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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.

Duration
3 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 201,567 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 201,567 for the whole course.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C- or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 3 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 69 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Auto Diagnostics Technician, at 3 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

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.

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 favourAgainst it
Kenya's growing vehicle fleet ensures steady demand for automotive repair and maintenance skills.Workshop environment involves exposure to oil, fumes, and heavy machinery.
Strong self-employment potential through opening a garage or spare parts shop.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.

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
C-minimum entry
Alternative entry

Craft Certificate in Automotive Engineering from an accredited TVET institution.

Subject requirements
Mathematics/Physics
English or Kiswahili

When it next starts

Taught at 69 institutions
January 202769 institutions

Including Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Kabete National Polytechnic, Kisii National Polytechnic.

May 202769 institutions

Including Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Kabete National Polytechnic, Kisii National Polytechnic.

September 202769 institutions

Including Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Kabete National Polytechnic, Kisii National Polytechnic.

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

  • 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.

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

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

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.

Further reading

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