries beyond IT companies.
There are limited career opportunities for computer engineering graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's technology growth, embedded systems adoption, digital transformation needs, and manufacturing automation create demand for computer engineering professionals at technology companies, telecommunications firms, and manufacturing companies.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.