Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Option)
The Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Option) is a KNEC-examined programme that trains individuals in automotive engineering principles, vehicle maintenance, and engine 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, electrical and electronic systems, workshop technology, technical drawing, and automotive maintenance. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with extensive practical workshop sessions using real vehicle components and engines.
Kenya's automotive sector continues to grow with increasing vehicle numbers creating sustained demand for skilled automotive engineering personnel. The programme aligns with the National Occupational Standards and supports the government's industrialisation agenda.
The course is delivered through modular training with two modules covering theory and practical workshop sessions. Trainees spend approximately 60 per cent of their time in practical workshops and 40 per cent in theory classes. Industrial attachment is a compulsory component.
Graduates can work as automotive technicians, service technicians, fleet maintenance assistants, or workshop supervisors 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 engineering. It provides technical skills for employment in Kenya's automotive sector.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 67,189
- Private, up to
- Ksh 48,000
- 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
- 35 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
8 subjects- Vehicle Technology
- Engine Systems
- Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems
- Workshop Technology
- Technical Drawing
- Applied Science
- Mathematics
- Entrepreneurship
Modules
8 in the programmeVehicle Technology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers vehicle construction, major systems, components, and the principles of vehicle operation and maintenance.
Engine Technology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Introduces internal combustion engine principles, engine components, fuel systems, and engine performance analysis.
Workshop Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers workshop safety, hand and power tools, measuring instruments, and workshop organisation and practices.
Technical Drawing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops skills in reading and producing engineering drawings including component drawings and assembly diagrams.
Applied Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers applied physics and chemistry principles relevant to automotive engineering including forces, heat, and materials.
Mathematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mathematical concepts and calculations relevant to automotive engineering including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers vehicle electrical circuits, battery systems, charging and starting systems, ignition, and basic electronic controls.
Entrepreneurship
Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective
Introduces entrepreneurship concepts for automotive business including workshop management and customer service.
Specialisations
Engine Technology
Focuses on internal combustion engine repair, overhaul, and performance tuning.
Vehicle Electrical Systems
Specialises in vehicle electrical and electronic system diagnosis and repair.
Heavy Vehicle Maintenance
Covers maintenance of trucks, buses, and heavy commercial vehicles.
Vehicle Diagnostics
Focuses on computerised vehicle diagnostics and fault finding.
A day as a student
A typical day includes morning theory on engine principles or vehicle systems, followed by afternoon workshop practice where trainees dismantle engines, service vehicles, test electrical systems, and diagnose faults using diagnostic equipment.
The trade offs
In its favour
- High demand for automotive skills in Kenya's growing vehicle fleet.
- Clear progression to diploma and degree in automotive engineering.
- Self-employment opportunities with moderate startup capital for a workshop.
Against it
- Physical work involving heavy lifting and exposure to oils and chemicals.
- Rapidly evolving vehicle technology requires continuous skills updating.
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
TVET 56K-67K/yr (educationnewshub.co.ke). Vitech 39K, NSPSI 48K/yr (vti.ac.ke, nspsicollege.ac.ke)
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
- KCSE D- (minus) with a pass in relevant Artisan course or equivalent.
How you are assessed
3 componentsKNEC Module I Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module I theory examination covering foundational automotive engineering subjects.
KNEC Module II Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Module II theory examination covering advanced automotive systems and technology.
Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment of practical workshop competencies throughout the course.
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 Mechanical Engineering (Automotive).
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
Diagnoses, services, and repairs vehicle systems in garages and service centres.
Service Technician
High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000
Performs scheduled maintenance and servicing on vehicles in authorised service centres.
Fleet Maintenance Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 23,000 to Ksh 45,000
Assists in maintaining vehicle fleets for transport companies and organisations.
Workshop Supervisor
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000
Supervises workshop operations and coordinates automotive repair and maintenance activities.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as automotive technicians and 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
Automotive engineering is just mechanic work.
Automotive engineering involves complex electronic systems, diagnostics, and engineering principles beyond basic mechanics.
Craft certificate is too basic for modern vehicles.
The curriculum covers modern vehicle electronic systems and diagnostic techniques.
There are no jobs for automotive craft graduates.
Kenya's growing vehicle fleet creates consistent demand for trained automotive technicians.
Automotive work is dirty and low-status.
Modern automotive workshops are professional environments using advanced diagnostic technology.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Option) are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.