Engineering

Diploma in Computer Engineering

The Diploma in Computer Engineering is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in computer hardware, computer systems, networking and embedded systems. Offered at Zetech University, the programme combines electronics fundamentals with computer engineering competencies.

The curriculum covers computer systems, computer architecture, digital electronics, microprocessors, computer networks, network security, operating systems, computer hardware maintenance, troubleshooting, IT systems support, embedded systems, cloud computing, distributed systems, VLSI design, signal processing, project management, communication skills, ICT and entrepreneurship. Students develop both hardware engineering and networking skills.

Kenya's technology sector requires professionals who can design, maintain and support computer systems and network infrastructure. The programme responds to the need for skilled computer engineering technicians who can support IT operations, manage networks and maintain computer hardware in organisations.

The programme is delivered through lectures, computer laboratory sessions, hardware practicals, network configuration exercises, case studies and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in computer assembly, network setup, system troubleshooting and hardware maintenance through laboratory sessions and attachment at IT departments.

Graduates pursue careers as computer engineering technicians, network technicians, IT support officers, systems maintenance technicians, hardware specialists, network administrators and data centre technicians in IT companies, banks, telecom firms, government departments and manufacturing firms. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have analytical skills, interest in computer hardware and networking, and basic mathematical aptitude. The programme is suitable for students seeking practical computer engineering skills for employment or further study.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 93,200
Private, up to: Ksh 85,200
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: 25 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Computer Systems and Architecture
Digital Electronics and Microprocessors
Computer Networks and Network Security
Operating Systems and Hardware Maintenance
Embedded Systems and VLSI Design
Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems
IT Systems Support and Troubleshooting
Project Management and Entrepreneurship

Modules

8 in the programme

Computer Systems and Architecture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers computer architecture, system components, processor design, memory systems, input/output systems and computer assembly.
Digital Electronics and Microprocessors
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers digital logic, Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential circuits, microprocessor architecture, assembly programming and interfacing.
Computer Networks and Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers network fundamentals, OSI model, TCP/IP, routing, switching, network security, firewalls and wireless networking.
Operating Systems and Hardware Maintenance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers operating system concepts, installation, configuration, computer hardware maintenance, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
Embedded Systems and VLSI Design
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers embedded systems, microcontrollers, embedded programming, VLSI design fundamentals, signal processing and digital systems engineering.
Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers cloud computing platforms, virtualisation, distributed systems, data centre technology, concurrent systems and cloud operating systems.
IT Systems Support and Project Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers IT support, helpdesk operations, systems administration, project management, communication skills, ICT and entrepreneurship.
Industrial Attachment and Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A three-month industrial attachment at an IT or engineering organisation, assessed through an attachment report and a computer engineering project.

Specialisations

Computer Hardware
Focuses on computer assembly, maintenance and repair for careers as computer engineering technicians.
Networking
Specialises in network design, configuration and security for careers as network technicians.
Embedded Systems
Focuses on microcontrollers, embedded programming and digital systems for careers in embedded systems engineering.
Cloud and Data Centre
Specialises in cloud computing, virtualisation and data centre operations for careers as data centre technicians.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on computer architecture or digital electronics, followed by a laboratory session assembling and troubleshooting computer hardware. Afternoon sessions may include a network configuration practical, a microprocessor programming exercise, or a group project on embedded systems. Students also work on network security assignments and hardware maintenance exercises.

The trade offs

In its favour

Computer engineering skills are in demand as Kenya's IT infrastructure grows across sectors.
The programme combines hardware, networking and systems skills, making graduates versatile in the IT job market.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering or related degree programmes.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study location options.
The technology field evolves rapidly, requiring graduates to continuously update their skills.

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 93k

67k at Kabete National Polytechnic93k at Kenyatta University

Private18k to 85k

18k at NITC85k at Zetech University

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

KU 93K, TVET 67K/yr public. NITC 18K, Zetech 85K/yr private (mykenyan-jobs.com, nitc.ac.ke).

Students can access HELB loans. Zetech University may offer internal bursaries for qualifying students.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Certificate in Computer Engineering or related field from a recognised institution.

Mathematics
D-
English
D-

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering computer architecture, electronics and networking.
Laboratory Practicals
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of computer laboratory sessions including hardware assembly, network configuration and troubleshooting.
Computer Engineering Project
Project50% of the mark
A practical project applying computer engineering knowledge to design or implement a system, assessed through a presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at an IT or engineering organisation.

Accreditation

Accredited by TVETA and CUE. The programme is offered at Zetech University's School of ICT, Media and Engineering.

Accredited by

TVET Authority
AcademicRequired
Accredited by TVETA and CUE. The programme is offered at Zetech University's School of ICT, Media and Engineering.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Computer Engineering Technician
Moderate demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 120,000
Assembles, maintains and repairs computer systems, supports hardware operations and assists with system design and implementation.
Network Technician
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 110,000
Installs, configures and maintains computer networks, troubleshoots network issues and supports network infrastructure.
IT Support Officer
High demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides technical support, maintains IT systems, troubleshoots hardware and software issues and supports users in organisations.
Data Centre Technician
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 130,000
Maintains data centre operations, monitors server infrastructure, manages cooling and power systems and supports data centre security.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as computer engineering technicians, network technicians and IT support officers in IT companies, banks, telecom firms and government departments.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

TVET Authority (TVETA) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Computer engineering is the same as computer science.
Computer engineering focuses on hardware, electronics and networking, while computer science focuses on software, algorithms and programming.
Computer engineering has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's growing IT infrastructure creates demand for computer engineering technicians in banks, telecom firms, government and IT companies.
You need to be a programmer to study computer engineering.
The programme focuses on hardware, networks and systems, requiring analytical and practical skills rather than pure programming ability.
Computer engineering is only for men.
The programme is open to all students who meet entry requirements, regardless of gender.