Engineering

Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology

The Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology is a KNEC-examined programme that trains technicians in electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic controls. The course covers electrical installation, power generation, electronic devices, control systems, and electrical machines across three modules.

Students develop competencies in engineering mathematics, electrical principles, analogue and digital electronics, electrical measurements, and fault diagnosis. The programme also covers solar installation systems, PLC programming, and electrical power transmission and distribution.

Kenya's growing manufacturing sector, expansion of the national grid, and increasing adoption of renewable energy have created sustained demand for electrical engineering technicians. Kenya Power, manufacturing companies, solar installation firms, and electrical contractors actively recruit diploma holders.

The programme combines classroom theory with workshop practicals, laboratory sessions, and electrical installation projects. Students participate in wiring, solar system setup, PLC programming, and machine testing. A supervised industrial attachment provides hands-on workplace experience.

Graduates work as electrical technicians, maintenance technicians, installation supervisors, and solar systems technicians with Kenya Power, manufacturing companies, construction firms, and electrical contractors. Many also establish electrical services businesses.

This programme suits KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- (minus) who have strong mathematics and physics aptitude and enjoy practical technical work.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 85,000
Private, up to: Ksh 77,700
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

Electrical Engineering Principles
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
DC circuit theory and electromagnetic principles for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Electrical Installation Technology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Wiring systems for residential and industrial installations for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Analogue Electronics I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Semiconductor devices and basic electronic circuits for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Electrical Measurements and Fault Diagnosis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Use of measuring instruments for testing and fault finding for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Engineering Mathematics I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Algebra and calculus for circuit analysis for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Solar Installation Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Design and installation of solar PV systems for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Electric Power Generation and Transmission
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Power generation methods and grid operations for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Digital Electronics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Logic gates, flip-flops and digital circuits for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Industrial Programmable Logic Controllers
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
PLC programming and industrial automation for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Industrial Machines and Utilization
Year 3Semester 14 creditsCore
Transformers, induction motors and generators for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Trade Project
Year 3Semester 14 creditsCore
Practical electrical engineering project for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Power Electronics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Rectifiers, inverters and motor speed control for professional practice and competency development in the field.

Specialisations

Electrical Installation
Design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems in buildings and industrial facilities, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Power Distribution
Transmission and distribution of electrical power through grid and off-grid systems, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Solar Energy Systems
Installation and maintenance of solar PV systems and renewable energy infrastructure, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Industrial Automation
Focus on PLC programming, industrial control systems, SCADA, motor drives, and factory automation within Kenyan manufacturing and processing industries.

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

Strong demand across Kenya's power, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
Practical skills enable self-employment as an electrical services provider.

Against it

Electrical work involves inherent safety risks requiring strict safety compliance.
May require working in challenging environments including heights and confined spaces.

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 85k

67k at Public TVET Colleges (standardised rate)85k at Technical University of Mombasa (Y1: 42.5K+42.5K)

Private56k to 78k

56k at NIBS College (18,750/term x 3)78k at Zetech University (38,850/sem tuition x 2)

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, TUM 85K/yr; Zetech 77.7K, NIBS 56.3K/yr (tum.ac.ke, zetech.ac.ke)

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 Electrical and Electronic 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

5 roles

Electrical Technician
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 65,000
Installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in buildings and industrial facilities.
Maintenance Technician
Medium demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 68,000
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on electrical equipment in manufacturing plants.
Electrical Installation Supervisor
Medium demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 80,000
Supervises electrical installation teams on construction and industrial projects.
Solar Systems Technician
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 60,000
Installs and maintains solar PV systems for residential, commercial, and off-grid applications.
Automation Technician
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 75,000
Programs and maintains PLC systems, industrial automation equipment, and control systems for manufacturing and processing industries in Kenya.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates of the Electrical 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

Multimeter
Diagnostic equipmentPrimary
Digital multimeter for electrical measurement and testing
Oscilloscope
Test equipmentPrimary
Oscilloscope for analysing electrical waveforms
AutoCAD Electrical
Design software
CAD software for electrical circuit design
Soldering Station
Electronics tools
Soldering equipment for circuit board assembly and repair

Certifications

Industry links

National Construction Authority (NCA)

Common misconceptions

The Electrical 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.