Mechanical Engineering is one of the most marketable courses in Kenya. Chances of getting a job after graduation are 99%-100%. You can pursue the course either at diploma or degree level. For diploma level, the best thing to do with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering is to start your own garage and become a mechanic. For a degree course, you can also start your own mechanical and vehicle servicing center. A degree will also secure you a job in industries. There are a number of manufacturing industries which recruit mechanical engineers.

I always believe a diploma in mechanical engineering is more marketable than a diploma in Electrical and electronics engineering. The good thing about Mechanical Engineering is that you will not be dropping CVs in offices every time to seek jobs, while looking for a job, you can also start your side hustle.

In Kenya, diploma in Mechanical Engineering graduate will earn Ksh 40,000 to Ksh 70,000 as starting salary while those with a degree in Mechanical Engineering will earn a starting salary of Ksh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000. If you start your own garage, you will earn Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 30,000 daily.

We asked one of the graduates from Technical University bout the job market, he graduated with a diploma in mechanical engineering. Here is what he told me:

“I graduated with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Technical University in 2017. In 2018 I got a job I Industrial Area where my salary was Ksh 37,000. I worked there for 2 years until 2020 when I got another job at Bamburi Cement. My current salary is Ksh 107,500. I plan to work here until 2026 ndio nianze my own garage. Already I have secured land in Mtwapa where I will set up a garage.

What I can say is that I pursued the right course. The only thing that helped me was the internship I got at EABL. After that, getting a job was easy.

The fee for Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering until you graduate is Ksh 700,000 to Ksh 1.2 million. The amount depends on the university you join.

The fee for Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in Kenya is Ksh 150,000 to Ksh 250,000. Diploma course takes up to 2 years while a degree course in Mechanical engineering takes up to 5 years.

Best universities and colleges to pursue Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in Kenya

University of Nairobi—Admission Requirement C+ and above in KCSE

Muranga University— Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education ( KCSE Mean grade C+) with C+ in Mathematics, C+ in physics and Chemistry or Physical Science plus at least C+ in English /Kiswahili.

Meru University— K.C.S.E mean grade of C+ (plus). In addition, students are expected

to have obtained at least a grade C+ (plus) in each of the following

cluster subjects in K.C.S.E examinations:

Multimedia University of Kenya— a) KCSE with C+ (plus) mean grade or its equivalent as determined by KNEC, with a minimum of C+ (plus) in the    following subjects: Mathematics, Physics/Physical Sciences, Chemistry/Biological Sciences and English or Kiswahili;

1. b) Higher National Diploma/Diploma (from KNEC or any Institution recognized by University Senate) with C+ (plus) in Mathematics and Physics in KCSE;
2. c) Any other qualification(s) recognized by the University Senate as equivalent to any of the above

JKUAT— KCSE C+ (plus) Mean grade, and at least B (plain) Mean grade for the total score in the four KUCCPS cluster subjects, and the following minimum grades in the individual cluster subjects: Mathematics C+ (plus), Physics C+ (plus), Chemistry C+ (plus), Geography or Biology, or any group IV C+ (plus).

OR K.AC.E. or equivalent qualification from the examination body approved by the University Senate, with at least three (3) Principle passes of nine (9) points and above in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Geography, OR Ordinary Diploma holders with Credit pass in a relevant field shall be admitted in the second year of study. Holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) in a relevant field shall be admitted in the third year of study.

Technical University of Kenya—

To get admission for Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering under as a government sponsored student, you have to score B+ and above.