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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.

Duration
3 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 85,000
Ksh 255,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 77,700
Ksh 233,100 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 85,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 255,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 77,700 a year at a private one.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 31 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Climate Change Analyst, at 10 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, 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.

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 favourAgainst it
Strong demand across Kenya's power, manufacturing, and construction sectors.Electrical work involves inherent safety risks requiring strict safety compliance.
Practical skills enable self-employment as an electrical services provider.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.

Scholarships you could apply for

6 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 Electrical and Electronic Engineering from an accredited TVET institution.

Subject requirements
Mathematics/Physics
English or Kiswahili

When it next starts

Taught at 31 institutions
January 202731 institutions

Including Scott Christian University, Kirinyaga University, Multimedia University of Kenya.

May 202730 institutions

Including Scott Christian University, Kirinyaga University, Multimedia University of Kenya.

September 202731 institutions

Including Scott Christian University, Kirinyaga University, Multimedia University of Kenya.

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

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

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.

Further reading

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