Engineering

Diploma in Leather Technology

The Diploma in Leather Technology is a programme that equips students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge in leather science, leather manufacturing, tanning processes and quality control. Offered at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, the programme prepares students for technical roles in the leather industry, from raw hide processing to finished leather products.

The curriculum covers leather science fundamentals, hide and skin processing, tanning technology (chrome and vegetable tanning), leather finishing, leather goods manufacturing, quality control and testing, environmental management in tanneries, chemical analysis for leather, machinery operation and maintenance, entrepreneurship, communication skills and industrial attachment. Students develop both practical and technical leather processing skills.

Kenya's leather industry has significant growth potential, with the government promoting value addition in the leather and footwear sector. The programme responds to the need for trained technical personnel who can support leather processing, quality assurance and product development in tanneries, leather goods manufacturers and footwear companies.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory practicals, tannery visits, hands-on processing sessions, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in hide processing, tanning, finishing and leather goods manufacturing through practical sessions and attachment at tanneries or leather goods companies.

Graduates pursue careers as leather technicians, tannery supervisors, quality control assistants, leather goods production assistants and footwear technicians in tanneries, leather goods manufacturers and footwear companies. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Leather Technology through a top-up year at DeKUT.

Prospective students should have interest in chemistry, materials science and manufacturing processes. The programme is suitable for students seeking technical careers in the leather and footwear industry.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 84,580
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: 20 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Leather Science Fundamentals and Hide and Skin Processing
Tanning Technology (Chrome and Vegetable Tanning)
Leather Finishing and Leather Goods Manufacturing
Quality Control, Testing and Chemical Analysis
Environmental Management in Tanneries
Machinery Operation and Maintenance
Entrepreneurship and Communication Skills
Industrial Attachment and Leather Technology Project

Modules

6 in the programme

Leather Science Fundamentals and Hide and Skin Processing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers leather science fundamentals, hide and skin structure, preservation, curing, soaking, liming, unhairing, fleshing and splitting operations.
Tanning Technology (Chrome and Vegetable Tanning)
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers tanning principles, chrome tanning, vegetable tanning, tanning agents, tanning processes, deliming, bating, pickling and tanning chemistry.
Leather Finishing and Leather Goods Manufacturing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers leather finishing techniques, dyeing, fatliquoring, drying, staking, buffing, coating, leather goods manufacturing, footwear construction and product design.
Quality Control, Testing and Chemical Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers quality control principles, leather testing methods, physical testing, chemical testing, colour fastness, tear strength, tensile strength and chemical analysis of tanning materials.
Environmental Management and Machinery Operation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers environmental management in tanneries, effluent treatment, waste management, pollution control, tannery machinery operation, maintenance and safety.
Entrepreneurship, Communication and Industrial Attachment
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
Covers entrepreneurship, business plan development, communication skills, plus a three-month industrial attachment at a tannery or leather goods company, and a leather technology project.

Specialisations

Tanning Technology
Focuses on tanning processes and chemistry for careers as tannery technicians and supervisors.
Leather Finishing and Goods Manufacturing
Specialises in leather finishing and product manufacturing for careers in leather goods companies.
Quality Control
Focuses on quality testing and assurance for careers as quality control assistants.
Footwear Technology
Specialises in footwear design and manufacturing for careers in footwear companies.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on leather science or tanning technology, followed by a laboratory practical on hide processing or chemical analysis. Afternoon sessions may include a hands-on tanning session, a quality control testing workshop, or a group discussion on environmental management in tanneries. Students also work on leather technology projects and prepare for industrial attachment.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's leather industry has significant growth potential with government support for value addition.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Leather Technology through a top-up year at DeKUT.
The programme combines practical tannery skills with scientific knowledge, providing a strong technical foundation.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study location options.
The leather industry in Kenya is still developing, which may limit immediate job opportunities in some regions.

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

Public85k to 85k

85k at AHITI Kabete85k at AHITI Kabete

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

AHITI Kabete 211,450/2.5yr=~84,580/yr (kenyaeducationguide.com). Private: unverified.

Students can access HELB loans. DeKUT may offer internal bursaries for deserving 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 Leather Technology or relevant field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.

Mathematics
C-
English
C-

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering leather science, tanning technology and quality control.
Laboratory and Tannery Practical Assessment
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills in hide processing, tanning, finishing and quality testing through practical examinations.
Leather Technology Project
Project30% of the mark
A project on a leather technology topic, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a tannery or leather goods company.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Leather Technician
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 150,000
Operates tannery equipment, monitors tanning processes, performs quality checks and supports leather production operations in tanneries.
Tannery Supervisor
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 180,000
Supervises tannery operations, manages production schedules, ensures quality standards and coordinates staff in tanning facilities.
Quality Control Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 27,000 to Ksh 140,000
Performs quality control tests on leather products, monitors production quality and ensures compliance with standards in tanneries and leather goods companies.
Leather Goods Production Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 130,000
Supports leather goods manufacturing operations, assists with product design, cutting, stitching and finishing of leather products.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as leather technicians, tannery supervisors and quality control assistants in tanneries, leather goods manufacturers and footwear companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Leather technology is just about making shoes.
Leather technology covers the entire leather supply chain from hide processing and tanning to finishing, quality control and manufacturing of various leather products.
The leather industry is dying in Kenya.
Kenya's leather industry has significant growth potential, with government promotion of value addition and a growing domestic and regional market for leather products.
Leather technology is dirty and low-skilled work.
Modern leather technology involves chemistry, quality control, environmental management and advanced machinery, requiring technical knowledge and scientific skills.
There are no career opportunities in leather technology.
Kenya has over 15 tanneries and numerous leather goods manufacturers, with demand for trained technicians, quality control personnel and production supervisors.