Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Science - Manufacturing Engineering

The Bachelor Of Science In Science - Manufacturing Engineering is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in science - manufacturing engineering. The programme falls under the Engineering & Technology category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Engineering Mechanics and Materials Science, Manufacturing Processes and CNC Machining, Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, CAD, CAM and Digital Manufacturing, Robotics, PLC and Industrial Automation, Manufacturing Systems and Production Management. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study CAD, CAM and Digital Manufacturing, Manufacturing Processes and CNC Machining, Manufacturing Systems and Production Management, Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing and Research Methods, Final Manufacturing Engineering Research Project or Dissertation. 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 Production Management and Supply Chain, Quality Engineering and Six Sigma, Industrial Automation and Robotics. 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 Science - Manufacturing Engineering pursue careers as Automation Engineer / CNC Engineer, Industrial Engineer / Production Manager, Manufacturing Consultant / Engineering Researcher, Quality Engineer / Process 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: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 441,000
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 Materials Science
Manufacturing Processes and CNC Machining
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
CAD, CAM and Digital Manufacturing
Robotics, PLC and Industrial Automation
Manufacturing Systems and Production Management
Quality Control, Six Sigma and SPC
Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing
Manufacturing Engineering Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Engineering Mathematics and Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering mathematics, engineering mechanics, strength of materials, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and supporting engineering fundamentals.
Materials Science and Engineering Materials
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Materials science, engineering materials, metals, polymers, composites, heat treatment, understanding materials, and supporting materials engineering.
Manufacturing Processes and CNC Machining
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Manufacturing processes, machining, turning, milling, drilling, grinding, casting, forging, welding, fabrication, CNC, understanding manufacturing, and supporting manufacturing engineering.
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Additive manufacturing, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, digital fabrication, understanding additive, and supporting additive manufacturing engineering.
CAD, CAM and Digital Manufacturing
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
CAD, CAM, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, digital manufacturing, smart manufacturing, understanding CAD/CAM, and supporting design and digital manufacturing.
Robotics, PLC and Industrial Automation
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Robotics, industrial automation, PLC, programmable logic controllers, hydraulics, pneumatic systems, sensors, actuators, understanding automation, and supporting automation engineering.
Manufacturing Systems and Production Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Manufacturing systems, production planning, production management, operations management, lean manufacturing, JIT, understanding production, and supporting production management.
Quality Control, Six Sigma and SPC
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Quality control, quality assurance, TQM, ISO standards, six sigma, statistical process control, SPC, understanding quality, and supporting quality engineering.
Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Supply chain management, logistics, inventory management, procurement, understanding supply chain, and supporting supply chain and logistics management.
Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing and Research Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, industrial IoT, data analytics, predictive maintenance, engineering economics, entrepreneurship, safety, sustainability, green manufacturing, research methods, an...
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised industrial attachment at a manufacturing plant, production facility, or engineering firm, applying manufacturing engineering skills.
Final Manufacturing Engineering Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year manufacturing engineering research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.

Specialisations

CNC Machining and Additive Manufacturing
Focuses on CNC machining, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and supporting CNC and additive manufacturing engineering.
Quality Engineering and Six Sigma
Concentrates on quality control, quality assurance, six sigma, SPC, TQM, ISO standards, and supporting quality engineering.
Industrial Automation and Robotics
Specialises in robotics, industrial automation, PLC, sensors, actuators, and supporting automation and robotics engineering.
Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing
Concentrates on Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, industrial IoT, data analytics, predictive maintenance, and supporting digital manufacturing.
Production Management and Supply Chain
Focuses on production management, operations management, lean manufacturing, supply chain management, and supporting production and supply chain management.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with a morning lecture on manufacturing processes, CNC, or automation, followed by laboratory work, workshop practicals, CAD and CAM exercises, or automation projects. Students work on manufacturing process plans, CNC programmes, CAD models, CAM toolpaths, 3D printing projects, robotics projects, PLC programmes, quality control exercises, production planning, and manufacturing engineering research. Workshop practicals for machining and welding, CAD and CAM exercises using SolidWorks and AutoCAD, and industrial attachment at a manufacturing plant or production facility provide practical experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — the Big Four Agenda, industrialisation, and import substitution create strong demand for manufacturing engineers.
Versatile career — graduates work in manufacturing, automotive, food processing, cement, steel, pharmaceuticals, consulting, and government.
Entrepreneurship potential — graduates can establish manufacturing businesses, CNC workshops, and consultancy practices.

Against it

Demanding programme — requires strong mathematics and physics with heavy theoretical and practical coursework.
Workshop hazards — machining, welding, and manufacturing involve safety risks from machinery, heat, and noise.
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 441k

200k at Technical University of Kenya441k 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 Eng 441K/yr Y1 (engineering.uonbi.ac.ke); TUK 199.5K/yr (tukenya.ac.ke). Private: unverified.

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

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

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.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.
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 Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, 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

Final Manufacturing Engineering Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year manufacturing engineering research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, problem sets, and laboratory exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering manufacturing processes, materials, CNC, automation, quality, and production management.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of industrial attachment at a manufacturing plant or production facility. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.
Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of manufacturing process plans, CNC programmes, CAD models, 3D printing projects, robotics projects, and quality control exercises.

Accreditation

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

Accredited by

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

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Automation Engineer / CNC Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 280,000
Implements automation, programmes CNC machines, manages robotics, and supporting automation and CNC engineering.
Industrial Engineer / Production Manager
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 300,000
Manages manufacturing systems, coordinates production, supports operations, and supporting industrial engineering and production management.
Manufacturing Consultant / Engineering Researcher
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 300,000
Provides consulting, conducts research, advises on manufacturing, and supporting manufacturing consulting and research.
Quality Engineer / Process Engineer
Medium demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manages quality systems, optimises processes, supports six sigma, and supporting quality and process engineering.
Manufacturing Engineer / Production Engineer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 280,000
Designs manufacturing processes, manages production, optimises operations, and supports manufacturing engineering.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as manufacturing engineers, production engineers, and automation engineers. Manufacturing engineering is in high demand driven by industrialisation and the Big Four Agenda. Starting salaries range from KES 65,000 to 110,000 per month, with experienced engineers earning KES 130,000 to 350,000. Manufacturing companies, automotive companies, food processing companies, cement companies, steel companies, pharmaceutical companies, consulting firms, KAM, and KEBS offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
EquipmentPrimary
Industrial computers for automating manufacturing processes, including Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Mitsubishi PLCs
Calibration Instruments
EquipmentPrimary
Pressure calibrators, temperature calibrators, and signal generators for instrument calibration
Oscilloscope and Multimeter
EquipmentPrimary
Electronic test instruments for circuit analysis, signal measurement, and fault diagnosis
Megger Insulation Tester
TestingPrimary
For testing insulation resistance in electrical installations
SCADA and HMI Software
Software
Supervisory control and data acquisition software for process monitoring and control

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Manufacturing engineering is just about operating machines.
This programme covers process design, CNC programming, additive manufacturing, robotics, automation, quality systems, supply chain, and Industry 4.0. It's a comprehensive engineering discipline.
Manufacturing engineers only work in factories.
Graduates work in manufacturing, consulting, supply chain, quality assurance, government, and as independent consultants. The field is versatile.
Manufacturing engineering has limited career growth in Kenya.
The Big Four Agenda, industrialisation, and import substitution create strong demand and career growth for qualified manufacturing engineers.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.