Engineering

Diploma in Automotive Engineering Technology

The Diploma in Automotive Engineering Technology is a KNEC-examined programme that trains technicians in vehicle systems, engine technology, and automotive repair. The course covers vehicle technology, engine systems, auto electrics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and CAD across three modules.

Students develop competencies in engineering mathematics, mechanical science, electrical and electronics principles, materials technology, workshop practice, and vehicle bodywork. The programme covers both conventional and modern vehicle technologies including electronic fuel injection and diagnostic systems.

Kenya's growing vehicle fleet, expansion of the transport sector, and increasing vehicle complexity have created sustained demand for qualified automotive technicians. Vehicle assembly plants, service centres, fleet management companies, and government transport departments actively recruit diploma holders.

The programme combines classroom theory with extensive workshop practicals, engine dismantling and assembly, vehicle diagnostics, and CAD projects. Students participate in vehicle repair exercises, electrical system testing, and engine performance analysis. A supervised industrial attachment with a garage, vehicle assembly plant, or fleet company provides hands-on workplace experience.

Graduates work as automotive technicians, service advisors, workshop supervisors, and fleet maintenance officers. Employers include vehicle assembly companies, branded service centres, transport companies, county governments, and the military. Many graduates establish their own garage or spare parts businesses.

This programme suits KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- (minus) who have aptitude in mathematics and physics and enjoy working with vehicles and mechanical systems.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

6 subjects

Research Methods
Communication Skills
Information Technology
Project Management
Entrepreneurship
Statistics

Modules

12 in the programme

Mathematics I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering mathematics for automotive calculations for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Electrical and Electronics Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
DC/AC circuits and vehicle electrical systems for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Materials Technology and Metallurgy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering materials and heat treatment processes for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Vehicle Technology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Construction and operation of vehicle systems for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Mechanical Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Statics, dynamics and friction in vehicle mechanisms for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Mechanics of Machines
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Kinematics of linkages, cams, gears and belt drives for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Engine Technology
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Engine construction, fuel systems and performance testing for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Strength of Materials
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Stress, strain and bending moment in automotive components for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Thermodynamics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Heat engines and thermodynamic cycles including energy transfer, thermodynamic cycles, and applications in engineering systems and processes.
Auto Electric and Electronics
Year 3Semester 14 creditsCore
Engine management, ABS and computerised diagnostics for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Control Systems and Instrumentation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Vehicle electronic control and sensor technology for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Trade Project
Year 3Semester 14 creditsCore
Practical automotive design or repair project for professional practice and competency development in the field.

Specialisations

Engine Technology
Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of petrol and diesel engine systems including fuel injection and turbocharging, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Auto Electrical Systems
Vehicle electrical and electronic systems including ignition, lighting, instrumentation, and electronic controls, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Vehicle Bodywork
Panel beating, welding, painting, and structural repair of vehicle bodies and chassis, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Fleet Management
Management and maintenance of vehicle fleets for transport and logistics companies, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

A day as a student

Students attend morning theory classes and spend afternoons in practical sessions, workshops, or laboratory work applying concepts learned in class.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's growing vehicle fleet ensures steady demand for automotive repair and maintenance skills.
Strong self-employment potential through opening a garage or spare parts shop.

Against it

Workshop environment involves exposure to oil, fumes, and heavy machinery.
Keeping up with rapidly evolving vehicle technology requires 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 Kasarani Technical and Vocational College67k at Kiambu National Polytechnic

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 67,189/yr at public colleges (kiambupoly.ac.ke). Private: unverified.

Students can access HELB TVET loans, county government bursaries, and NG-CDF bursaries to support their studies.

Funding options

HELB loan

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in KUCCPS-placed or accredited diploma programmes at recognised TVET institutions.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Bursaries provided by county governments for needy students from their respective counties.
NG-CDF Bursary
BursaryKsh 15,000Kenyan
Constituency Development Fund bursaries for needy students from the respective constituency.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Craft Certificate in Automotive Engineering from an accredited TVET institution.

Mathematics/Physics
English or Kiswahili

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester CATs covering theory and practical components.
KNEC Module Examinations
Exam60% of the mark
National examinations administered by KNEC at the end of each module.
Industrial Attachment Assessment
Practicum10% of the mark
Supervised industrial attachment report and employer assessment.

Accreditation

Programmes accredited by TVETA and examined by KNEC, NITA, or CDACC in Kenya.

Accredited by

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for TVET institutions offering this diploma programme.
Kenya National Examinations Council
Examination bodyRequired
Administers national examinations for the diploma programme at each module level.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Automotive Technician
High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 55,000
Diagnoses, services, and repairs vehicle engines, transmissions, and electrical systems in garages and service centres.
Workshop Supervisor
Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 70,000
Manages automotive workshop operations, supervising technicians and ensuring quality service delivery.
Fleet Maintenance Officer
Medium demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 65,000
Maintains vehicle fleets for transport companies, logistics firms, and government departments.
Vehicle Assembly Technician
Medium demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 60,000
Works on vehicle assembly lines at manufacturing plants including Associated Vehicle Assemblers and Simba Corp.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates of the Automotive Engineering Technology programme work in relevant industries across Kenya, with opportunities in both public and private sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

OBD-II Scanner
Diagnostic equipmentPrimary
On-board diagnostic scanner for vehicle fault code reading
AutoCAD
Design softwarePrimary
CAD software for automotive component design
Engine Analyser
Diagnostic equipment
Equipment for analysing engine performance and compression
Multimeter
Diagnostic equipment
Digital multimeter for electrical system testing in vehicles

Certifications

Industry links

National Construction Authority (NCA)

Common misconceptions

The Automotive Engineering Technology diploma is just theory with no practical value.
The programme emphasises hands-on practical training in workshops, laboratories, and industrial attachment, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
Graduates of this programme end up unemployed in Kenya.
Kenya's expanding sectors create steady demand for diploma holders, with opportunities in county governments, private companies, and self-employment.