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Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering is an undergraduate programme offered at Taita Taveta University (TTU) and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). The programme trains students in mineral exploration, mine design, extraction, processing, and environmental management, equipping them with the technical and managerial skills required by Kenya’s growing mining sector.

Duration
5 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 396,000
Ksh 1,980,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

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 6 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 3 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

Students study engineering mathematics, geology, rock mechanics, mine ventilation, mineral processing, surveying, mine planning, environmental management, and mining law. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with extensive laboratory work, field trips to operating mines, computer-aided mine design, and supervised industrial attachment at mining companies.

Kenya’s mining sector is expanding with the development of Base Titanium’s Kwale mineral sands project, gold mining in Western Kenya, rare earth deposits in Mrima Hill, and exploration activities across the country. The Mining Act 2016 has created a regulatory framework that encourages investment in mineral exploration and extraction, increasing demand for qualified mining engineers. TTU is positioned as a Centre of Excellence in Mining, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (CEMEREM), supported by international partnerships.

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory practicals, field trips to mines and geological sites, computer-aided mine design sessions, and supervised industrial attachment. At TTU, the programme is delivered full-time over ten semesters in the School of Mines and Engineering, with EBK accreditation. JKUAT offers a BSc in Mining and Mineral Engineering through its College of Engineering and Technology.

Graduates pursue careers as mining engineers, mine planners, mineral processing engineers, geotechnical engineers, quarry managers, and mining consultants in mining companies, exploration firms, government agencies, and consulting firms. The programme is accredited by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).

This programme is ideal for students with strong passes in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry who are interested in mineral extraction, mine safety, and sustainable mining practices.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Geology for Mining Engineers
  • Rock Mechanics and Ground Control
  • Mine Ventilation and Safety
  • Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
  • Mine Surveying
  • Mine Planning and Design
  • Mining Law and Regulations
  • Environmental Management in Mining
  • Computer-Aided Mine Design

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Engineering Mathematics I

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations forming the mathematical foundation for mining engineering analysis

  • Introduction to Geology for Mining Engineers

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Earth structure, mineral identification, rock types, geological processes, and geological mapping principles for mining applications

  • Engineering Drawing and Surveying

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Technical drawing, mine surveying basics, topographic mapping, and use of surveying instruments for mine site mapping

  • Mining Mechanics and Materials

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Statics, dynamics, and properties of engineering materials relevant to mining equipment and structures

  • Rock Mechanics and Ground Control

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Physical and mechanical properties of rocks, stress and strain analysis, slope stability, and ground support systems in mining

  • Mine Ventilation and Safety Engineering

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Mine ventilation design, air quality management, fire prevention, and occupational safety standards in underground and surface mines

  • Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Comminution, separation, flotation, leaching, and refining processes for extracting minerals from ore

  • Mine Surveying and Geostatistics

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Advanced surveying techniques for mine mapping, ore body modelling, and statistical methods for mineral resource estimation

  • Mine Planning and Design

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Open-pit and underground mine design, production scheduling, equipment selection, and optimisation of mining operations

  • Mining Law, Economics and Environmental Management

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Kenya Mining Act 2016, mineral economics, environmental impact assessment, mine closure planning, and sustainable mining practices

  • Computer-Aided Mine Design

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Use of specialised mining software for mine modelling, pit optimisation, production scheduling, and visualisation of mine plans

  • Final Year Mining Engineering Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Independent research or design project on a mining engineering topic, culminating in a dissertation defended before faculty and industry examiners

Specialisations

  • Mine Safety and Ventilation

    Specialization in Mine Safety and Ventilation, preparing graduates for careers such as mining-design-engineer-junior.

  • Open-Pit Mine Planning

    Specialization in Open-Pit Mine Planning, preparing graduates for careers such as mining-engineer. 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.

  • Underground Mining Engineering

    Specialization in Underground Mining Engineering, preparing graduates for careers such as mining-design-engineer-junior.

  • Geotechnical Engineering

    Specialization in Geotechnical Engineering, preparing graduates for careers such as mining-engineer.

  • Quarry and Construction Materials

    Specialization in Quarry and Construction Materials, preparing graduates for careers such as mining-design-engineer-junior.

  • Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy

    Specialization in Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy, preparing graduates for careers such as mining-engineer.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on rock mechanics or mineral processing with afternoon laboratory sessions testing rock samples or analysing mineral compositions. Students participate in field trips to operating mines such as Base Titanium in Kwale, work on mine design projects using specialised software, and complete supervised industrial attachment at a mining operation.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
High demand in Kenya’s growing mining sector with competitive salariesMining sites are often in remote locations, requiring willingness to work away from urban centres
TTU is a designated Centre of Excellence in Mining with international partnerships and modern facilitiesFive-year programme duration is longer than most other degrees
EBK accreditation provides professional recognition and career advancementEBK registration requires three years of supervised professional practice after graduation
Opportunities to work with international mining companies operating in Kenya and across AfricaMining sector is subject to commodity price fluctuations that can affect employment stability

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
Public300k to 396k
300k 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

TUK 300K, JKUAT 336.6K, UoN Eng ~396K/yr (educationnewshub, kenyaeducationguide). Private: unverified.

Students may access HELB undergraduate loans and county bursaries. Mining companies such as Base Titanium offer industrial attachment opportunities and occasional scholarships for mining engineering students at TTU.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Undergraduate Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000

  • National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)

    Bursary

  • County Government Bursaries

    Bursary

Scholarships

5 recorded

  • Base Titanium Scholarship Programme

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Students from Kwale County and surrounding areas pursuing mining-related degrees

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities through KUCCPS or self-sponsored

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    BursaryKenyan

    Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities

  • Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes

Scholarships you could apply for

10 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
Alternative entry

Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification

Subject requirements
KCSE Mean GradeB- (Minus)
MathematicsC+ (Plus)
PhysicsC+ (Plus)
ChemistryC+ (Plus)
Geography or Biology (Group IV)C+ (Plus)
Diploma optionDiploma in Engineering with credit pass from a recognised institution, eligible for year 2 or 3 entry

When it next starts

Taught at 3 institutions
January 20273 institutions

Including Maasai Mara University, Taita Taveta University, University of Nairobi.

May 20273 institutions

Including Maasai Mara University, Taita Taveta University, University of Nairobi.

September 20273 institutions

Including Maasai Mara University, Taita Taveta University, University of Nairobi.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Laboratory Practicals and Field Reports

    Coursework25% of the mark

  • Industrial Attachment Report and Final Project

    Coursework100% of the mark

  • Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)

    Coursework25% of the mark

  • Final Semester Examinations

    Coursework50% of the mark

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya

  • Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)

    Professional registrationRequired

    TTU’s mining engineering programme is EBK-accredited. Graduates must register with EBK to practise as professional engineers

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and recognised by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). TTU’s mining engineering programme is EBK-accredited. Graduates must register with EBK to practise as professional engineers in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Geotechnical Engineer (Junior)

    Moderate demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000

    Assesses ground stability, designs support systems, and monitors geotechnical risks in mining and civil engineering projects

  • Mine Planner (Junior)

    High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Develops mine plans, production schedules, and equipment deployment strategies using specialised mining software

  • Mining Engineer (Junior)

    High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000

    Designs and supervises mining operations, ensures safety compliance, and optimises production at mining sites

  • Quarry Manager (Junior)

    Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 100,000

    Manages quarry operations for construction materials, ensuring safety, productivity, and environmental compliance

  • Mineral Processing Engineer (Junior)

    Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000

    Manages mineral processing plants, optimises recovery rates, and ensures product quality in mineral extraction operations

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as mining engineers, mine planners, mineral processing engineers, geotechnical engineers, and quarry managers in mining companies, exploration firms, government agencies, and consulting firms across Kenya and the East African region.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • AutoCAD

    CadPrimary

    Mining engineering drafting and design

  • Surpac

    Mining softwarePrimary

    Geological modeling and mine planning software

  • Vulcan

    Mining software

    3D mine planning and geological modeling

  • MATLAB

    Computational

    Numerical analysis for mining engineering

  • ArcGIS

    Gis

    Spatial analysis for mineral exploration

  • Microsoft Excel

    Spreadsheet

    Mining data analysis and cost estimation

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Mining engineering graduates can only work in active mines

    Graduates work in mineral exploration, environmental consulting, quarry management, academic research, government regulation, and international mining companies, not only in active mine sites.

  • Kenya does not have a significant mining sector

    Kenya has active mining operations including Base Titanium’s Kwale project, gold mining in Kakamega and Migori, fluorspar mining in Elgeyo Marakwet, and significant rare earth and mineral exploration across the country.

  • Mining engineering is dangerous and unhealthy

    Modern mining engineering emphasises safety management, environmental protection, and sustainable practices. Mining engineers are trained to design safe extraction systems and implement occupational health standards.

  • There are no jobs for mining engineers in Kenya

    The Mining Act 2016 has stimulated exploration and investment, creating demand for qualified mining professionals. TTU graduates have been employed by Base Titanium, Acacia Mining, and various exploration companies operating in Kenya.

Further reading

Read next