Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

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

The curriculum covers Engineering Mechanics and Strength of Materials, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics, Machine Design and Machine Elements, Manufacturing Processes and Materials Science, CAD, CNC and Computer-Aided Manufacturing, Industrial Automation, PLC and Robotics. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Mechanics, Agricultural Structures, Cloud Computing, Crop Management. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Engineering Mathematics and Mechanics, Final Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Research Project or Dissertation, Machine Design and Machine Elements, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics, CAD, CNC and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. 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 Industrial Automation and Robotics, Quality and Lean Manufacturing, Production and Operations Management. 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 Mechanical and Industrial Engineering pursue careers as Manufacturing Engineer / Maintenance Engineer, Mechanical Engineer / Design Engineer, Quality Engineer / Process Engineer, Industrial Engineer / Production 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: 5 years
Public, up to: Ksh 396,000
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Engineering Mechanics and Strength of Materials
Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics
Machine Design and Machine Elements
Manufacturing Processes and Materials Science
CAD, CNC and Computer-Aided Manufacturing
Industrial Automation, PLC and Robotics
Thermal Engineering and HVAC
Production Planning and Operations Management
Quality Control, SPC and Lean Manufacturing
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

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.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Engineering Mathematics and Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering mathematics, statics, dynamics, strength of materials, mechanics of materials, understanding mechanics, and supporting engineering fundamentals.
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.
Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermal engineering, understanding thermal, and supporting thermal and fluid engineering.
Machine Design and Machine Elements
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Machine design, machine elements, gears, bearings, shafts, couplings, springs, design methodology, understanding design, and supporting machine design engineering.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
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.
Final Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year mechanical and industrial engineering research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.

Specialisations

Machine Design and Thermal Engineering
Focuses on machine design, machine elements, thermodynamics, heat transfer, internal combustion engines, and supporting machine design and thermal engineering.
Industrial Automation and Robotics
Concentrates on industrial automation, PLC, robotics, mechatronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and supporting automation and robotics.
Quality and Lean Manufacturing
Concentrates on quality control, SPC, Six Sigma, lean manufacturing, kaizen, work study, and supporting quality and lean manufacturing.
Production and Operations Management
Focuses on production planning, operations management, operations research, supply chain, and supporting production and operations management.
Manufacturing and CAD/CAM
Specialises in manufacturing processes, materials science, CAD, CNC, CAM, and supporting manufacturing and CAD/CAM engineering.
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 a morning lecture on machine design, thermodynamics, or production planning, followed by laboratory work, workshop practicals, CAD and CNC exercises, or design projects. Students work on machine designs, thermal analyses, manufacturing process plans, CAD models, CNC programmes, quality control charts, plant layouts, and mechanical and industrial engineering research. Laboratory work for thermodynamics and materials, workshop practicals for machining and welding, CAD and CNC exercises, and industrial attachment at a manufacturing company, power plant, or engineering firm provide practical experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and industrialisation create strong demand for mechanical and industrial engineers.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Versatile career — graduates work in manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, automotive, consulting, construction, and government.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
Demanding programme — requires strong mathematics and physics with heavy theoretical and practical coursework.
Long registration process — EBK registration requires years of supervised practice after graduation.

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

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 396,000/yr sch.II; TUK ~199,500/yr. No private confirmed. Src: uonbi.ac.ke, tukenya.ac.ke

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some manufacturing companies, energy companies, and KAM members offer scholarships for mechanical and industrial engineering students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
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
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
SponsorshipKsh 500,000
Academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students at partner universities.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders with credit pass in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Manufacturing, or related fields from recognised institutions may join.

Mathematics
C+ (plus)
Physics
C+ (plus)
Chemistry
C (plain)
English or Kiswahili
C (plain)

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of machine designs, thermal analyses, manufacturing process plans, CAD models, CNC programmes, and quality control charts.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of industrial attachment at a manufacturing company, power plant, or engineering firm. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.
Final Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year mechanical and industrial engineering research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering mechanics, thermodynamics, machine design, manufacturing, CAD/CAM, and operations management.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). EBK registration is mandatory for professional engineering practice.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. EBK registration is mandatory for professional engineering practice.
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

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.
Manufacturing Engineer / Maintenance Engineer
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 230,000
Manages manufacturing, maintains equipment, supports plant operations, and supporting manufacturing and maintenance engineering.
Mechanical Engineer / Design Engineer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 280,000
Designs machines, manages mechanical systems, supports manufacturing, and supports mechanical engineering.
Quality Engineer / Process Engineer
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 230,000
Manages quality systems, improves processes, supports SPC and Six Sigma, and supporting quality and process engineering.
Industrial Engineer / Production Engineer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 250,000
Optimises processes, manages production, supports operations, and supporting industrial engineering.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as mechanical engineers, industrial engineers, and production engineers. Mechanical and industrial engineering is in high demand driven by manufacturing and infrastructure. Starting salaries range from KES 65,000 to 110,000 per month, with experienced engineers earning KES 130,000 to 320,000. EABL, Bidco, Bamburi Cement, KVM, KPLC, KenGen, KPC, KAM, NITA, KEBS, and consulting firms offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
Code
MATLAB
CodePrimary
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet
Microsoft Project
Project management
SolidWorks
Design
ANSYS
Software
Engineering simulation software for structural and thermal analysis.
AutoCAD
DesignPrimary

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Mechanical and industrial engineering is just about fixing machines.
This programme covers machine design, thermodynamics, manufacturing, CAD/CAM, automation, robotics, quality control, lean manufacturing, and operations management. It's a comprehensive engineering discipline.
Mechanical engineers only work in factories.
Graduates work in manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, consulting, construction, automotive, government, and as independent consultants.
This field has limited career growth.
Manufacturing growth, Big Four Agenda, infrastructure development, and industrial automation create strong demand and career growth for qualified mechanical and industrial engineers.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.