Engineering

Diploma in Craft in Agriculture Machinery and Equipment Mechatronics

The Diploma in Agriculture Machinery and Equipment Mechatronics is a TVET-CDACC examined programme at Level 6 that trains technicians in agricultural machinery systems combining mechanical engineering with electronic controls. The course covers farm machinery mechanics, agricultural equipment electronics, hydraulic systems, engine technology, mechatronics, and precision agriculture systems across progressive modules.

Students develop competencies in agricultural machinery maintenance, electronic control systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, engine repair, welding and fabrication, and mechatronics integration. The programme bridges mechanical agricultural engineering with modern electronic and computer control technologies for farm equipment.

Kenya's agricultural mechanisation drive, including adoption of modern tractors and farm equipment, has created demand for technicians skilled in both mechanical and electronic agricultural machinery systems. Agricultural machinery dealers, large farms, county governments, and agricultural equipment service centres recruit diploma holders.

The programme combines classroom theory with extensive workshop practicals in machinery maintenance, electronic system testing, and mechatronics integration. Students work with tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and electronic diagnostic tools. A supervised industrial attachment with an agricultural machinery dealer or large farm provides hands-on experience.

Graduates work as agricultural machinery technicians, equipment maintenance officers, mechatronics specialists, and service technicians with agricultural machinery dealers, large commercial farms, and county agricultural departments. Many also establish agricultural equipment repair businesses.

This programme is suitable for KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- (minus) who have aptitude in both mechanical and electronic systems and are interested in agricultural machinery and precision farming technology.

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

10 in the programme

Workshop Safety and Tools
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Automotive workshop safety, hand tools, power tools, and equipment operation for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Engine Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Internal combustion engine components, operation, and maintenance for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Vehicle Systems
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Fuel, ignition, cooling, braking, suspension, and transmission systems for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Farm Machinery Maintenance
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Maintenance of agricultural equipment including production techniques, management practices, and sustainable approaches for the sector.
Hydraulics and Pneumatics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Hydraulic systems in farm machinery as applied to craft in agriculture machinery and equipment mechatronics principles, practices, and professional competency requirements.
Industrial Attachment
Year 2Semester 18 creditsCore
Supervised attachment at a garage, service centre, or transport company for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Diagnostic and Repair Skills
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Fault diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for vehicle systems for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Preventive Maintenance
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Scheduled servicing, lubrication, and inspection procedures for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Practical Workshop Sessions
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Hands-on engine overhaul, component replacement, and vehicle servicing for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Trade Project
Year 3Semester 14 creditsCore
Practical machinery project demonstrating competency and integrating skills across all course modules and units.

Specialisations

Farm Machinery Maintenance
Maintenance and repair of tractors, harvesters, tillers, and other agricultural machinery and equipment, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Agricultural Mechatronics
Electronic control systems, sensors, and precision agriculture technology for modern farm equipment, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Hydraulic Systems
Maintenance and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic systems in agricultural machinery and equipment, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Precision Agriculture Systems
Focus on GPS-guided equipment, precision farming technology, sensor integration, and automated machinery control systems for modern Kenyan agriculture.

A day as a student

Mornings involve theory lessons and technical instruction, followed by afternoon practical workshop sessions. Trainees work on projects, practice skills, and prepare for competency assessments. Industrial attachment provides real-world workplace experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Agricultural mechanisation is growing in Kenya, creating demand for machinery maintenance skills.
Combining mechanical and mechatronics skills makes graduates versatile across agricultural and engineering sectors.

Against it

Agricultural machinery work often involves travel to remote rural farming areas.
Specialised agricultural mechatronics is an emerging field with limited awareness among employers.

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 Kitale National Polytechnic67k at Kitale 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 67K/yr public (Kitale NP). Private: unverified.

HELB TVET loans available (KES 40,000–60,000 per year). Under the new funding model, government scholarships cover 38–82% of fees depending on need category. Public TVET tuition standardized at KES 67,189/year. NG-CDF and county bursaries also available.

Funding options

HELB TVET Loan
NG-CDF Bursary

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 Agriculture Machinery and Equipment Mechatronics Level 5 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

Accredited by TVETA. Assessed and certified by KNEC or TVET CDACC.

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

Agricultural Machinery Technician
Medium demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 58,000
Maintains and repairs tractors, harvesters, and farm equipment including mechanical and electronic systems.
Equipment Maintenance Officer
Medium demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 55,000
Manages maintenance programmes for agricultural machinery fleets on large farms and agricultural enterprises.
Mechatronics Specialist
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 62,000
Specialises in electronic control systems and precision agriculture technology for modern farm equipment.
Precision Agriculture Technician
Moderate demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 70,000
Installs and maintains precision agriculture systems including GPS-guided equipment, sensors, and automated machinery for modern Kenyan farms.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as skilled automotive & mechanical professionals or start their own businesses.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Multimeter
Diagnostic equipmentPrimary
Digital multimeter for electrical testing of agricultural machinery
OBD-II Scanner
Diagnostic equipmentPrimary
Diagnostic scanner for agricultural machinery electronic systems
Hand Tools Set
Mechanic tools
Standard mechanic hand tools for machinery maintenance and repair
Welding Equipment
Fabrication equipment
Welding tools for machinery repair and fabrication

Certifications

Industry links

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development

Common misconceptions

A craft qualification limits you to low-level jobs.
TVET graduates are in high demand for skilled technical roles. Many successful entrepreneurs and technicians started with craft qualifications. Progression to higher levels is also possible.
TVET courses are for academic failures.
TVET provides practical, industry-relevant skills that are critical for Kenya's economic development. Many TVET graduates earn more than degree holders in technical fields.