Engineering technology courses in Kenya are accessible to students at all academic levels, from certificate to postgraduate, offered by a range of technical training institutes, national polytechnics, and vocational colleges.
Unlike the traditional engineering disciplines like Mechanical or Civil Engineering, today’s educational landscape provides a variety of specialized engineering programs suited for different interests and academic performances.
For students who did not meet the requirements for a diploma or degree program, certificate-level courses offer a stepping stone to advance their qualifications progressively.
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has released a comprehensive list of engineering courses available to 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates who scored D+ and D plain grades.
These courses, spanning diverse fields of engineering and technology, are offered in various institutions across the country.
Pathways to Advanced Engineering Studies
Students who begin with certificate programs can later upgrade to diploma, degree, and even postgraduate levels, ensuring that no academic journey ends prematurely due to lower grades.
Some courses are institution-specific. For example, a certificate in Cyber Security (Level 5) is exclusively offered at Taita Taveta National Polytechnic, while Gatundu South Technical and Vocational College is the sole provider of a certificate in Graphic Design (Level 5).
Entry Requirements and Available Programs
Most certificate programs in engineering and technology fields require a minimum KCSE aggregate grade of D+ or D plain. Among the institutions offering these programs are Rift Valley Technical Training Institute, Tigania East Technical & Vocational College, and Meru County Training Institute.
Students who scored a D+ in KCSE can pursue a variety of technical courses, including:
- Certificate in Automotive Engineering
- Certificate in Electrical Engineering
- Certificate in Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Production Technician (Level 5)
- Electrical Operator (Level 5)
Those with a D plain are eligible for courses such as:
- Certificate in Agricultural Engineering
- Automotive Mechatronics (Level 5)
- Craft in Building and Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Plant Engineering (Level 5)
- Cyber Security (Level 5)
Engineering Technology Courses for D+ and D Students
| D Plus | D Plain |
|---|---|
| Certificate in Automotive Engineering | Certificate in Agricultural Engineering |
| Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Option) | Craft in Building and Civil Engineering |
| Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics | Automotive Mechatronics Level 5 |
| Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering | Craft in Agricultural Engineering |
| Craft in Automotive Engineering | Mechanical Plant Engineering Level 5 |
| Mechanical Production Technician Level 5 | Craft Certificate in Automotive Engineering |
| Certificate in Civil Engineering | Automotive Engineering Technology Level 5 |
| Certificate in Electrical Engineering | Gemology Level 5 |
| Electrical Engineering Level 5 | Automotive Engineering Technology Level 5 |
| Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level Five (TVET-CDACC) | Automotive Engineering |
| Electrical Engineering – Power Option Level 5 | Automotive Technician Level 5 |
| Electrical Installation Level 5 | Mechanical Technology Level 5 |
| Certificate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Instrumentation and Control Option) | Mechanical Production Technician Level 5 |
| Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Power Option) | Craft in Welding and Fabrication |
| Electrical Operator Level 5 – NNP | Electrical Installation Level 5 |
| Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Technology (Telecommunication Option) | Solar PV Installation Level 5 |
| Craft in Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering Level 5 |
| Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level Five (TVET-CDACC) | Plumbing Level 5 |
| Certificate in Electrical Technology (Power Option) | Welding and Fabrication Technology Level 5 |
| Electrical Operator (Power Option) Level 5 | Software Engineering Level 5 |
| Certificate in Electrical and Electronics | Graphic Design Level 5 |
| Electrical Technician Level 5 | Welding and Fabrication Level 5 |
| Certificate in Electrical and Electronics | Cyber Security Level 5 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology Level 5 | Welding and Fabrication Technology Level 5 |
| Mechatronic Technology Level 5 | |
| Craft in Mechatronics | |
| Welding and Fabrication Level 5 | |
| Craft in Mechanical Engineering (Production Option) | |
| Certificate in Mechanical Engineering | |
| Craft in Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Mechatronics Level 5 | |
| Welding and Fabrication Technology Level 5 | |
| Craft in Mechatronics Engineering |
Future Opportunities
The expanding range of engineering technology courses provides new opportunities for students to engage in skill-based learning and hands-on technical training.
With these certificate programs, students can build strong foundations, bridging the gap to advanced studies and competitive careers in the engineering sector.
For more information and to apply, students are encouraged to visit the official KUCCPS portal or inquire directly with their institution of interest.
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