Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
This programme prepares students for careers as mechanical engineers, equipping them with engineering expertise to design, manufacture, maintain, and operate machines, engines, vehicles, and industrial systems. Students develop expertise in mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing, and mechanical design. The programme builds skills in engineering mathematics, engineering mechanics, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics,
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 396,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,584,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 14 institutions.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
heat transfer, strength of materials, materials science, metallurgy, manufacturing technology, machining, welding, fabrication, casting, forging, mechanical design, machine design, mechanism design, CAD/CAM, CNC machining, automotive engineering, engine systems, vehicle systems, refrigeration and air conditioning, hydraulics, pneumatics, control systems, instrumentation, mechatronics, robotics, maintenance engineering, reliability engineering, engineering drawing, workshop technology, safety and occupational health,
quality control, engineering economics, engineering law, entrepreneurship, and research methods. Graduates apply these skills to work as mechanical engineers, design engineers, manufacturing engineers, automotive engineers, maintenance engineers, project engineers, production managers, consulting engineers, and engineering researchers across manufacturing companies, automotive companies, engineering consulting firms, government ministries, parastatals, the Kenya Railways Corporation, the Kenya
Ports Authority, the National Oil Corporation, sugar companies, cement companies, the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), and as independent engineering consultants in Kenya where manufacturing is promoted under the Big Four Agenda and Vision 2030, industrialisation is a national priority, the government is promoting local assembly and value addition, and the need for
qualified mechanical engineers creates demand for engineering professionals. Students examine how engineering theory, manufacturing practice, Kenya's industrial and manufacturing landscape including industrialisation policies, local assembly initiatives, and manufacturing sector growth, the regulatory framework including EBK registration, the growing emphasis on industrialisation and manufacturing, and the challenges of technology adoption, skills gaps, and global
competition shape mechanical engineering practice across the country. The programme combines classroom lectures, workshop practicals, laboratory work, CAD/CAM exercises, engineering projects, industrial attachment, and a final year engineering research project or dissertation. Graduates pursue careers in mechanical engineering, or progress to MSc in Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Manufacturing Engineering, MSc in Automotive Engineering, MSc in Mechatronics, or PhD.
What you study
10 subjects- Engineering Mathematics and Mechanics
- Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Strength of Materials and Metallurgy
- Manufacturing Technology and Machining
- Mechanical Design and CAD/CAM
- Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Systems
- Refrigeration, Hydraulics and Pneumatics
- Control Systems and Mechatronics
- Maintenance Engineering and Quality Control
- Mechanical Engineering Research Methods
Modules
12 in the programmeEngineering Mathematics and Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering mathematics, statics, dynamics, understanding mathematics, understanding mechanics, and supporting engineering analysis.
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, understanding thermodynamics, understanding fluids, and supporting thermal and fluid engineering.
Strength of Materials and Metallurgy
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Strength of materials, materials science, metallurgy, understanding materials, testing materials, and supporting materials engineering practice.
Manufacturing Technology and Machining
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Manufacturing technology, machining, turning, milling, drilling, grinding, casting, forging, understanding manufacturing, and supporting manufacturing engineering.
Mechanical Design and CAD/CAM
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Mechanical design, machine design, mechanism design, CAD/CAM, CNC machining, understanding design, and supporting mechanical design practice.
Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Systems
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Automotive engineering, engine systems, vehicle systems, transmission, steering, suspension, braking, understanding automotive, and supporting automotive engineering.
Refrigeration, Hydraulics and Pneumatics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Refrigeration, air conditioning, hydraulics, pneumatics, understanding refrigeration, understanding hydraulics, and supporting fluid power engineering.
Control Systems and Mechatronics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Control systems, instrumentation, mechatronics, robotics, automation, understanding control, and supporting control and automation engineering.
Maintenance Engineering and Quality Control
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Maintenance engineering, reliability engineering, quality control, understanding maintenance, understanding quality, and supporting maintenance engineering.
Welding, Fabrication and Workshop Technology
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Welding, fabrication, sheet metal work, workshop technology, workshop practice, understanding welding, and supporting fabrication engineering.
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised industrial attachment at a manufacturing company, automotive company, or engineering firm, applying mechanical engineering skills.
Final Mechanical Engineering Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year mechanical engineering research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.
Specialisations
Automotive Engineering
Specialises in automotive engineering, engine systems, vehicle design, and supporting automotive engineering practice.
Manufacturing Engineering
Focuses on manufacturing technology, machining, production systems, automation, and supporting manufacturing engineering practice.
Mechanical Design and CAD/CAM
Concentrates on mechanical design, machine design, CAD/CAM, CNC machining, and supporting mechanical design practice.
