Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering is a programme that provides comprehensive training in electrical power systems, electronics and control systems. Offered at the University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Technical University of Kenya, Moi University, Maseno University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in electrical engineering and power systems.

The curriculum covers engineering mathematics, circuit theory, electronics, electrical machines, power systems, control systems, telecommunications, signal processing, electromagnetic theory, power electronics, electrical installation, renewable energy systems, instrumentation, microprocessors, CAD, project management, research methods and a final year project. Students develop analytical and practical engineering skills.

Kenya's electrification programme, renewable energy expansion and industrial growth create strong demand for electrical engineering graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, engineering laboratories, workshop practice, industrial attachment and design projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as electrical engineers, power systems engineers, control engineers, telecommunications engineers, renewable energy engineers, electrical design engineers, project managers and maintenance engineers. They work in power companies, telecommunications, manufacturing, consulting firms, construction, government and as entrepreneurs.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

Duration: 5 years
Public, up to: Ksh 438,000
Private, up to: Ksh 500,000
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

Circuit Theory
Electronics
Electrical Machines
Power Systems
Control Systems
Telecommunications
Signal Processing
Power Electronics
Renewable Energy Systems
Microprocessors

Modules

12 in the programme

Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Circuit Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Electrical circuits. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Electronics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Electronic devices and circuits. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-...
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Power Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Power generation and distribution. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-o...
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.
Power Electronics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Power electronic systems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...

Specialisations

Control and Instrumentation
Control 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.
Telecommunications
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.
Renewable Energy
Solar and wind energy. 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.
Power Systems
Power generation and distribution. 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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 involves attending engineering lectures, working in electrical laboratories, designing circuits, studying power systems, programming microcontrollers, using CAD for electrical design, testing electrical machines, and working on engineering design projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand in electrification and renewable energy
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Excellent earning potential
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
EBK registration enables professional practice

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Laboratory work involves high voltage safety risks
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

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 438k

200k at Technical University of Kenya438k at University of Nairobi

Private500k to 500k

500k at Strathmore University500k at Strathmore 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

TUK ~200K, UoN ~438K/yr. Strathmore ~500K/yr. UoN/TUK fee schedules

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Engineering companies may offer sponsorships.

Funding options

HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

5 recorded

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
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 80,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students in engineering

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Diploma in electrical engineering, electronics or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Mathematics
B-
Physics
B-
Chemistry
B-

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments
Final Year Project
Project10% of the mark
Capstone design project
Laboratory Practicals
Practicum20% of the mark
Lab sessions and reports
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
End of semester written exams

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). Offered at UoN, JKUAT, TUK, Moi and other institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3. EBK registration required after graduation and practical training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya
Engineers Board of Kenya
ProfessionalRequired
Statutory body responsible for registration and regulation of engineers in Kenya
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Telecommunications Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 450,000
Telecommunications
Power Systems Engineer
High demandKsh 160,000 to Ksh 480,000
Power systems
Control Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 420,000
Control systems
Renewable Energy Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 450,000
Renewable energy
Electrical Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 450,000
Electrical engineering
Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as electrical engineers, power systems engineers and control engineers in power companies, telecommunications and manufacturing.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

MATLAB
Engineering softwarePrimary
Signal processing and communication simulation.
Atoll
Network planning
Radio network planning and optimisation.
Wireshark
Network analysis
Network protocol analysis.
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
Proteus
Software
Electronic design automation software for circuit simulation and PCB design.
ETAP
Software
Power system analysis software for electrical engineering design.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Electrical engineering is just about wiring.
The programme covers power systems, electronics, control, telecommunications and renewable energy.
Electrical engineers only work for KPLC.
Graduates work in telecommunications, manufacturing, consulting, construction and renewable energy.
There are no electrical engineering jobs in Kenya.
Electrification and renewable energy projects create strong demand.
Electrical engineering is too difficult.
The programme is challenging but rewarding with excellent career prospects.