Engineering

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.

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.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
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: Certificate

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 favour

Interdisciplinary skills are in growing demand as industries automate.
Robotics and automation skills command premium salaries.
Clear pathway to diploma, degree, and international automation certifications.

Against it

Requires understanding of mechanical, electrical, and programming concepts.
Technology evolves rapidly, requiring continuous learning.

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.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: KCSE Mean Grade D (Plain)
Alternative entry: Artisan Certificate in a relevant field or equivalent qualification.

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

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.

Accredited by

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.

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.