Mechatronics and Automation
Concentrates on control systems, mechatronics, robotics, automation, and supporting control and automation engineering.
Thermal and Fluid Systems
Focuses on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, refrigeration, HVAC, and supporting thermal and fluid engineering.
A day as a student
A typical day starts with a morning lecture on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or design, followed by workshop practicals, laboratory work, CAD/CAM exercises, or engineering projects. Students work on machining projects, welding projects, CAD designs, CNC programmes, engine analyses, mechanism designs, hydraulic systems, maintenance plans, and engineering research. Workshop practicals for machining, welding, and fabrication, laboratory work for thermodynamics and materials, CAD/CAM exercises for design, and industrial attachment at a manufacturing plant or engineering firm provide practical experience.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand — industrialisation under Vision 2030 and manufacturing growth create strong demand for mechanical engineers. | Demanding programme — mechanical engineering requires strong mathematics, physics, and analytical skills with heavy coursework. |
| Excellent salary potential — mechanical engineers are among the highest-paid professionals, especially in manufacturing and consulting. | Workshop hazards — machining, welding, and workshop practicals involve rotating machinery, high temperatures, and hazardous materials. |
| Versatile career — graduates can work in manufacturing, automotive, energy, consulting, government, research, or entrepreneurship. | Long registration process — EBK registration requires years of supervised practice after graduation before full professional status. |
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
Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some manufacturing companies, automotive firms, and industrial initiatives offer scholarships and sponsorships for mechanical engineering students.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries
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
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.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.
Scholarships you could apply for
13 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders with credit pass in Mechanical Engineering or related fields from recognised institutions may join. KNEC diploma holders may be exempted from some modules.
When it next starts
Taught at 14 institutionsIncluding Machakos University, University of Nairobi, Technical University of Mombasa.
Including Machakos University, University of Nairobi, Technical University of Mombasa.
Including Machakos University, University of Nairobi, Technical University of Mombasa.
How you are assessed
5 componentsIndustrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of industrial attachment at a manufacturing company, automotive company, or engineering firm. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, engineering assignments, problem sets, and design exercises throughout the semester.
Final Mechanical Engineering Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year mechanical engineering research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, strength of materials, manufacturing, mechanical design, and control systems.
Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of machining projects, welding projects, CAD designs, CNC programmes, engine analyses, mechanism designs, and engineering research.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. EBK registration is mandatory for professional engineering practice. NITA certification supports industrial training credentials. The programme must meet EBK curriculum standards for graduate registration.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). EBK registration is mandatory for professional engineering practice. NITA certification supports industrial training credentials. The programme must meet EBK curriculum standards for graduate registration.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesMechanical Engineer / Design Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 300,000
Designs machines, develops products, supervises manufacturing, ensures quality, and supports mechanical engineering practice.
Maintenance Engineer / Reliability Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 300,000
Manages maintenance programmes, ensures equipment reliability, troubleshoots failures, and supports maintenance engineering.
Manufacturing Engineer / Production Manager
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages manufacturing processes, optimises production, controls quality, manages teams, and supports manufacturing operations.
Automotive Engineer
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Designs vehicle systems, develops automotive products, tests engines, and supports automotive engineering practice.
Engineering Researcher / Consultant
Medium demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts engineering research, provides consulting services, advises on mechanical systems, and supports engineering innovation.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as mechanical engineers, design engineers, and manufacturing engineers. Mechanical engineering is in high demand driven by industrialisation. Starting salaries range from KES 70,000 to 120,000 per month, with experienced engineers and managers earning KES 150,000 to 500,000. Manufacturing companies, automotive companies, engineering consulting firms, government ministries, and parastatals offer the main opportunities.
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
AutoCAD
CadPrimary
Engineering drawing and drafting software
SolidWorks
Cad/3d modelingPrimary
3D solid modeling and mechanical design software
MATLAB
Computational
Numerical computing for engineering analysis and simulation
ANSYS
Simulation/fea
Finite element analysis for structural and thermal simulation
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet
Engineering calculations and data analysis
CATIA
Cad/3d modeling
Advanced 3D design and product lifecycle management
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Mechanical engineering is just about fixing cars.
This programme covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing, mechanical design, CAD/CAM, automotive engineering, control systems, mechatronics, and maintenance. It's a comprehensive engineering discipline covering all mechanical systems.
Mechanical engineers only work in factories.
Mechanical engineers work in design offices, consulting firms, government, research institutions, energy sector, automotive sector, and academia. Many work in design, R&D, and project management.
Mechanical engineering has limited opportunities in Kenya.
Industrialisation is a national priority under Vision 2030. Manufacturing companies, automotive assembly, energy projects, and infrastructure development create strong demand for mechanical engineers.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.