Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in mechatronic 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 Mechanical Engineering and Machine Design, Electronics, Sensors and Actuators, Control Systems and Digital Control, Microprocessors and Embedded Systems, Robotics, Kinematics and Autonomous Systems, PLC, SCADA and Industrial Automation. 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 Final Mechatronic Engineering Research Project or Dissertation, PLC, SCADA and Industrial Automation, Mechanical Engineering and Machine Design, Engineering Mathematics and Mechanics, Electronics, Sensors and Actuators. 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 Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0, AI and Computer Vision for Automation, Robotics and Autonomous 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 Mechatronic Engineering pursue careers as Mechatronic Engineer / Automation Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer / IoT Engineer, PLC Programmer / SCADA Engineer, Smart Manufacturing Engineer / Industry 4.0 Specialist. 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 245,950
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: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Mechanical Engineering and Machine Design
Electronics, Sensors and Actuators
Control Systems and Digital Control
Microprocessors and Embedded Systems
Robotics, Kinematics and Autonomous Systems
PLC, SCADA and Industrial Automation
Programming, AI and Computer Vision
IoT, Smart Systems and Industry 4.0
Mechatronic System Design and Integration
Mechatronic Engineering Research Methods

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.
Engineering Mathematics and Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering mathematics, statics, dynamics, strength of materials, understanding mechanics, and supporting engineering fundamentals.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Mechanical Engineering and Machine Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Mechanical engineering, machine design, machine elements, gears, bearings, shafts, couplings, CAD, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, engineering drawing, understanding design, and supporting mechanical engineer...
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.
PLC, SCADA and Industrial Automation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Programmable logic controllers, PLC, ladder logic, SCADA, industrial automation, understanding PLC and SCADA, and supporting industrial automation.
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 Mechatronic Engineering Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year mechatronic engineering research project or dissertation, assessed through project demonstration and oral defence.

Specialisations

Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
Concentrates on smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, IoT, and supporting smart manufacturing and digital transformation.
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Focuses on robotics, robot kinematics, robot dynamics, robot programming, autonomous systems, and supporting robotics engineering.
Industrial Automation and Control
Specialises in PLC, SCADA, industrial automation, control systems, and supporting industrial automation and control engineering.
AI and Computer Vision for Automation
Focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, image processing, and supporting AI and vision for automation.
Embedded Systems and IoT
Concentrates on microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded systems, IoT, internet of things, smart systems, and supporting embedded and IoT 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 robotics, control systems, or embedded systems, followed by laboratory work, robotics and automation practicals, PLC and microcontroller exercises, or MATLAB simulations. Students work on robot designs, control system designs, PLC programmes, microcontroller projects, IoT prototypes, computer vision applications, mechatronic system integrations, and mechatronic engineering research. Laboratory work for electronics and control, robotics and automation practicals, PLC and microcontroller exercises, and industrial attachment at a manufacturing company, automation firm, or tech company provide practical experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Industry 4.0 — automation, IoT, and smart manufacturing create strong demand for mechatronic engineers.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Interdisciplinary advantage — mechatronic engineers are versatile, combining mechanical, electronic, and software skills.
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.
Rapidly evolving — mechatronic technology changes fast, requiring continuous learning.
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

Public246k to 246k

246k at JKUAT246k at JKUAT

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

JKUAT 245,950/yr (official prog page). Strathmore ~500K/yr (fee guides). UoN has no mechatronic prog.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some manufacturing companies, tech companies, and automation firms offer scholarships for mechatronic 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, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, 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.
Final Mechatronic Engineering Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year mechatronic engineering research project or dissertation, assessed through project demonstration and oral defence.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering mechanics, electronics, control systems, embedded systems, robotics, and automation.
Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of robot designs, control system designs, PLC programmes, microcontroller projects, IoT prototypes, and mechatronic system integrations.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, problem sets, and laboratory exercises throughout the semester.

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.
Mechatronic Engineer / Automation Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 300,000
Designs mechatronic systems, manages automation, supports smart manufacturing, and supports mechatronic engineering.
Embedded Systems Engineer / IoT Engineer
Medium demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 280,000
Develops embedded systems, builds IoT solutions, supports smart devices, and supporting embedded and IoT engineering.
PLC Programmer / SCADA Engineer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 250,000
Programmes PLCs, configures SCADA, manages industrial control, and supporting PLC and SCADA engineering.
Smart Manufacturing Engineer / Industry 4.0 Specialist
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 300,000
Implements smart manufacturing, supports Industry 4.0, manages digital transformation, and supporting smart manufacturing.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as mechatronic engineers, robotics engineers, and automation engineers. Mechatronic engineering is in high demand driven by industrial automation and Industry 4.0. Starting salaries range from KES 70,000 to 120,000 per month, with experienced engineers earning KES 140,000 to 350,000. Manufacturing companies, KAM, NITA, tech companies, robotics startups, and consulting firms offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
MATLAB
CodePrimary
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet
Microsoft Project
Project management
SolidWorks
Design
Arduino IDE
Software
Development environment for programming microcontrollers and embedded systems.
LabVIEW
Software
Graphical programming environment for data acquisition and control system development.
Python
Code

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Mechatronic engineering is just about robots.
This programme covers mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems, embedded systems, PLC, SCADA, IoT, AI, computer vision, and Industry 4.0. It's a comprehensive interdisciplinary engineering discipline.
Mechatronic engineers only work in factories.
Graduates work in manufacturing, automation, robotics, IoT, automotive, tech companies, consulting, and as independent consultants.
This field has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Industrial automation, Industry 4.0, IoT adoption, robotics emergence, and manufacturing growth create strong demand for qualified mechatronic engineers.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.