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Craft in Mechatronics Engineering

The Certificate in Mechatronics Engineering is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in certificate in mechatronics engineering. The programme falls under the Engineering category and typically spans 2 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

Duration
2 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 134,378 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 134,378 for the whole course.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of KCSE Mean Grade D (Plain) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 2 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 37 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

The curriculum covers Mechatronics Principles, Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems, PLC Programming, Robotics Basics, Sensors and Actuators. 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 Mechatronics Principles, Robotics Basics, Sensors and Actuators, Microcontrollers, Electrical Systems. 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 Robotics, Smart Manufacturing, Industrial Automation. 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 Certificate in Mechatronics Engineering pursue careers as System Integration Assistant, Automation Assistant, Robotics Technician, Mechatronics Technician. 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.

What you study

8 subjects
  • Mechatronics Principles
  • Mechanical Systems
  • Electrical Systems
  • PLC Programming
  • Robotics Basics
  • Sensors and Actuators
  • Microcontrollers
  • System Integration

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Introduction to Mechatronics

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Mechatronics concepts, interdisciplinary engineering principles, industry overview, and career opportunities in automation and robotics.

  • Mechatronics Principles

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Integration of mechanical, electrical, and software systems for automated manufacturing and industrial process control applications.

  • Mechanical Systems

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Mechanical components, drives, mechanisms, and mechanical design basics including gears, belts, linkages, and power transmission.

  • Electrical Systems

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Electrical circuits, motors, and power systems for mechatronics including DC and AC motors, motor drives, and electrical safety.

  • PLC Programming

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Programmable logic controllers for automation and control including ladder logic, programming, and industrial control system applications.

  • Robotics Basics

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Robot components, programming, and robotic system operation including manipulators, end effectors, and basic robot programming for industrial automation.

  • Sensors and Actuators

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Types of sensors, actuators, and their integration in mechatronic systems including proximity sensors, temperature sensors, and pneumatic actuators.

  • Microcontrollers

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Microcontroller programming and interfacing for mechatronic applications including Arduino, PIC, and basic embedded system control.

  • System Integration

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Integrating mechanical, electrical, and software components into complete systems.

  • Pneumatics and Hydraulics

    Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore

    Pneumatic and hydraulic systems used in mechatronic applications including compressors, valves, cylinders, and fluid power circuits.

Specialisations

  • Industrial Automation

    Focus on PLC programming and industrial automation systems including control logic, HMI, and automated production line operations.

  • Robotics

    Specialisation in robotic system maintenance and programming including robot calibration, trajectory programming, and industrial robot servicing.

  • Smart Manufacturing

    Specialisation in smart factory and Industry 4.0 technologies including IoT, data integration, and connected manufacturing systems.

  • System Integration

    Focus on integrating mechanical, electrical, and software systems for complete mechatronic solutions in industrial applications.

A day as a student

Students attend theory classes on mechatronics principles, then spend extensive time in labs building and programming mechatronic systems — combining mechanical components, sensors, motors, and microcontrollers. Projects integrate all three engineering disciplines.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Interdisciplinary skills are in growing demand as industries automate.Requires understanding of mechanical, electrical, and programming concepts.
Robotics and automation skills command premium salaries.Technology evolves rapidly, requiring continuous learning.
Clear pathway to diploma, degree, and international automation certifications.—

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
Public67k to 67k
67k at Public TVET colleges67k at Public TVET colleges

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

TVET standard 67,189/yr public (campus.co.ke, northeasternpoly.ac.ke). Private: unverified.

TVET government funding and HELB loans are available. GIZ and other development partners sometimes support mechatronics training.

Funding options

  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Funding

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) - TVET Loans

Scholarships

4 recorded

  • HELB TVET Loans

    LoanKenyan

    Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited TVET institutions, based on financial need.

  • National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)

    BursaryKenyan

    Students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties, targeting vulnerable learners.

  • TVET Funding

    Government fundingKenyan

    Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited TVET institutions, based on financial need.

Scholarships you could apply for

1 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
KCSE Mean Grade D (Plain)minimum entry
Alternative entry

Artisan Certificate in a relevant field or equivalent qualification.

When it next starts

Taught at 37 institutions
January 202737 institutions

Including Kiambu National Polytechnic, Wumingu Technical and Vocational College, Uriri Technical and Vocational College.

May 202737 institutions

Including Kiambu National Polytechnic, Wumingu Technical and Vocational College, Uriri Technical and Vocational College.

September 202737 institutions

Including Kiambu National Polytechnic, Wumingu Technical and Vocational College, Uriri Technical and Vocational College.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Project Work

    Project20% of the mark

    Mechatronics project such as an automated system or robotic application.

  • Final Certificate Examination

    Exam100% of the mark

    KNEC national examination for certificate in mechatronics engineering.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Test25% of the mark

    Regular tests on mechatronics, control, and programming concepts.

  • Practical Lab Exercises

    Practicum35% of the mark

    Hands-on assessment of system building, PLC programming, and mechatronic integration.

Accreditation

  • Kenya National Examination Council

    NationalRequired

    Examining body for national certificate and craft certificate programmes under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF).

  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority

    NationalRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all TVET institutions and programmes in Kenya.

Accredited by Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF). The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • System Integration Assistant

    Moderate demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 100,000

    Support integration of mechanical, electrical, and software systems.

  • Automation Assistant

    High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 105,000

    Support automation systems including PLCs, robots, and control systems.

  • Robotics Technician

    Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Maintain and program robotic systems in manufacturing.

  • Mechatronics Technician

    High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 115,000

    Maintain and troubleshoot mechatronic and automated systems in industry.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as mechatronics technicians and automation assistants in manufacturing, food processing, and industrial automation across Kenya.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Mechatronics is just a combination of mechanical and electrical

    Mechatronics is a distinct discipline that integrates mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to create smart, automated systems.

  • Robotics is too advanced for certificate level

    Certificate-level mechatronics provides foundation in robotics basics, PLC programming, and automation — practical entry-level skills.

  • Mechatronics jobs are rare in Kenya

    As Kenyan industries automate, demand for mechatronics skills is growing rapidly across manufacturing, food processing, and logistics.

  • Mechatronics is only for large factories

    Mechatronics skills are used in many applications — vending machines, ATMs, automated gates, and small production lines all use mechatronic systems.

Further reading

Read next