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Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering is a degree programme designed to produce engineers with the knowledge and skills to design, operate and optimise manufacturing processes and systems. The programme is offered at Egerton University and the University of Nairobi, preparing graduates for careers in industrial production, manufacturing technology and process engineering across diverse sectors.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 396,000
Ksh 1,584,000 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

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) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, part-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 Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

The curriculum covers manufacturing processes, materials science, computer-aided design and manufacturing, robotics, quality control, production planning, industrial automation and lean manufacturing. Students develop competencies in designing manufacturing systems, optimising production processes and implementing quality management practices in industrial settings.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals, workshop sessions, industrial attachment and research projects. The hands-on approach ensures graduates can apply manufacturing engineering principles in real industrial environments, working with production lines, machining systems and automated manufacturing facilities.

The programme emphasises the integration of modern technologies in manufacturing, including computer numerical control, computer-aided manufacturing and flexible manufacturing systems. Students learn to design efficient production systems that balance productivity, quality and cost-effectiveness while adhering to safety and environmental standards.

Graduates are equipped to work in diverse manufacturing industries including automotive, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, metal fabrication and consumer goods. They play a critical role in ensuring that manufacturing processes are efficient, safe and competitive in both local and global markets.

Career opportunities exist in manufacturing companies, processing industries, engineering consulting firms, research institutions and government regulatory bodies. Graduates work as manufacturing engineers, production managers, quality assurance engineers, process engineers and industrial engineers across various manufacturing sectors.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Engineering Drawing
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Thermodynamics
  • Electrical Circuits
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Structural Analysis
  • Construction Technology
  • Engineering Economics
  • Project Management

Modules

8 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.

  • Information Technology Fundamentals

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.

  • Research Methods

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Specialisations

  • 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 involves attending engineering lectures, conducting laboratory experiments, working on design projects, using CAD software, and completing problem sets. Students also participate in industrial visits.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

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

UoN Engineering 396K/yr (Schedule II). TUK BEng 300K/yr (KUCCPS). Private: unverified.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. JICA and KOICA offer international scholarships for engineering students.

Funding options

  • HELB Undergraduate Loan

    Loan

    Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

    Scholarship

    Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities

  • JICA Scholarship

    Scholarship

    Engineering students in partnership with Japanese institutions

Scholarships

5 recorded

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    Government fundingKenyan

    Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Kenyan students from respective counties 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

Scholarships you could apply for

11 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+ (Plus)minimum entry
Alternative entry

KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.

When it next starts

Taught at 3 institutions
January 20273 institutions

Including Africa Nazarene University, Egerton University, University of Nairobi.

May 20273 institutions

Including Africa Nazarene University, Egerton University, University of Nairobi.

September 20273 institutions

Including Africa Nazarene University, Egerton University, University of Nairobi.

How you are assessed

2 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Examination70% of the mark

    Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Engineering programmes are also regulated by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) for professional registration.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 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.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as graduate engineers, site engineers, design engineers, project managers, and construction managers in Kenya's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • AutoCAD

    SoftwarePrimary

    Computer-aided design software for manufacturing design and drafting.

  • SolidWorks

    SoftwarePrimary

    3D CAD design software for product design and manufacturing engineering.

  • MATLAB

    Software

    Numerical computing software for manufacturing system modelling and analysis.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Software

    Spreadsheet for production planning, quality control data analysis and inventory management.

  • Mastercam

    Software

    CAM software for computer numerical control programming and manufacturing.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Engineering is only for men.

    Increasing numbers of women are pursuing engineering in Kenya, with organisations like Women in Engineering (WIE) supporting participation.

  • Engineering graduates automatically become professional engineers.

    EBK registration requires a bachelor's degree plus supervised training and professional exams after graduation.

  • All engineering programmes take 5 years.

    Most engineering bachelor's degrees take 5 years, but some related programmes like architecture take 5-6 years and built environment programmes take 4 years.

  • Engineering is too difficult and has high dropout rates.

    While engineering is rigorous, universities provide support systems. Dropout rates are comparable to other demanding programmes.

Further reading

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