Engineering

Diploma in Motor Vehicle Mechanics

The Diploma in Motor Vehicle Mechanics is a technical programme that equips learners with advanced skills in vehicle maintenance, repair, and diagnostics. The course covers engine technology, vehicle electrical and electronic systems, transmission systems, chassis and frame maintenance, and advanced diagnostic techniques for both petrol and diesel engines.

Students develop practical competencies in engine overhauling, gearbox and differential servicing, EFI technology, vehicle lighting systems, arc and gas welding, soldering, and riveting. The programme also covers heavy vehicle technology, advanced servicing procedures, and the use of diagnostic equipment for modern computerised vehicle systems.

Kenya's automotive sector is growing rapidly, with increasing vehicle imports, expanding public transport networks, and rising demand for professional repair services. The matatu industry, logistics companies, government fleets, and personal vehicle owners all require qualified mechanics who can service modern vehicles with complex electronic systems and computerised diagnostics.

The programme combines classroom theory with extensive workshop practice. Students work on actual vehicle engines, transmissions, and electrical systems in fully equipped workshops. Industrial attachment is undertaken in garages, dealerships, or transport companies, where learners apply their skills under the supervision of experienced mechanics. Assessment includes practical tests, continuous assessments, and KNEC examinations.

Graduates are employed as automotive technicians, fleet maintenance officers, service advisors, workshop supervisors, and vehicle inspectors. They work in motor vehicle dealerships, fleet management companies, transport companies, government departments, and garages. Many establish their own repair workshops, serving local communities and specialised vehicle segments.

This programme is suitable for KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- (minus) who have an interest in mechanics, enjoy practical hands-on work, and wish to build careers in the automotive service industry. A background in physics and mathematics is advantageous for understanding vehicle systems.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 85,000
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Motor Vehicle Mechanics
Engine Repair
Vehicle Systems
Transmission
Braking Systems
Electrical Systems
Vehicle Servicing
Diagnostics

Modules

12 in the programme

Motor Vehicle Mechanics Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Motor vehicle overview, mechanics profession, automotive industry structure, and fundamentals of vehicle systems for automotive technicians.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Technical communication, workshop communication, and professional communication.
ICT and Diagnostic Tools
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Onboard diagnostics, diagnostic scanners, automotive software, and ICT tools for vehicle fault diagnosis and workshop management.
Entrepreneurship
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Garage business establishment, repair services management, and entrepreneurial skills for automotive repair enterprise owners.
Workshop Safety and Tools
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Workshop safety practices, hand tools, power tools, equipment selection, and safe use of automotive workshop machinery and equipment.
Engine Theory and Repair
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Internal combustion engine theory, engine components, engine repair procedures, and overhauling of petrol and diesel vehicle engines.
Fuel and Ignition Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Fuel systems, carburettor operation, fuel injection technology, ignition systems, and maintenance of fuel and ignition components.
Cooling and Lubrication Systems
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Cooling system, radiator, lubrication, oil, and cooling and lubrication systems.
Transmission Systems
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Transmission systems, clutch operation, gearbox servicing, differential maintenance, and drivetrain repair for motor vehicles.
Vehicle Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting, OBD scanning, fault code interpretation, and systematic diagnosis of complex vehicle problems.
Garage Management and Operations
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Garage management, workshop operations, customer service, and garage management.
Braking Systems
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Braking systems, disc and drum brakes, ABS technology, hydraulic systems, and maintenance and repair of vehicle braking components.

Specialisations

Garage Management
Manage garage operations and workshop activities, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards, regulatory requirements, and professional best practices.
Engine Repair
Specialize in engine repair and overhaul, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards, regulatory requirements, and professional best practices.
Vehicle Diagnostics
Specialize in vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Electrical Systems
Specialize in vehicle electrical system repair, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards, regulatory requirements, and professional best practices.

A day as a student

Students attend theory lectures on motor vehicle mechanics, combined with extensive practical sessions in automotive workshops. Activities include engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system servicing, electrical system troubleshooting, vehicle diagnostics, welding, fabrication, and routine maintenance. Industrial attachment at garages, service centers, or transport companies provides real-world experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for vehicle repair and maintenance
Self-employment potential — garage business
Practical skills with immediate employability

Against it

Physical work in workshop environments
Exposure to oils, fumes, and safety hazards

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 TVET institutions (standard self-sponsored rate)85k at Technical University of Mombasa

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 (NENAP), TUM 85K/yr (tum.ac.ke). 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. NG-CDF and county bursaries also available.

Funding options

HELB TVET Loan
NG-CDF Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in TVET-accredited programmes.
NG-CDF Bursary
BursaryKsh 15,000Kenyan
Needy students in respective constituencies.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: D+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Automotive, or related field from a recognized institution, or artisan with relevant experience.

Mathematics or Physics
D
English or Kiswahili
D

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment
Cat20% of the mark
Internal continuous assessment including assignments, workshop exercises, and projects.
Module Examination
Exam40% of the mark
KNEC modular examination at the end of each module.
Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment: engine repair, system troubleshooting, or maintenance task.

Accreditation

Accredited by TVETA. Examined by KNEC (modular system). Additional manufacturer-specific certifications may complement the diploma.

Accredited by

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
Institutional accreditationRequired
Accredits institutions offering motor vehicle mechanics training.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Motor Vehicle Mechanic
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 85,000
Repair and maintain vehicles, diagnose problems, and perform mechanical services.
Garage Supervisor
Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 85,000
Supervise garage operations, coordinate mechanics, and manage workshop activities.
Automotive Technician
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 90,000
Diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles using advanced tools and technology.
Service Technician
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Perform vehicle servicing, maintenance, and repairs at service centers.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as motor vehicle mechanics, automotive technicians, service technicians, garage supervisors, and fleet maintenance assistants in garages, service centers, transport companies, vehicle assembly plants, and government. Starting salaries range from KES 35,000-85,000.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Multimeter
Diagnostic equipment
OBD-II Scanner
Diagnostic equipment
On-board diagnostic scanner for vehicle fault code reading
Engine Analyser
Diagnostic equipment
Equipment for analysing engine performance and compression
AutoCAD
Design softwarePrimary

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Motor vehicle mechanics is just changing oil and tires.
Motor vehicle mechanics covers engine repair, transmission, braking systems, electrical systems, vehicle diagnostics, welding, and workshop practices — it is a comprehensive automotive technical discipline.
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.