Engineering is one of the most lucrative and marketable careers in Kenya. As the country continues to develop its infrastructure, energy, technology, and manufacturing industries, the demand for skilled engineers keeps growing. However, not all engineering courses offer the same employment opportunities.
If you’re looking to pursue an engineering degree that guarantees high employability and good salary prospects, this guide will help you choose the best engineering courses in Kenya.
1. Civil Engineering
Why Civil Engineering is Marketable
Kenya is undergoing rapid urbanization, with major infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, railways, and buildings constantly under construction. Civil engineers play a crucial role in designing, building, and maintaining these structures.
Career Opportunities
Civil engineering graduates can work in:
- Construction companies (e.g., China Road and Bridge Corporation, Epco Builders)
- Government agencies (e.g., Kenya Urban Roads Authority, Kenya National Highways Authority)
- Real estate development firms
- Water and sanitation projects
Salary Prospects
Entry-level salaries range from KES 50,000 to KES 100,000, with experienced engineers earning over KES 250,000 per month.
2. Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Why Electrical Engineering is in High Demand
With the growth of power generation, renewable energy, telecommunications, and automation, electrical engineers are needed in various industries. Kenya is investing heavily in green energy projects such as geothermal, wind, and solar power, making this field highly marketable.
Career Opportunities
Electrical engineers can work in:
- Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)
- Renewable energy companies (e.g., KenGen, Ormat Technologies)
- Telecommunication firms (e.g., Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom Kenya)
- Manufacturing industries
Salary Prospects
Starting salaries range from KES 60,000 to KES 120,000, with senior engineers earning up to KES 300,000 per month.
3. Mechanical Engineering
Why Mechanical Engineering is a Great Choice
Mechanical engineers are involved in designing, manufacturing, and maintaining machinery used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and construction. With Kenya’s expanding manufacturing sector, skilled mechanical engineers are highly sought after.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can find jobs in:
- Automobile companies (e.g., Isuzu, Toyota Kenya, DT Dobie)
- Manufacturing plants (e.g., Bamburi Cement, Kenya Breweries, Unilever Kenya)
- Energy and power generation companies
- Government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Transport, Kenya Bureau of Standards)
Salary Prospects
Mechanical engineers earn between KES 50,000 and KES 100,000 at entry-level, with experienced professionals making over KES 200,000 per month.
4. Mechatronics Engineering
Why Mechatronics is the Future
Mechatronics is a combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. It focuses on automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. With the rise of smart factories and automated industries, mechatronics engineers are becoming increasingly valuable.
Career Opportunities
Mechatronics engineers can work in:
- Automation and robotics companies
- Telecommunications firms
- Automobile manufacturing
- Software and hardware development companies
Salary Prospects
Starting salaries range from KES 70,000 to KES 150,000, with top professionals earning over KES 300,000 per month.
5. Software Engineering
Why Software Engineering is Highly Marketable
Kenya is a leading tech hub in Africa, with the growth of startups, fintech companies, and mobile app development. Software engineers design and develop applications, making them highly employable in the digital economy.
Career Opportunities
Software engineers can work in:
- Tech companies (e.g., Safaricom, Microsoft, Google, IBM Kenya)
- Banks and fintech firms (e.g., M-Pesa, Equity Bank, KCB Bank, Flutterwave)
- Government digital transformation projects
- Freelance app development and cybersecurity
Salary Prospects
Software engineers earn between KES 80,000 and KES 200,000 per month, with experienced professionals making over KES 500,000.
6. Telecommunication Engineering
Why Telecommunication Engineering is a Growing Field
With the rapid expansion of mobile networks, fiber optics, and satellite communications, telecommunication engineers are in high demand. Companies need experts to maintain 5G networks, broadband connections, and digital communication systems.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can work for:
- Telecom companies (e.g., Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom Kenya, Faiba)
- Internet service providers
- Broadcasting and satellite communication companies
- Cybersecurity firms
Salary Prospects
Starting salaries range from KES 60,000 to KES 130,000, with senior positions paying over KES 250,000 per month.
7. Agricultural Engineering
Why Agricultural Engineering is Important
Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and modern farming techniques require advanced engineering solutions. Agricultural engineers focus on irrigation, mechanization, and soil conservation to improve food production.
Career Opportunities
Agricultural engineers can work in:
- Government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute – KALRO)
- Irrigation and water conservation projects
- Agri-tech companies
- NGOs and international organizations (e.g., FAO, World Bank)
Salary Prospects
Agricultural engineers earn between KES 50,000 and KES 100,000, with experienced professionals earning KES 200,000 or more.
8. Petroleum and Mining Engineering
Why Petroleum and Mining Engineering is Lucrative
Kenya has oil deposits, mineral resources, and geothermal energy potential. Petroleum and mining engineers are needed to explore, extract, and manage these resources.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can work in:
- Oil and gas companies (e.g., Tullow Oil, National Oil Corporation of Kenya)
- Mining firms (e.g., Base Titanium, Kenya Fluorspar Company)
- Geothermal energy projects
- Government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Energy and Petroleum)
Salary Prospects
Engineers in this field earn between KES 100,000 and KES 300,000, depending on experience and job location.
Kenya’s engineering job market is dynamic, with many opportunities for those who choose the right course. The most marketable engineering degrees are:
- Civil Engineering (Infrastructure development)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power and telecommunications)
- Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing and industrial automation)
- Mechatronics Engineering (Robotics and AI)
- Software Engineering (Tech industry and app development)
- Telecommunication Engineering (Digital connectivity)
- Agricultural Engineering (Modern farming solutions)
- Petroleum and Mining Engineering (Natural resource extraction)
Selecting a high-demand engineering field ensures job security, competitive salaries, and career growth. If you are planning to pursue engineering in Kenya, choose a course that aligns with industry trends and future economic developments.