Diploma in Robotics and Embedded Systems
The Diploma in Robotics and Embedded Systems is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in robotics, embedded systems, automation and control systems. Offered at Riara University through the School of Computing, the programme prepares students for technical roles in robotics engineering, embedded systems development and industrial automation.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 147,400 a year at a private one.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 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers electronics, microcontrollers, sensors and actuators, embedded programming, robotics fundamentals, robot kinematics, control systems, Arduino and Raspberry Pi, IoT, computer vision, artificial intelligence basics, PLC programming, industrial automation, research methods and internship. Students complete 24 course units plus an internship, developing both theoretical knowledge and intensive laboratory practical skills.
Kenya's manufacturing, agriculture and service sectors are increasingly adopting automation and robotics technologies, creating demand for trained technicians who can design, build, programme and maintain robotic and embedded systems. The programme responds to the need for skilled personnel in the rapidly evolving fields of robotics, automation and embedded systems technologies.
The programme is delivered through regular class lectures and intensive laboratory practicals, with STEM integration and computing skills. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, robotics projects and a supervised internship in technology companies or industrial automation firms.
Graduates pursue careers as robotics technicians, embedded systems developers, automation technicians, IoT developers and control systems technicians in technology companies, manufacturing firms, automation companies and research institutions. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Robotics Engineering or related degree programmes.
Prospective students should have interest in electronics, programming and automation. The programme is suitable for students seeking technical careers in robotics and embedded systems.
What you study
8 subjects- Electronics and Microcontrollers
- Embedded Programming and Sensors and Actuators
- Robotics Fundamentals and Robot Kinematics
- Control Systems and Industrial Automation
- Arduino, Raspberry Pi and IoT
- Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence Basics
- PLC Programming and Automation
- Research Methods and Robotics Internship
Modules
8 in the programmeElectronics and Microcontrollers
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers electronics fundamentals, digital electronics, analog electronics, microcontroller architecture, microcontroller programming, interfacing and circuit design.
Embedded Programming and Sensors and Actuators
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers embedded C programming, sensor types, sensor interfacing, actuators, motor control, PWM, ADC/DAC and real-time programming concepts.
Robotics Fundamentals and Robot Kinematics
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Covers robotics fundamentals, robot components, robot kinematics, forward and inverse kinematics, robot dynamics, robot motion planning and robot simulation.
Control Systems and Industrial Automation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers control systems, feedback control, PID controllers, industrial automation, automated manufacturing systems, SCADA and industrial communication protocols.
Arduino, Raspberry Pi and IoT
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers Arduino programming, Raspberry Pi, IoT architecture, IoT protocols, cloud IoT platforms, IoT sensor networks and IoT application development.
Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence Basics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers computer vision, image processing, object detection, OpenCV, AI basics, machine learning fundamentals and AI applications in robotics.
PLC Programming and Automation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers PLC architecture, ladder logic programming, PLC interfacing, HMI design, industrial automation projects and PLC applications in manufacturing.
Research Methods and Robotics Internship
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Covers research methods, data analysis and a supervised internship in a technology company, automation firm or research institution, assessed through an internship report and supervisor evaluation.
Specialisations
Industrial Automation
Focuses on PLC programming and automated manufacturing for careers as automation technicians.
Embedded Systems Development
Specialises in microcontroller programming and embedded systems for careers as embedded systems developers.
IoT and Connected Devices
Focuses on IoT architecture and cloud integration for careers as IoT developers.
Computer Vision and AI Robotics
Specialises in computer vision and AI for robotics applications.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on robotics fundamentals or embedded programming, followed by an intensive laboratory practical on microcontroller programming or sensor integration. Afternoon sessions may include a robotics build session, a computer vision workshop, or PLC programming practice. Students also work on robotics projects and prepare for internship.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Robotics and embedded systems is a cutting-edge field with growing demand globally. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options. |
| The programme combines intensive laboratory practicals with theoretical knowledge. | The tuition is relatively high compared to other diploma programmes. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Robotics Engineering. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 191 technology coursesAnnual 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
Riara 147,400/yr confirmed. No public institution offers robotics diploma in Kenya. Public: null.
Students can access HELB loans. Riara University may offer internal scholarships for computing students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
IGCSE Year 13 with minimum C, IB Grade 12 with minimum GPA 3.00, or Pre-University certificate from a recognised institution with minimum GPA 2.50.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Riara University.
Including Riara University.
Including Riara University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-trimester and end-of-trimester written tests covering electronics, microcontrollers, embedded programming and robotics fundamentals.
Laboratory Practical Assessment
Practicum50% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills in microcontroller programming, sensor interfacing, circuit design and robot building.
Robotics Project
Project20% of the mark
A robotics or embedded systems project, assessed through a demonstration, written report and presentation.
Internship Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during supervised internship in a technology company, automation firm or research institution.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Riara University, School of Computing.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesRobotics Technician
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 200,000
Builds, programmes and maintains robotic systems, supports robotics integration and troubleshoots robot operations in manufacturing and technology companies.
Embedded Systems Developer
Moderate demandKsh 48,000 to Ksh 210,000
Develops embedded systems, programmes microcontrollers, designs sensor interfaces and builds IoT devices in technology companies and electronics firms.
Automation Technician
Moderate demandKsh 42,000 to Ksh 190,000
Installs, programmes and maintains automated systems, supports PLC programming and troubleshoots automation equipment in manufacturing firms.
IoT Developer
Moderate demandKsh 44,000 to Ksh 200,000
Develops IoT solutions, integrates sensors and cloud platforms, builds IoT applications and supports IoT deployments in technology companies.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as robotics technicians, embedded systems developers, automation technicians and IoT developers in technology companies, manufacturing firms and automation companies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Embedded Firmware EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Embedded Linux DeveloperTechnology15Low exposure
- Site Reliability EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Applied Cryptography EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Database Reliability EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Edge Computing EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Arduino IDE
CodePrimary
Raspberry Pi
Code
OpenCV
Code
Ladder Logic
Code
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Robotics is only for advanced engineers.
Robotics technicians with diploma-level skills can build, programme and maintain robotic systems, supporting engineers in design and deployment.
Embedded systems are only about small electronics.
Embedded systems are used in cars, medical devices, industrial equipment, consumer electronics and IoT devices, spanning a wide range of applications.
Robotics has no career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's manufacturing and agricultural sectors are increasingly adopting automation, creating demand for robotics and automation technicians.
You need to be a genius to study robotics.
The diploma programme is designed for students with KCSE C Plain and provides foundational knowledge and practical skills, building from basics to advanced concepts.