Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is a programme that provides comprehensive training in mechanical engineering, manufacturing processes and production management. 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 mechanical engineering, manufacturing and industrial production.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 396,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,980,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 3 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 5 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers engineering mathematics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, materials science, heat transfer, machine design, manufacturing processes, production engineering, CAD/CAM, CNC machining, robotics, automation, quality control, industrial engineering, project management, maintenance engineering, research methods and a final year project. Students develop analytical and practical engineering skills.
Kenya's industrialisation agenda, manufacturing sector growth and infrastructure development create strong demand for mechanical and manufacturing engineering graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, engineering laboratories, workshop practice, industrial attachment and design projects.
Graduates are prepared for careers as mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, production engineers, design engineers, maintenance engineers, quality engineers, industrial engineers, project managers, plant engineers and engineering consultants. They work in manufacturing companies, automotive industry, construction, energy, consulting firms, 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.
What you study
10 subjects- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Solid Mechanics
- Materials Science
- Machine Design
- Manufacturing Processes
- Production Engineering
- CAD/CAM
- Robotics and Automation
- Industrial Engineering
Modules
10 in the programmeThermodynamics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Thermal science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Fluid Mechanics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Fluid behaviour. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Solid Mechanics
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Stress and strain. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...
Materials Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering materials. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Machine Design
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Machine element design. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...
Manufacturing Processes
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Production methods. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exam...
CAD/CAM
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer-aided design and manufacturing. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and...
Robotics and Automation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Industrial automation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Industrial Engineering
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Production management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Final Year Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Capstone design project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...
Specialisations
Production Management
Production management. 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.
Mechanical Design
Machine 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.
Manufacturing Engineering
Production processes. 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.
Industrial Automation
Robotics and automation. 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 thermodynamics and fluid mechanics laboratories, designing machines using CAD, studying manufacturing processes, operating CNC machines, researching materials science, learning robotics and automation, and working on engineering design projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand in manufacturing and industrial sectors | Demanding 5-year programme with heavy mathematics |
| Excellent earning potential | Workshop and laboratory work involves safety risks |
| EBK registration enables professional practice | High tuition fees especially for self-sponsored |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering coursesAnnual 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
HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Manufacturing companies may offer sponsorships.
Funding options
HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarships
5 recordedInstitution 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
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 80,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students in engineering
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Diploma in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, automotive or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 3.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Multimedia University of Kenya.
Including Multimedia University of Kenya.
Including Multimedia University of Kenya.
How you are assessed
4 componentsLaboratory and Workshop Practicals
Practicum20% of the mark
Lab and workshop sessions
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Final Year Project
Project10% of the mark
Capstone design project
Accreditation
Engineers Board of Kenya
ProfessionalRequired
Statutory body responsible for registration and regulation of engineers in Kenya
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya
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.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesProduction Engineer
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 400,000
Production management
Manufacturing Engineer
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 420,000
Manufacturing engineering
Mechanical Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 450,000
Mechanical engineering
Design Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 430,000
Machine design
Maintenance Engineer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 380,000
Plant maintenance
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers and production engineers in manufacturing companies, automotive industry and consulting firms.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
MATLAB
Simulation
AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
Microsoft Project
Project management
ANSYS
Simulation
AutoCAD MEP
Design
SolidWorks
Design
FreeCAD
Design
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Mechanical engineering is just about fixing machines.
The programme covers design, thermodynamics, manufacturing, robotics, automation and project management.
There are no manufacturing jobs in Kenya.
Kenya's industrialisation agenda creates demand for manufacturing engineers.
Mechanical engineering is only for men.
The field is open to all, with growing opportunities for women in engineering.
Manufacturing engineering is less prestigious than other engineering fields.
Manufacturing engineering is critical for industrial development and offers excellent career prospects.