Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Electronic and Computer Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Electronic and Computer Engineering is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in electronic and computer engineering. The programme falls under the ICT & Computing category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Electronics and Electronic Circuits, Computer Architecture and Computer Systems, Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers, Digital Systems and Digital Logic, VLSI Design and Integrated Circuits, Hardware-Software Integration. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Computer Networks and Network Systems, Electronics and Electronic Circuits, Research Methods, Electronic Engineering Research and Project, System Programming and Firmware Development, Digital Systems and Digital Logic. 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 VLSI Design and Integrated Circuits, Embedded Systems and Firmware Development, Computer Architecture and Computer Systems. 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 Electronic and Computer Engineering pursue careers as Electronics Engineer / Electronic Design Engineer, Hardware Engineer / Digital Systems Engineer, VLSI Engineer / IC Design Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer / Firmware Engineer. 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: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 438,000
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

Electronics and Electronic Circuits
Computer Architecture and Computer Systems
Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers
Digital Systems and Digital Logic
VLSI Design and Integrated Circuits
Hardware-Software Integration
Control Systems and Automation
Computer Networks and Network Systems
System Programming and Firmware Development
Research Methods and Electronic Engineering Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Electronics and Electronic Circuits
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Electronics and Electronic Circuits: Electronics, electronic circuits, circuit design, and supporting electronics. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
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.
Computer Architecture and Computer Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer architecture, computer systems, processor design, and supporting computer architecture.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Embedded systems, microcontrollers, embedded software, and supporting embedded systems.
Digital Systems and Digital Logic
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital systems, digital logic, digital circuits, and supporting digital systems.
VLSI Design and Integrated Circuits
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
VLSI Design and Integrated Circuits: VLSI design, integrated circuits, chip design, and supporting VLSI design. Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.
Hardware-Software Integration
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Hardware-software integration, system integration, interface design, and supporting hardware-software integration.
Control Systems and Automation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Control Systems and Automation: Control systems, automation, control theory, and supporting control systems. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Computer Networks and Network Systems
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer networks, network systems, network protocols, and supporting computer networks.
System Programming and Firmware Development
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
System programming, firmware development, device drivers, and supporting system programming.
Research Methods, Electronic Engineering Research and Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, electronic engineering research, research project, and supporting research methods and project work.

Specialisations

VLSI Design and Integrated Circuits
Specialises in VLSI design, integrated circuits, chip design, and semiconductor engineering. 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
Focuses on 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.
Computer Architecture and Computer Systems
Concentrates on computer architecture, computer systems, processor design, and computer engineering.
Control Systems and Automation
Focuses on control systems, automation, industrial control, and control engineering. 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.
Electronics and Circuit Design
Focuses on electronics, electronic circuits, circuit design, and electronic 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.
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 starts with morning lectures on electronics, embedded systems, or computer architecture, followed by engineering laboratories, electronics projects, or industry visits. Students design circuits, develop embedded systems, work with hardware tools, integrate systems, and work on their engineering projects. Industrial attachments at technology companies, manufacturing firms, and telecommunications companies provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — technology growth, manufacturing development, and embedded systems adoption create strong demand for electronic engineering professionals.
Diverse applications — graduates work in technology, manufacturing, telecommunications, automotive, healthcare, and aerospace industries.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Innovation — electronic engineering involves cutting-edge technology including embedded systems, VLSI design, and computer architecture.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Technical complexity — electronic engineering requires strong technical skills in electronics, mathematics, and engineering.
Continuous learning — electronic 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 438k

200k at Technical University of Kenya438k at University of Nairobi

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. Private unverified. UoN/TUK fee schedules

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

County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
Huawei Seeds for the Future Kenya
Scholarship
Talented ICT/STEM university students with a GPA of 3.0+
Generation Google Scholarship
Scholarship
Women in computer science and related technical fields
Engineering Industry Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Technology companies, manufacturing firms, and engineering organisations may sponsor electronic engineering students in exchange for service commitment.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, 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

End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Electronic and Computer Engineering Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of engineering competencies including electronics, embedded systems, computer architecture, and hardware design.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and engineering projects throughout each semester.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent electronic and computer engineering research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering electronic engineering, computer engineering, embedded systems, and 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 (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
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

8 roles

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.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Electronics Engineer / Electronic Design Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Designs electronics, electronic circuits, electronic systems, and supports electronics engineering at technology companies, manufacturing companies, or engineering firms registered by EBK.
Hardware Engineer / Digital Systems Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Designs hardware, digital systems, computer hardware, and supports hardware development at technology companies, semiconductor companies, or manufacturing companies.
VLSI Engineer / IC Design Engineer
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 190,000
Designs VLSI circuits, integrated circuits, chip design, and supports semiconductor development at semiconductor companies, technology companies, or research institutions.
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.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as electronics engineers and embedded systems engineers. Electronic and 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 manufacturing firms offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Figma
DesignPrimary
Adobe Creative Suite
DesignPrimary
Unity
Game engine
Visual Studio Code
Ide
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for analytical data management, quality control charts and statistical analysis.
MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing software for electronic system simulation and signal processing.
Proteus
SoftwarePrimary
Electronic design automation software for circuit simulation and PCB design.
Python
Software
Programming language for embedded systems and data analysis.
C++
Software
Programming language for embedded systems and microcontroller programming.
AutoCAD
Software
CAD software for electronic circuit and PCB layout design.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

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