Craft in Automotive Engineering
The Craft in Automotive Engineering is a KNEC-examined programme that equips trainees with skills in automotive maintenance, repair, and vehicle technology. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
Trainees develop competencies in vehicle technology, engine systems, vehicle body work, electrical and electronic systems, workshop technology, and driving skills. The curriculum is delivered in two modules combining theoretical instruction with extensive practical workshop training.
Kenya's automotive sector is expanding with increasing vehicle numbers and a growing aftermarket service industry. The programme aligns with the CBET framework and supports the government's technical training expansion in engineering disciplines.
The course is delivered through modular training with 1,650 hours in training institutions and 330 hours of industrial attachment. Trainees work with real vehicle components, engines, and diagnostic equipment in fully equipped automotive workshops.
Graduates can work as automotive technicians, vehicle service technicians, body repair technicians, or automotive maintenance assistants in garages, service centres, and transport companies. The programme provides a foundation for progression to Diploma in Automotive Engineering.
This programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of D (plain) who have an interest in automotive technology. It provides practical engineering skills for employment in Kenya's automotive sector.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 67,189
- Private, up to
- Ksh 46,200
- 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
- 35 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
8 subjects- Vehicle Technology
- Vehicle Engines Technology
- Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems
- Vehicle Body Work
- Workshop Technology
- Technical Drawing
- Mathematics
- Driving Skills
Modules
12 in the programmeEntrepreneurship Education
Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective
Introduces entrepreneurship principles and business skills relevant to automotive engineering professionals.
Technical Drawing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops skills in producing and interpreting engineering drawings for automotive components and systems.
Mathematics I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mathematical concepts including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry applied to automotive engineering calculations.
Applied Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers physics and chemistry principles including forces, heat, energy, and materials science relevant to automotive engineering.
Workshop Technology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers workshop safety, hand and power tools, measuring instruments, fastening systems, and workshop organisation.
Electrical and Electronic Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces electrical principles, circuits, and basic electronics relevant to vehicle electrical systems.
Vehicle Technology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers vehicle construction, major systems, components, and principles of vehicle operation and maintenance.
Vehicle Body Work
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Trainees learn vehicle body construction, panel repair, welding, painting, and body maintenance techniques.
Vehicle Engines Technology
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers engine construction, operation, fuel systems, cooling systems, and engine diagnostics and repair.
Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers vehicle electrical circuits, battery, charging, starting, ignition, lighting, and electronic control systems.
Driving Skills
Year 2Semester 12 creditsCore
Develops professional driving skills and knowledge of road safety regulations for automotive professionals.
Workshop Organisation and Management
Year 2Semester 12 creditsCore
Covers workshop management principles including job scheduling, costing, quality control, and customer service.
Specialisations
Engine Technology
Focuses on engine repair, overhaul, and performance diagnostics.
Vehicle Body Repair
Specialises in panel beating, welding, and vehicle painting.
Vehicle Electrical Systems
Covers vehicle electrical and electronic system diagnosis and repair.
Heavy Vehicle Technology
Focuses on maintenance of trucks, buses, and heavy commercial vehicles.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with theory on vehicle technology or electrical systems, followed by workshop practice where trainees service engines, repair vehicle body panels, test electrical systems, and practise driving skills.
The trade offs
In its favour
- High demand for automotive skills with Kenya's growing vehicle fleet.
- Modular structure allows progression from Module I to Module II with KNEC certification at each stage.
- Self-employment opportunities with moderate capital for a repair workshop.
Against it
- Physical work involving exposure to oils, grease, and vehicle emissions.
- Continuous learning needed as vehicle technology evolves rapidly.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering coursesAnnual 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
Public 67K/yr (jua-kenya.com, educationnewshub.co.ke). Pvt KCITI 46K/yr (kciti.edu).
HELB TVET loans, KUCCPS capitation, and county bursaries are available for eligible students.
Funding options
HELB TVET Loan
KUCCPS Government Capitation
County Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions
KUCCPS Government Capitation
ScholarshipKsh 30,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students in public TVET institutions
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- D
- Alternative entry
- Passed Artisan course in Automotive or NVCET in Automotive Technology Option II or equivalent.
How you are assessed
3 componentsKNEC Module I Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module I theory and practical examination covering foundational automotive subjects.
KNEC Module II Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module II theory and practical examination covering advanced automotive systems.
Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment of practical workshop competencies and coursework.
Accreditation
Examined by KNEC and accredited by TVETA. Automotive engineering practice is regulated by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
Accredited by
Kenya National Examinations Council
AcademicRequired
KNEC examines and certifies the Craft Certificate in Automotive Engineering.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
AcademicRequired
TVETA accredits institutions offering automotive engineering programmes.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesAutomotive Technician
High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 55,000
Services and repairs vehicle systems including engines, electrical, and body components.
Vehicle Service Technician
High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000
Performs scheduled vehicle maintenance and servicing in authorised service centres.
Body Repair Technician
Moderate demandKsh 23,000 to Ksh 48,000
Repairs vehicle body panels, performs welding, and carries out vehicle painting work.
Automotive Maintenance Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 40,000
Assists senior technicians in vehicle maintenance and repair operations.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as automotive technicians and vehicle service technicians in garages, service centres, and transport companies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Welding & Metal FabricationEngineering15Low exposure
- Modular / Prefab Construction EngineerEngineering16Low exposure
- HVAC / Building Services EngineerEngineering19Low exposure
- Mining EngineerEngineering21Low exposure
- PlumbingEngineering22Low exposure
- Automotive TechnicianEngineering24Low exposure
- Construction Technology SpecialistEngineering24Low exposure
- Biomedical EngineeringEngineering26Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Craft automotive is the same as artisan motor vehicle mechanics.
Craft certificate covers more advanced engineering principles, electrical systems, and technical drawing beyond basic mechanics.
Automotive engineering has no future with electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles still require maintenance, diagnostics, and repair, creating new opportunities for trained technicians.
Craft graduates can only work in small garages.
Authorised service centres, dealerships, and fleet companies employ craft certificate holders.
You need to be physically strong for automotive work.
Modern automotive work relies more on diagnostic skills and technical knowledge than physical strength.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Craft in Automotive Engineering are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.