Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Construction Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Construction Technology is a programme that prepares students for technical and managerial roles in the construction industry. Offered at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology through the School of Architecture and Building Sciences, the programme equips graduates with knowledge of construction technology, building materials, construction methods and project management.

The curriculum covers construction technology, building materials science, structural mechanics, construction drawings, surveying, building services, construction project management, quantity surveying, construction law, health and safety, soil mechanics, concrete technology, steel construction, timber construction, construction economics, building maintenance and research methods. Students develop both technical knowledge and practical skills in construction processes.

Kenya's construction industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, driven by infrastructure development, urbanisation and housing demand. The programme responds to the need for construction technology professionals who can apply technical knowledge to building projects, ensuring quality, safety and cost-effectiveness in construction operations.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory sessions, studio practicals, site visits, industrial attachment and a research project. Students gain hands-on experience in material testing, construction drawing, surveying and site management through practical sessions and attachment at construction sites and building companies.

Graduates pursue careers as construction technologists, site engineers, project coordinators, building inspectors, materials testing officers, construction supervisors and maintenance managers in construction companies, government agencies, consulting firms and property development organisations. They can also pursue postgraduate study in construction management or structural engineering.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, an interest in building and construction, and a commitment to safety and quality. The programme is suitable for students passionate about construction technology and the built environment.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 232,560
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Construction Technology
Building Materials Science
Structural Mechanics
Surveying and Setting Out
Building Services
Construction Project Management
Quantity Surveying
Concrete and Steel Construction
Construction Health and Safety
Construction Economics

Modules

11 in the programme

Introduction to Construction Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces construction processes, building systems, construction methods and the role of construction technology in the built environment.
Building Materials Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers properties and applications of construction materials including concrete, steel, timber, masonry, glass and composites, with laboratory testing.
Construction Drawing and Graphics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers technical drawing, construction documentation, CAD software, building plans, sections and details for construction projects.
Structural Mechanics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines forces, stress, strain, bending moments, shear forces and structural analysis applied to building structures.
Surveying and Setting Out
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers land surveying principles, levelling, total station operation, GPS surveying and setting out of building works on site.
Concrete and Steel Construction
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers reinforced concrete design, steel construction methods, formwork, falsework, precast concrete and steel connection details.
Construction Project Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers project planning, scheduling, resource management, cost control, contract administration and project management tools for construction.
Building Services
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers electrical installations, plumbing and drainage, HVAC systems, fire protection and building automation systems.
Construction Health and Safety
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers construction site safety management, risk assessment, safety legislation, personal protective equipment and accident prevention.
Construction Economics and Estimating
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers cost estimation, bill of quantities preparation, cost planning, value engineering and economic analysis of construction projects.
Research Project in Construction Technology
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
An independent research project on a construction technology topic, demonstrating the student's ability to investigate construction issues and present findings.

Specialisations

Concrete and Steel Construction
Focuses on advanced concrete and steel construction technologies, including precast concrete, steel structures and composite construction.
Building Services Technology
Specialises in mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for buildings, including HVAC, electrical installations and building automation.
Construction Project Management
Focuses on project planning, scheduling, cost management and contract administration for construction projects.
Construction Health and Safety
Specialises in construction site safety management, risk assessment and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on construction technology or structural mechanics, followed by a laboratory session on concrete testing or material properties. Afternoon sessions may include a surveying practical on campus, a construction drawing studio, or a site visit to a nearby construction project. Students also work on group projects designing construction method statements and project schedules.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's construction industry is growing rapidly with infrastructure development and urbanisation, creating strong demand for construction technology professionals.
The programme combines technical knowledge with practical skills, making graduates directly employable in the construction industry.
Construction technology skills are applicable across multiple sectors including residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure construction.

Against it

Construction work involves working on site in various weather conditions, which can be physically demanding and may require travel to remote locations.
The construction industry is subject to economic fluctuations, with project availability varying based on economic conditions and government infrastructure spending.

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

Public233k to 233k

233k at Technical University of Kenya233k at Technical University of Kenya

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

TUK 232.6K/yr intake portal. Private: no verified construction technology programs found.

Students can access HELB loans. Some construction companies offer internship opportunities with stipends for construction technology students.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised universities

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE Mean Grade C (Plain) with a Diploma in Building Construction, Civil Engineering or related field, or KACE with two Principal passes in Mathematics and Physics.

Mathematics
C+
Physics or Physical Sciences
C+
Chemistry or Biology or Geography
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering construction technology, materials science and construction drawing fundamentals.
Laboratory and Studio Practical Reports
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory sessions for material testing, surveying practicals and construction drawing studio work.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a construction site, consulting firm or building company.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
A final-year research project on a construction technology topic, assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at JKUAT's School of Architecture and Building Sciences.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at JKUAT's School of Architecture and Building Sciences.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Construction Technologist
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 200,000
Applies technical knowledge to construction projects, overseeing construction methods, material selection and quality control on building sites.
Site Engineer
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manages construction site operations, coordinating subcontractors, ensuring compliance with drawings and specifications, and maintaining site safety.
Project Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 180,000
Coordinates construction project activities including scheduling, communication between stakeholders, progress monitoring and documentation.
Building Inspector
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 150,000
Inspects buildings for compliance with building codes, safety standards and construction regulations for government agencies or private clients.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as construction technologists, site engineers and project coordinators in construction companies, government agencies and consulting firms across Kenya's growing construction sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

AutoCAD
ToolPrimary
Revit
Tool

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Construction technology is just about building houses.
The programme covers advanced topics including structural mechanics, building services, construction project management, quantity surveying and construction law, preparing graduates for complex construction projects.
Construction technology graduates are just site labourers.
Graduates work as construction technologists, site engineers, project coordinators and building inspectors, applying technical knowledge to manage and supervise construction operations.
The construction industry in Kenya is saturated.
Kenya's construction industry continues to grow with infrastructure development, urbanisation and housing demand, creating ongoing demand for qualified construction technology professionals.
Construction technology is the same as architecture.
Construction technology focuses on the technical processes, materials and methods of building construction, while architecture focuses on design and aesthetics. Both work together but are distinct disciplines.