Is automotive engineering marketable in Kenya?

So, is automotive engineering marketable in Kenya?

Well, here is what you need to know about the job prospects if you do the course..

Is automotive engineering marketable in Kenya?

Now, this is one of the most marketable engineering courses not just in Kenya but also globally.

That’s because there are more vehicles on roads today than at any other time in history.

In fact, it is estimated that the demand for vehicles including electric cars will continue rising in the foreseeable future.

And the thing is, these vehicles need qualified people to maintain them.

Other opportunities are in Kenya’s fast-growing motor vehicle assembly industry – and the good thing is that the government has been encouraging more investors to invest in the industry through policy initiatives in order to stimulate economic growth.

Think of motor vehicle assemblers like Simba Corporation (Simba assembles Proton cars, Mahindra Scorpio Cab pick-ups, and Mitsubishi trucks), Isuzu East Africa, Thika-based Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM), and  DT Dobie (it assembles automobiles like Polo Vivo Comfortline and Caddy Kombi)..all these hire professionals with automotive engineering.

There are more opportunities as well…

Here I will highlight a few..

Motor vehicle dealers

There are also several well-established motor vehicle dealers that hire automotive engineers in Kenya- and most have been doing booming business.

I’m talking about formal dealers such as Toyota Kenya and Transafrica Motors, most of whom have been recording impressive sales.

These definitely need properly qualified personnel at various points during the distribution system.

Specialist auto-service  firms like AutoXpress also employ holders of automotive engineering courses in Kenya to provide professional service and/or help fit parts on customer vehicles.

These engineers also carry out other roles including diagnosing any problems and giving appropriate recommendations.

Local Jua Kali sector

The other sector that employs a lot of holders of automotive engineering qualification in Kenya is Jua Kali..

Yeah, that garage in your neighborhood can hire you even when you do not have experience.

And it can be a good starting point for your career in automotive engineering.

So, in a nutshell, the answer to the question “Is automotive engineering marketable in Kenya?” is yes. It’s a good course.

Colleges offering automotive engineering in Kenya

Here now are some of the colleges that offer automotive engineering in Kenya:

Certificate in automotive engineering course in Kenya

This is the entry-level qualification for an automotive engineering career and is offered by a couple of colleges.

Here are some of them:

• NIBS College- See more details
• Nairobi Technical Training Institute- Learn more
• KCITI College- here you take a Craft certificate in Automotive Technology (module 1and module 2). Go to this link to learn more.

A number of public TVET colleges also offer the course (all the three colleges listed above are private) so you have more options.

To get you started, check this list (it’s a list of public TVET colleges in Kenya).

Universities and Colleges offering diploma in automotive engineering

Many employers will ask for at least a Diploma qualification so ensure you upgrade your certificate to a diploma before you think about employment (if possible).

Here are a few institutions you can study the diploma course at:

• Meru University- Here is the link
• KCITI College
• Technical University of Kenya- Here is the link.
• SEKU (South Eastern Kenya University)- Here is the link
• Nairobi Technical Training Institute
• Machakos University

In addition, nearly all National Polytechnics offer the course (Here is a list of National Polytechnics in Kenya).

Finally, a majority of public TVET colleges and TTIs (Technical Training Institutes) in Kenya offer the course (Here is a list of public TVET colleges in Kenya).

Universities offering degree in automotive engineering in Kenya

If your grades are good and you have qualified for a degree in automotive engineering, here are some of the best universities offering automotive engineering in Kenya:

Technical University of Mombasa(TUM)

Here you can take a Bsc. in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering.

See the qualifications 

University of East Africa-Baraton

Here you can take a Bachelor of Science (Bsc) In Technology(Automotive)

See what you will learn

Automotive engineering requirements in Kenya

You must have the following minimum qualifications/grades to be admitted into Automotive engineering program:

Certificate in automotive engineering course in Kenya

KCSE Mean grade: D Plain.

There are no cluster subjects needed here.

Duration:  2 years

Diploma in automotive engineering course in Kenya

KCSE Mean grade: C- (you can also be admitted with your Certificate in automotive engineering course- with a pass).

There are no cluster subjects needed here as well.

Duration:  2-3 years

Degree in automotive engineering course in Kenya

KCSE Mean grade: C+ (Plus)

Additional requirements:  C+ in Maths, English/Kiswahili, and Physics/Chemistry/Physical Sciences

OR

A Diploma in Mechanical Engineering(Automotive/Plant & Production Engineering)- with a pass/credit pass.

A Higher Diploma in these same areas can also be accepted.

Duration:  4 years

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John Gitahi

CPA John Gitahi is a former college lecturer and has been involved in education all his life. He's passionate about helping young people make great career choices. He studied Commerce and ICT at the University and runs several successful online entreprises. He is also an avid traveller.