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Engineering

Diploma in Mechanical Technology and Maintenance

Mechanical Technology and Maintenance Level 6 is a TVET CDACC-accredited diploma programme listed on KUCCPS. It trains mechanical engineering technologists who install, operate, maintain, and repair mechanical plant systems including industrial boilers, pumps, compressors, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, and production machinery.

Duration
2 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 67,189
Ksh 134,378 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 134,378 for the whole course.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C- or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 2 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 35 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

The curriculum was developed by TVET CDACC under the CBET framework in partnership with KEFEP (Kenya Education for Employment Program), CiCAN, and industry stakeholders. It covers engineering mathematics, engineering drawing, mechanical plant operations, maintenance systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, refrigeration and air conditioning, welding and fabrication, thermodynamics, and industrial safety.

Kenya's manufacturing sector, cement industry, food processing plants, sugar factories, and power generation companies rely on mechanical plant systems that require qualified maintenance technologists. The programme addresses the industry demand for competent mechanical maintenance professionals.

Training at institutions including Kisumu National Polytechnic combines classroom theory with extensive workshop practicals using state-of-the-art equipment including hydraulics and pneumatics laboratories, industrial boilers, steam plants, and refrigeration workshops. Industrial attachment is a core component.

Graduates work as mechanical maintenance technicians, plant operators, refrigeration and air conditioning technicians, and hydraulic systems technicians in manufacturing, energy, food processing, and construction industries, with progression routes to degree programmes in mechanical engineering.

Skills RequiredMechanical Plant OperationsPreventive and Corrective MaintenanceHydraulic and Pneumatic SystemsRefrigeration and Air ConditioningWelding and FabricationEngineering Drawing and CADIndustrial Boiler OperationsPump and Compressor MaintenanceThermodynamics and Heat TransferIndustrial Safety ManagementKey SubjectsEngineering Mathematics and ScienceEngineering Drawing and CADMechanical Plant Operations and MaintenanceHydraulic and Pneumatic SystemsRefrigeration and Air ConditioningWelding and Fabrication TechnologyThermodynamics

What you study

10 subjects
  • Engineering Mathematics and Science
  • Engineering Drawing and CAD
  • Mechanical Plant Operations and Maintenance
  • Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
  • Welding and Fabrication Technology
  • Thermodynamics and Heat Engines
  • Pump and Compressor Technology
  • Industrial Safety and Health
  • Entrepreneurship and Communication Skills

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Engineering Science and Thermodynamics

    Year 1Semester 18 creditsCore

    Core unit on engineering mechanics, strength of materials, thermodynamics for professional practice and competency development in the field.

  • Life Skills

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Personal development and interpersonal skills for professional practice and competency development in the field.

  • Information Communication Technology

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Computer applications and digital literacy for professional practice and competency development in the field.

  • Engineering Mathematics and Drawing

    Year 1Semester 18 creditsCore

    Core unit on engineering mathematics, engineering drawing, and for professional practice and competency development in the field.

  • Communication Skills, ICT and Entrepreneurship

    Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore

    Basic units covering communication skills, information communication technology.

  • Mechanical Plant Operations and Maintenance

    Year 1Semester 210 creditsCore

    Core unit on plant operations, preventive and corrective maintenance for professional practice and competency development in the field.

  • Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems

    Year 1Semester 28 creditsCore

    Core unit on hydraulic and pneumatic system design, installation for professional practice and competency development in the field.

  • Welding, Fabrication and Pump Technology

    Year 2Semester 18 creditsCore

    Core unit on welding processes, fabrication techniques, pump and compressor technology.

  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

    Year 2Semester 18 creditsCore

    Core unit on refrigeration cycles, air conditioning systems, installation for professional practice and competency development in the field.

  • Industrial Safety, Boiler Operations and Industrial Attachment

    Year 2Semester 210 creditsCore

    Core unit on industrial safety, boiler operations, steam plant maintenance for professional practice and competency development in the field.

Specialisations

  • Plant Operations and Maintenance

    Operating and maintaining industrial plant systems including boilers, pumps, and compressors, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

    Installing, maintaining, and repairing refrigeration and air conditioning systems for commercial and industrial applications.

  • Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems

    Installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting hydraulic and pneumatic control systems, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Welding and Fabrication

    Fabricating and repairing mechanical structures and components using welding and metalworking techniques, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

A day as a student

A typical day combines theory lectures on thermodynamics, hydraulics, or maintenance principles with extensive workshop practicals. Students operate industrial boilers, practise welding techniques, assemble hydraulic and pneumatic circuits, and service refrigeration systems. Industrial visits to manufacturing plants provide exposure to real maintenance environments.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
High demand across manufacturing, energy, food processing, and construction industries.Requires strong aptitude in mathematics and physics.
Well-equipped workshops at Kisumu National Polytechnic with industrial-standard equipment.Workshop and field work can be physically demanding.
CBET curriculum developed with industry partners ensures relevance to job market needs.—

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 Public TVET colleges67k at Public TVET colleges

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 67,189/yr at public colleges (jitimu.com, institutiontoday.com). Private: unverified.

Students are eligible for HELB TVET loans (up to KSH 40,000), government capitation (KSH 30,000/year), and county bursaries.

Funding options

  • HELB TVET Loan

  • Government TVET Capitation (KSH 30,000/year)

  • County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan

    Needy students from respective counties.

  • Government TVET Capitation

    GrantKsh 30,000Kenyan

    All KUCCPS-placed students in public TVET institutions.

  • HELB TVET/Diploma Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited TVET programmes.

Scholarships you could apply for

1 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

Level 5 Certificate in Mechanical Technology or related field from a recognised institution.

When it next starts

Taught at 35 institutions
January 202735 institutions

Including Kabete National Polytechnic, Eldoret Polytechnic, Meru National Polytechnic.

May 202735 institutions

Including Kabete National Polytechnic, Eldoret Polytechnic, Meru National Polytechnic.

September 202735 institutions

Including Kabete National Polytechnic, Eldoret Polytechnic, Meru National Polytechnic.

How you are assessed

3 components

  • CDACC Written Assessment

    Examination40% of the mark

    Written theory examinations administered by TVET CDACC at the end of each unit of competency.

  • CDACC Practical Assessment

    Practical40% of the mark

    Practical demonstrations of mechanical maintenance, welding, and system troubleshooting skills.

  • Industrial Attachment Portfolio

    Coursework20% of the mark

    Supervised industrial attachment with portfolio documentation of completed maintenance tasks and supervisor assessments.

Accreditation

  • TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    Statutory body for CBET curriculum development, assessment and certification. Programme developed with KEFEP and CiCAN partners.

  • Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)

    Qualifications recognitionRequired

    Recognises the Level 6 qualification within the Kenya National Qualifications Framework.

Accredited by the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC) under the CBET framework at Level 6. The programme was developed in partnership with KEFEP and CiCAN.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Mechanical Maintenance Technician

    High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000

    Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical plant systems in manufacturing and processing industries.

  • Plant Operator

    High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000

    Operates industrial plant equipment including boilers, compressors, and pumping systems.

  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

    High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 85,000

    Installs, maintains, and repairs refrigeration and air conditioning systems for commercial and industrial clients.

  • Hydraulic Systems Technician

    Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 85,000

    Installs, maintains, and troubleshoots hydraulic and pneumatic systems in industrial settings.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as mechanical maintenance technicians, plant operators, and refrigeration technicians in manufacturing, energy, and processing industries.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software

    Software

    Software for creating engineering drawings and designing mechanical components.

  • Mechanical Hand Tools

    EquipmentPrimary

    Spanners, wrenches, pliers, hammers, and specialised mechanical tools for maintenance work.

  • Welding Equipment

    EquipmentPrimary

    Arc welding, MIG/MAG welding, and gas welding equipment for fabrication and repair work.

Common misconceptions

  • Mechanical maintenance is just about fixing broken machines.

    The diploma covers preventive maintenance, condition monitoring, reliability engineering, and plant optimisation, not just repairs.

  • Mechanical technology is outdated in the digital age.

    Modern mechanical systems integrate digital controls, sensors, and automation, making mechanical maintenance a high-tech field.

  • Mechanical maintenance is physically demanding manual labour.

    While some physical work is involved, the diploma emphasises diagnostic skills, technical knowledge, and the use of sophisticated testing equipment.

Further reading

Read next